ADF&G closes Susitna, Little Su, and West Cook Inlet to king salmon sport fishing

Three emergency orders from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game have closed king salmon sport fishing across the Susitna River drainage, the Little Susitna River, and all West Cook Inlet Management Area waters. The orders are identified as Emergency Order 2-KS-2-12-26 (Susitna River drainage), Emergency Order 2-KS-2-11-26 (Little Susitna), and Emergency Order 2-KS-2-6-26 (West Cook Inlet Management Area). The orders also restrict gear in Susitna Units 1-6 and on the Little Susitna to one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure with a hook gap of one-half inch or less, even when fishing for other species.

Eklutna Tailrace Remains Open

The Eklutna Tailrace remains open and is at its typical peak this weekend. Unlike the closed drainages, bait and multiple hooks are allowed at the Tailrace, and the fishery is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Samantha Oslund, area management biologist for the Palmer area, said: "The Eklutna Tailrace produces a good amount of king salmon catches both in the boat fishery as well as the shore fishery. Eggs and spinners have been fishing well." Anglers fishing the Tailrace must have a 2026 king salmon stamp.

On Saturday, June 20, a youth-only fishery will take place at Eklutna Tailrace from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The youth-only zone runs from the mouth upstream to the walking bridge. All anglers 15 years old or younger are encouraged to participate. Adults may assist youngsters with casting and landing a fish, but the kids must set the hook.

Anglers can review active emergency orders at the ADF&G Palmer Area Office or online. The Palmer office number is 907-746-6300.