The sport fishing season for king salmon in Southeast Alaska has been closed through the end of September, according to a recent announcement by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. This decision was made in response to low numbers of wild king salmon returning to the region’s rivers, prompting concerns about the health of the population.
The closure applies to all sport fishing for king salmon in the Southeast region, including the popular waters around Juneau and Sitka. The closure is intended to reduce pressure on the struggling king salmon population and allow for more successful spawning in the coming months.
This closure comes after a previous restriction which limited anglers to catch-and-release fishing for king salmon on certain rivers. However, the continued low numbers of returning fish have prompted fisheries managers to take more drastic action to protect the population.
Fisheries biologists are closely monitoring the king salmon population in Southeast Alaska and will reassess the closure at the end of September. They are hopeful that the closure will help to improve the chances of a successful spawning season and allow the population to recover.
Anglers who had planned trips to Southeast Alaska specifically for king salmon fishing are encouraged to consider other species or activities during this closure period. The closure is a reminder of the delicate balance that must be maintained to ensure the sustainability of the region’s salmon populations.
Overall, the closure of the king salmon sport fishery in Southeast Alaska is a necessary step to protect the struggling population and promote a healthy spawning season. Fisheries managers are hopeful that these measures will ultimately benefit the long-term health of the king salmon population in the region.
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