(Palmer) - To increase the number of coho salmon passing through the Deshka River weir and conserve coho salmon across the Susitna River drainage, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is closing the Susitna River drainage to sport fishing for coho salmon effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, August 15 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 30, 2024. Further, use of bait continues to be prohibited in all flowing waters of the Susitna River drainage. Only artificial lures are allowed.

“The Deshka River coho salmon sustainable escapement goal (SEG) is 10,200–24,100 fish. As of August 12, only 642 coho salmon have passed upstream of the weir with a projected escapement of 1,375 fish. Daily weir counts indicate far fewer fish than needed to project achievement of the SEG,” stated Palmer Area Management Biologist Samantha Oslund. “Reports by guides and anglers and observations by staff indicate below average fishing success on the majority of fishing days to date across the Susitna River drainage streams. Reports and observations on the Deshka River indicate below average numbers of coho salmon holding in the mouth area and likely too low to achieve the escapement goal at this time. Therefore, it is warranted to close the Susitna River drainage to sport fishing for coho salmon.”

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Samantha Oslund in Palmer at (907) 746-6300.

#24-3746