Thursday, June 12, 2014

Kenai River Salmon Fishing Restrictions

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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 dates when the restrictions take effect have been pushed forward. It should be taken as good news to fishing enthusiasts since they can plan accordingly. The department has been observing trends and found it prudent to take such measures.

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 normal flow brings around 5,300 to 9,000 kings to the area during the early run. Authorities are not expecting the same number this year. They estimate that it will plummet around 2,200. The survival of the kings can only be assured through such measures. This will prevent depletion beyond a limit that would lead to extinction.

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.

The arrival of kings and fishermen later than usual during the last season is blamed on the chilly weather. The date for affecting the ban has been pushed to 1st from 15th May. This will increase the survival rate for the early run. The restrictions are relaxed with time if the situation changes.




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