Salmon Symposium in Palmer Nov. 20-21

The 18th annual Mat-Su Salmon Science and Conservation Symposium is scheduled for Thursday and Friday November 20 and 21 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., both days, at the Palmer Community Center (Train Depot, 610 S. Valley Way). The Symposium, hosted by the Mat-Su Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership, is organized to share information about Basin watersheds, salmon, and salmon habitat, promoting the exchange of salmon science and conservation efforts and ideas. Everyone is welcome to attend. In an attempt to cover event costs there is a $50 per day attendance fee. Student attendance is FREE. Price includes refreshments during breaks and lunch. If expense may be prohibitive, contact event coordinator jessica.speed@tu.org. Efforts have been made to ensure the Symposium is accessible as possible. Additional Symposium information including registration / tickets is available online. After going to this webpage click the Get Tickets button to register your participation.

The keynote presentation, “Mat-Su’s Changing Environment: Connecting the Past, Present, and Future,” will be given by Rick Thoman, climate specialist from International Arctic Research Center at University of Alaska Fairbanks. His presentation will cover recent climate change in Southcentral Alaska and what the future may bring — including changes that could impact salmon. Thoman recently discussed on an Alaska TV news broadcast a brief history of the recent climate change and impacts occurring in Western Alaska. Jessica Speed told me Thoman’s keynote presentation may be available online, and I hope to provide an online link from a future fishing column if / when it becomes available.

Not intending to age myself, but I recall attending the first Mat-Su Salmon Symposium (held in Wasilla) where I met many scientific professionals studying or proposing study projects to learn more about Mat-Su Basin salmon and their freshwater habitat. At the time, it occurred to me that many individuals appeared to almost be competing for which salmon study project was the most important / should be prioritized. My view has greatly changed over almost two decades, to where I now see a solid core of participants / presenters that attend to share information on a regular basis. To me the symposium is now an anticipated opportunity to get updates on the scientific studies and projects being conducted throughout Northern Cook Inlet to benefit and sustain local salmon stocks into the future. I may not know every participant, but there are many I know by name, and seek out during the forum and at other times of year to learn from.

I should probably mention I am scheduled to provide a powerpoint presentation on Matanuska Susitna Borough Fish and Wildlife Commission advocacy and possible future efforts in support of salmon, wildlife, and habitat. That presentation is tentatively (currently) slated for approximately 11 a.m. on Friday November 21. There should be some of the commission’s booklet, “It Takes Fish to Make Fish 2024,” available as a handout to participants, and I intend to provide time for questions about commission activities / efforts.

For Mat-Su residents and anglers who may be interested in learning more about Mat-Su salmon or getting to know some of the people involved in projects to benefit Mat-Su salmon populations, the Symposium may be well worth your time. To facilitate maximizing your benefit from the forum I would suggest thinking of some questions you may want to learn about Mat-Su salmon / habitat and bring them with you. There will likely be one or several individuals at this event who can provide answers either on the spot or with some quick research. While there is a limited amount of time to ask questions during or after a presentation, I have found the breaks provide opportunities for more in-depth discussions.

Fly Fishing Film Tour Event

I saw a newspaper notice that this film event would be presented by Tout Unlimited (TU) at Bearpaw River Brewing in Wasilla on November 11 starting at 6:30 p.m. “The Fly Fishing Film Tour travels to cities across the United States and beyond, showcasing world-class fly fishing films that capture the beauty, adventure, and excitement of the sport.” If interested — consider attending — and possibly providing me with an event report. Note: doors open at 6 p.m. / tickets cost $20 / you may need to contact someone at TU to learn how to obtain one of the 100 tickets ahead of time:

Pre-Stocking for Ice Fishing

While ice is only now starting to form at some Mat-Su locations and for the most part may be to thin and unsafe for fishing on at this time, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has done some recent fish stocking at select Mat-Su Valley lakes that will benefit those who may be planning ahead for ice fishing success. Learn where, when, and which size of specific fish species have been stocked in Mat-Su lakes.

Good Luck and Fish On!