(Sitka) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) announces the size limit for king salmon in Silver Bay has been removed for sport anglers. Beginning 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 24 through 11:59 pm Sunday, July 31, king salmon harvested in Silver Bay have no size limit. Regional bag, possession, and annual limits and recording requirements still apply.

Based upon tags recovered from returning king salmon, Alaska hatchery fish comprise the majority of returning king salmon in the Silver Bay area. The Alaska Board of Fisheries has authorized ADF&G to liberalize fishing methods in designated terminal harvest areas to harvest hatchery-produced king salmon. Therefore, ADF&G is eliminating the minimum size limit to provide increased opportunity to harvest hatchery-produced king salmon in Silver Bay. The Silver Bay harvest area, near Sitka, includes the marine waters of Silver Bay east of a line Entry Point Light at 57°01.98′ N lat, 135°15.00′ W long, to Silver Point at 57°00.82′ N lat, 135°18.10′ W long. Anglers fishing in Silver Bay are reminded that all waters east of a line between the commercial fishery regulatory markers in Bear Cove are closed to snagging. Any fish hooked elsewhere than in the mouth within this area must be released immediately.

Anglers may not possess king salmon less than 28 inches in length when fishing outside of the designated Silver Bay harvest area. Therefore, anglers possessing king salmon less than 28 inches, may not fish in areas outside of Silver Bay.

Anyone needing further information concerning this announcement please contact the Division of Sport Fish in Sitka at (907) 747-5355.

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