Little Su annual king limit restored

WASILLA — The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced Friday the reinstatement of the annual limit of five king salmon over 20 inches in the area open to fishing on the Little Susitna River. Anglers also will be allowed to harvest kings seven days a week, according to a press release from Palmer area management biologist Sam Ivey.

The changes go into effect at 6 a.m. Tuesday, June 28, through the remainder of the king salmon sportfishing season, which closes at 11 p.m. on July 13.

“As of June 23, 2,463 king salmon have passed the Little Susitna weir. The department expects these actions will result in the harvest of roughly 350 kings, which will not impact the projected escapement,” according to the release.

The annual limit of two king salmon 20 inches or greater in length harvested in the Susitna River drainage, excluding Deshka River and the Little Susitna River, remains in effect, according to Fish and Game. Anglers may use bait and multiple hooks in the Deshka. While bait is not allowed in the Little Susitna, anglers can use multiple hooks.

The area open to king salmon fishing includes all waters of the Little Susitna River from its confluence with Cook Inlet upstream to the Parks Highway bridge. Anglers are urged to refer to regulations on page 46 of the 2016 Southcentral sport fish regulation book for more information.

Earlier this month, Fish and Game lifted bag restrictions on Deshka River kings 20 inches or longer from two to five after a strong run showing in that popular fishery.