Mat-Su king salmon fisheries closed amid conservation concerns

Three emergency orders have closed the Susitna River drainage, Little Susitna River, and all West Cook Inlet Management Area waters to king salmon sport fishing, with gear restrictions in the Susitna and Little Susitna drainages even when targeting other species at the start of the 2026 season.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game issued the closures in response to ongoing low king salmon productivity and to meet escapement goals. King salmon in several Cook Inlet drainages, including parts of the Susitna system, have been designated as stocks of concern in recent Alaska Board of Fisheries cycles, which obligates ADF&G to implement conservative management plans such as full-season sport fishery closures when escapement is at risk.

Emergency Order 2-KS-2-12-26 closes the Susitna River drainage to sport fishing for king salmon and limits gear to one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure with a gap between point and shank of one-half inch or less. Emergency Order 2-KS-2-11-26 closes the Little Susitna River to king salmon fishing and imposes the same gear restriction when fishing for other species. Emergency Order 2-KS-2-6-26 closes all West Cook Inlet Management Area waters to king salmon sport fishing.

Current Conditions

Flowing waters in the Palmer-Wasilla Zone remain closed to all fishing until June 15, including Cottonwood Creek off Seward Meridian. Many flowing waters along the Parks Highway are catch and release only for rainbow trout until June 15.

The Little Susitna Public Use Facility boat launch and parking lot are open for day use only. The campground remains closed at this time, with the hopes of being open by Memorial Day Weekend. The Talkeetna boat launch and parking are open, but this year's reduced snowpack has resulted in unusually low water levels impacting the launch significantly. Dredging is currently underway.

Other Fisheries

Rainbow trout fishing is expected to pick up near the mouths of Parks Highway streams, including Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Montana, and the Talkeetna, once the water clears. Northern pike fishing is available at Big Lake, Nancy Lake, and Prator Lake.

Hooligan fishing in the Mat-Su typically begins in the last week of May. The fishery is primarily accessible by boat, with Deshka Landing available.

Anglers are reminded to review emergency orders and advisory announcements before fishing. Sport fishing licenses and king salmon stamps can be purchased through the ADF&G mobile app or the online store.