Knik area open for cohos again

PALMER — Recent rain showers has brought some good news for area anglers hoping to cash in on late-season silver.

As of 12:01 a.m. today, anglers may again retain coho (silver) salmon caught in Knik Arm Management Area streams. On Monday, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game officially rescinded a Sept. 4 order that had made Knik streams a no-go for retention of silver salmon for the past week.

Popular streams affected by the regulations include the Little Susitna River, Jim Creek, Wasilla Creek, Rabbit Slough and Cottonwood Creek.

According to the department, water levels in the Little Susitna have risen significantly in recent days, which has encouraged a large number of silvers to enter the system. As the Little Su is considered a good indicator of the health of other Knik drainages, the decision was made to again allow retention of the popular fall salmon.

When the original no-retention order was issued, the department expressed concern that the Little Su would not make its escapement goal of 10,100 to 17,700 fish. But in a justification statement issued with Monday’s order, the department stated that 13,801 coho salmon had been counted passing the Little Susitna weir as of Sunday.

“Therefore, it is warranted to allow the retention of coho salmon in all of the Knik Arm drainages open to salmon fishing,” the statement reads.

The daily bag limit for salmon is three fish per day, of which only two may be coho, except at the Eklutna Tailrace, where all three may be silvers.

Anglers should check regulations before going fishing, or call Fish and Game in Palmer at 746-6300 with questions.