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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.

It has taken half a century to repeat the trend. Kenai river salmon fishing season was disrupted for two consecutive years in 1964 and 1965. It is worth noting that the closure has been done before the season begins. This allows people interested to adjust their plans in order to avoid conflicts with law enforcers and disappointments.

Other rivers affected by the ban include Kaslof, Little Sustina, Sustina and Anchor rivers. Similar activity is also restricted along their tributaries. The period of the ban extends from Thursday May 1st to June 30th. Beyond July 1st restrictions similar to those that were given last year will be in place. Retentions are only allowed for kings caught past the Slikok Creek.

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.

Fishing enthusiasts were allowed to catch some fish and then release them. This privilege has been withdrawn this year. The authorities insist that the rivers do not have enough fish. Balance in the ecosystem can only be achieved if the current numbers are safeguarded. This explains the move.

Normal figures for the area range from 5,300 to 9,000 Kings during the early run. This year, they project a lower number of around 2,200. This means that strict measures must be taken if the survival of kings is to be guaranteed. Without such measures, their population will be depleted beyond help.

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.

A repetition of what happened 50 years ago is expected to give desired results. The closure helped to rebuild stocks that have sustained the species over the years. Along the Kasilof River, anglers are limited to hatchery fish. Single hooks and baits are also not allowed along the river. There also is a bag limit for the hatchery fish.

Restrictions along Anchor River dictate that only two king salmons can be caught. They must be 20 inches or more. Sport fishing has also been banned on Wednesdays. Single and unbaited hooks have also been banned. These restrictions affect the drainage for the rivers as well.

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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