The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing updated sport fishing regulation restrictions for the Kasilof River drainage effective Friday, August 2, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, September 15, 2024. From its mouth upstream to ADF&G markers at the outlet of Tustumena Lake, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure is allowed.
“Single hook” refers to a fish hook with only one point. In the flowing waters downstream of the Sterling Highway Bridge, the one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure regulation continues through May 15.
The department manages the Kasilof River king salmon sport fishery to achieve an escapement goal of 700–1,400 naturally produced king salmon, which is monitored through a weir at a department facility located on Crooked Creek.
Fish and Game says restrictions from 2018–2023 were necessary to ensure the escapement goals for naturally-produced king salmon and the broodstock goal for increased hatchery king salmon stocking were achieved. In 2021 and 2023, the escapement goals were not met with less restrictive measures in place than historically utilized. The current passage of naturally-produced king salmon at Crooked Creek is about 570 king salmon, and the department does not expect that the escapement goal will be achieved.
Additionally, wild king salmon utilize the Kasilof River from Crooked Creek to Tustumena Lake in August.
In a press release, the department stated, “This emergency order to prohibit the use of bait in the Kasilof River is a continuation of an incremental approach to reducing the mortality of naturally produced king salmon in the Kasilof River.”
“These restrictions will reduce mortality of Kasilof River king salmon returning to Crooked Creek or utilizing the main stem. Our Kasilof River sonar assessment indicates late-run Kasilof River king salmon are main stem spawners with a run timing in July-August,” stated Biologist Matt Miller.
