The Cook Inlet Smelt Fishery Management Plan (5AAC 21.505) allows for a commercial fishery for smelt, to be harvested under the conditions of a commissioner’s permit.
This fishery occurs in the marine waters of Cook Inlet in that portion of the General Subdistrict, of the Northern District, northeast of the Chuit River and southwest of the Little Susitna River.
In 2023, the season will open at 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 1, and close no later than 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 30.
The total harvest of smelt may not exceed 200 tons; the season will close immediately by emergency order if this level of harvest is projected to be reached.
Legal gear for the fishery is a hand-operated dip net, as defined in 5 AAC 39.105 (24). Any salmon caught must be released immediately and returned to the water unharmed, and any northern pike that are caught should be retained, kept cool but not frozen, and be given to the nearest ADF&G office.
Fishermen are also required to report fishing time and the amount of smelt that has been landed, whether to be sold or retained for personal use, to the Soldotna office by 12:00 noon of the next day for each day fished. Participants are also reminded that fish tickets are to be filled out and either mailed or dropped off at the Soldotna ADF&G office within seven days of the time of landing (5 AAC 39.130 (c)).
To participate in this fishery, a miscellaneous finfish permit (M99B) from the Commercial Fishery Entry Commission is required, as well as a commissioner’s permit, which can be obtained from the ADF&G office in Soldotna. The commissioner’s permit must be obtained prior to applying for the miscellaneous finfish permit.
You may download the commercial fishing permit application form from this site: https://www.cfec.state.ak.us/forms2023/Commercial_Fishing_Permit_Application.pdf.
