Low coho run won't bring restrictions

Aug. 14, 2007

By MATT TUNSETH/Frontiersman

WASILLA - Despite continued low numbers of coho salmon passing through the Deshka River weir, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has no plans to restrict any Mat-Su coho fisheries at this time.

&#8220I don't think we're going to do anything drastic or restrict anything,” local area biologist Dave Rutz said Monday.

As of Sunday, just 7,008 silvers had been counted passing the weir, less than half as many as had passed through last year at this time. However, Rutz cautioned that the low numbers may have more to do with weather conditions than the strength of the return. He said that the low water levels and recent warm temperatures could be keeping Deshka River fish hanging out at the mouth of the river.

&#8220Cohos are really hard to understand once they get into fresh water,” Rutz said.

Rutz said cooler weather and rainfall could push a large number of fish up into the river.

&#8220A couple cool days, if it rains a lot, those fish are all going to go at the same time,” he said.

Rutz said it's still too early for concern, and pointed out that in past years big numbers of coho haven't passed the weir until later in the month or even into September.

In the mean time, Rutz said he's been hearing great catch reports from up north, where Talkeetna-area anglers are having great success on Clear Creek.

&#8220The fishing is hot and heavy up there right now,” he said.

Rutz also said it's likely that many road-accessible streams will begin to become attractive to coho anglers as August wears on.

&#8220Towards the latter part of this month is when the cohos start really stacking up in those Parks Highway streams,” he said.

Rutz said anglers might have to pick through some fish that have begun turning color, but shouldn't have much trouble picking up a limit once the fish begin to move upstream.

Fish and Game also records a weekly Mat-Su fishing hot line with the latest in fishing information. To listen, call 746-6300 and listen for directions on the automated menu.

Contact Matt Tunseth at 352-2265 or matt.tunseth@

frontiersman.com