Anglers fishing for coho salmon in the waters of Fish Creek, Cottonwood Creek and Wasilla Creek will have more time to catch more fish, starting Saturday.
The waters open to salmon fishing at the three weekend-only fisheries will add Mondays to the schedule and will increase the bag and possession limit for coho salmon 16 inches or greater in length from two per day to three per day, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game reported Tuesday.
The changes will take effect at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, with fishing allowed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The changes are due to a strong run of coho salmon in Knik Arm streams. More than 2,900 coho salmon have passed the Fish Creek weir as of Monday. An escapement of about 9,900 is projected by Fish and Game, which exceeds the sustainable escapement goal of 1,200 to 4,400. The Fish Creek weir is a reliable indicator of the coho salmon run strength to Cottonwood and Wasilla creeks based on previous studies.
Once a bag limit of salmon is reached, anglers may not sport fish that same day in any water open to salmon fishing.
Anchorage Daily News