(Petersburg) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fish, announced today, changes to the sport fishing regulations for Wrangell Narrows/Blind Slough Terminal Harvest Area. Harvest opportunity in the Wrangell Narrows is being reduced due to poor returns of king salmon in this area. The following regulations will be in effect Saturday, June 15 through Wednesday, July 31, 2024:

Salt waters of Wrangell Narrows

Described as that portion of Wrangell Narrows south of 56° 46' N. latitude (Martinsens’s dock) and north and east of the northern tip of Woewodski Island (see attached map).

• Bag and possession limit (all anglers) of one king salmon any size;
• Nonresident annual limits will now apply in this area.

Fresh waters of Blind Slough

Described as that portion of Blind Slough upstream of a line from Blind Point to Anchor Point (see attached map).

• Closed to sport fishing for king salmon. King salmon may not be targeted, retained, or possessed; king salmon caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately; while fishing for other species only unbaited, artificial lures may be used.

In 2024, the projected Crystal Lake Hatchery king salmon return to the terminal area of Blind Slough/Wrangell Narrows is 1,400 adult king salmon. Current inseason information indicates a relatively weak run as forecasted. This reduction in bag and possession limit is necessary to help ensure broodstock goals are achieved while providing limited harvest opportunity. These management actions are intended to protect Crystal Lake Hatchery king salmon broodstock and further action may be necessary as additional inseason information becomes available.