Three out-of-state visitors cited for illegal salmon snagging at Sterling access site

Three out-of-state visitors were cited Wednesday at Bings Landing in Sterling after a citizen tip led Alaska Wildlife Troopers to find them retaining snagged sockeye salmon they had not released.

Troopers received the tip at approximately 8:56 a.m. on July 8, reporting five individuals at the site. After investigation, three anglers were cited: Brayden Glaser, 18, of California; Conner Louie, 22, of California; and Robert Pina, 58, of Georgia. Each had retained two snagged sockeye salmon without releasing them, the violation for which they were cited. Three bailable citations were filed with the Kenai Courthouse the same day. All three are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The six seized fish were donated to a local charity.

Alaska's salmon regulations can be complex for out-of-state visitors. Bings Landing draws heavy traffic during peak sockeye season.