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Anglers Get New Rules for Susitna River and Little Susitna River Drainages
Anglers are advised that in an effort to meet king salmon escapement goals in the Susitna River and Little Susitna River drainages, the following sportfishing restrictions are in effect beginning Friday, May 1, 2015 in the Susitna River drainage (Units 1-6) and Little Susitna River (please refer to the 2015 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for a complete description of Susitna River waters)
• Only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure is allowed. Single-hook means a fish hook with only one point. Treble hooks and more than one single-hook are prohibited. The use of bait is also prohibited.
• Harvest is allowed on the Deshka River, and on specific days within the Yentna River drainage, except for the Talachulitna River. Harvest within Unit 4 (except for the Talachulitna River) will be restricted to Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only; fishing, but not harvest of king salmon is allowed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
• King salmon harvest (of any size) is prohibited within Unit 1 (except on Deshka River), on the Parks Highway streams within Unit 2, the upper Susitna, Talachulitna River, Talkeetna River, and Chulitna River. Fishing, but not harvest of king salmon will be allowed during days and times normally open to king salmon fishing within these management units. Specifically within Unit 2, these days correspond to January 1 through the third Monday in June, and for the next two consecutive three-day weekends (Saturday through Monday, June 20–22 and Saturday through Monday, June 27–29. King salmon may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. In the waters of Unit 2 open to fishing, but not harvest of king salmon, fishing for trout and other species will not be affected by these emergency regulations for king salmon and will continue as written in current regulation.
• King salmon harvest in the Little Susitna River is restricted to Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only. King salmon harvest (of any size) is prohibited on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; fishing, but not harvest of king salmon is allowed on these days. King salmon that are intended to be released may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.
• Annual limit of two (2) king salmon 20 inches or longer. The total annual limit of king salmon 20 inches or longer taken from fresh waters of Cook Inlet remains at five (5), but no more than two may be taken in combination from the Susitna River and Little Susitna River drainages.
• Upon harvesting a king salmon over 20 inches in length, a person may not fish for any species of fish on the same day in flowing waters open to king salmon in the Susitna River drainage and the Knik Arm drainages.
• The Eklutna Tailrace is excluded from all restrictions.
Northern Cook Inlet king salmon runs have been well below average since 2007, and this trend is expected to continue to 2015. Below-average runs during previous years, past performance of fisheries within the Susitna and Little Susitna drainages under previous years’ management strategies, and uncertainty over how returns may recover in the future justify starting the 2015 season with these restrictions. Data gathered from weirs, boat surveys, and aerial surveys will be used to gauge run strength during the season. This management strategy, in combination with reducing Northern District commercial king salmon fishing periods from five to four periods, and reducing each period from 12 hours to 6 hours, is designed to provide fishing opportunity throughout the season and reduce the potential for midseason closures, yet achieve the escapement goals in Northern Cook Inlet.
JD: It’s a shame that sporties are paying the price for diminished runs they aren’t entirely responsible for, but at this point we should be pretty used it to. Ugh… Anglers in Lane County Have a New Guide to More Fishing Spots
In a partnership between the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Travel Lane County, the guide “65 Places to go Fishing in Lane County” offers key details to help novice to expert anglers navigate their way to the region’s lakes, rivers and streams.
“We are excited to offer local and visiting anglers a piece that shows the diversity and extent of fishing in our area,” said Samara Phelps, Director of Visitor Services, at the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Adventure Center. “Whether it’s fishing on the Oregon Coast or on the McKenzie River, we hope to inspire new and experienced anglers to explore locations across the county.”
The guide outlines the types of fish found or stocked in each locale, as well as key amenities such as boat launches, picnic areas, camping facilities, disabled access and restrooms. Listings also include whether parking, day-use or other fees apply.
A map inside pinpoints the 65 fishing spots located in and around Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove, Dexter, Leaburg, Blue River, Oakridge, Florence, Veneta, Junction City and Cheshire. A QR code can be scanned for easy mobile map access.
“We know there are many popular fisheries here, but realize that we have some locations that don’t get the attention they merit,” said Shannon Richardson, Fisheries Biologist, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Partnering with Travel Lane County allows us to get the word out about the angling opportunities in Lane County and empower people to get outdoors and get fishing.”
The guide features full-color illustrations of common fish found in Lane County waters to help anglers identify everything from Chinook salmon and largemouth bass to rainbow trout and crappie. Tips for embarking on a fishing trip via drift boat, pontoon or kayak provide helpful hints for successful, safe trips.
A total of 10,000 guides have been printed and will be distributed at key locations through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and information centers. Travel Lane County will distribute them at the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Downtown Visitor Center and the Adventure Center in Springfield, as well as at key partner venues from hotels to trade shows. Guides are also available for download at ODFW and Eugene, Cascades & Coast websites.
For more details about the new guide and other fishing information on Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, licenses, recreation reports and stocking schedules, contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
JD: As someone who has spent quite a bit of time fishing Lane County in Oregon, I’ll be the first to tell you it’s a bit of a sleeper as far as good fishing is concerned.