New Fishing Regulations

Fish and Game poses new restrictions on Deshka fishing - KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source |

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A poor return of King Salmon in 2008, and another expected weak run this year, has prompted Alaska Department of Fish and Game officials to restrict fishing on the Deshka River.

Beginning May 15 and running through July 13, bait will be banned from the Deshka, and the river will go to part time catch and release.

Anglers will be allowed to keep Kings Saturday, Sunday and Monday, but will have to release Kings caught Tuesday through Friday.

Last year only about 7,500 Kings were counted through the Deshka weir.

Fish and Game's biological escapement goal is between 13,000 and 28,000 fish.

Officials project the 2009 run to be around 13,600 fish, but they expect the actual numbers will be similar to 2008.

Should they be right about a weak return, Fish and Game says further restrictions could be imposed, including a complete closure of the Deshka to King Salmon fishing.

For more information, contact Fish and Game's Palmer Area Office at (907) 746-6300.

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