Monday, June 9, 2014

Kenai River Salmon Fishing Closure

By Sally Delacruz


For another year, there will be restricted Salmon fishing On Kenai River. The ban is repeated 50 years after the first such action in 1964 and 1965. Authorities seek to protect the number of kings along the network. The alert has been issued in good time so that sporting enthusiasts can find alternatives. The department concerned with fishing wants to boost the number of kings in order to guarantee survival.

Such closure for two consecutive years was last witnessed in 1964 and 1965. The trend is different from last year since the Kenai River Salmon fishing restrictions take effect before the season begins. This should be considered good news since enthusiasts have a chance to find alternatives. Prior notice ensures that their plans and expectations are not put into disarray.

The rivers affected by the orders are Anchor, Kaslof, Sustina and Little Sustina. Activity is also banned along their tributaries. The dates for the ban run from 1st May, a Thursday, to 30th June. The rules are loosened from July 1st for anyone fishing beyond Slikok Creek as long as the salmon numbers are adequate. The restrictions resemble those put in place at the same time last year.

The closure is different since it comes before the season begins. According to the Department of Fish and Game, enthusiasts can make alternative plans to avoid disappointment. This move is bold and informed by years of observation.

Last year, the rules allowed sporting fans to catch and later release the fish. The provision is not there anymore. This is because of declining numbers. Allowing the trend to continue endangers the population of this species in the area.

The region is estimated to attract between 5,300 and 9,000 early run Kings. Authorities insist that the forecast for this year is lower since it is not expected to surpass 2,500 kings. The actual figure they expect is 2,200. This explains why restrictions are put in place. It safeguards the population within the region.

Closure before the beginning of the season was also witnessed in 1965. A repetition of this trend is informed by the strong numbers reported then. Orders for the late run are yet to be issued as authorities want to observe if the trend will change.

The bold step to close the rivers calls to mind what happened 50 years ago. The simple act of closing the areas for the sport led to a huge increase in population. Only hatchery fishing is allowed on Kasilof River with clear distinctions between those caught in the natural environment and home bread. Baits are not allowed as well as single hooks. There is a bag limit even for the hatchery fish.

Anchor River has a restriction of two salmons for the entire river. The catch has to be 20 inches or more. Sport fishing is not allowed on Wednesdays. The hooks must not be single in design and no hooks are allowed. Rivers draining in the area are also covered by these restrictions.

Last season, fishermen and the kings arrived later than expected because of weather dynamics. The ban takes effect on 1st and not 15th of May like last year. This is aimed at protecting the early run. As the season progresses, the ban is lifted or relaxed depending on the number of arriving kings. Sport enthusiast can make alternative plans since the restrictions have been announced earlier.




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