A weak return of silver salmon has forced Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologists to close Jim Creek in the Mat-Su to salmon anglers beginning Saturday.
The creek is experiencing another weak return of coho — after missing its escapement goal in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014. Only a late-season closure last year allowed the fishery to attain the goal of at least 450 silvers making it upstream.
Biologists will continue to monitor the run at the weir and with boat surveys in upper Jim Creek and Leaf Lake.
Climbing boulder at Sitka Park unveiled
A new climbing boulder at Sitka Park will be unveiled 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at Sitka Street Park in a ceremony that will double as a fix-up session for the park.
Local climbers will be available to demonstrate and help climbers, who may range in age from 2 to adult.
Improvement projects at the park, located at 1580 Sitka Street, will include weeding flower beds, painting, sanding and re-staining benches and tables, removing graffiti, and picking-up trash. Lunch will be provided to those who lend a hand.
"This new climbing boulder is an example of the diversity of healthy recreation opportunities Anchorage parks have to offer," Anchorage Park Foundation Executive Director Beth Nordlund said in a press release. "This boulder rocks. We hope it is the first of many in our parks."
Funding for the boulder came from a $42,000 state grant totaling for the boulder and other Sitka Street Park renovations.
Eklutna Tailrace reserved for young anglers Saturday
Anglers ages 15 and under will have part of the Eklutna Tailrace to themselves Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"We encourage adults to bring young anglers out … to give them a shot at catching coho salmon," Fish and Game Assistant Area Management Biologist Samantha Oslund said in a press release.
The section reserved for young anglers extends from the confluence with the Knik River upstream to a pedestrian bridge. Other areas are open to all anglers.
The bag and possession limit is three silvers. Bait and multiple hooks are legal, and adults may act as angling advisors, helping with casting and baiting the hook.