Outdoors/Adventure

Jim Creek closed to coho anglers

A weak return of silver salmon to Jim Creek in the Mat-Su has prompted biologists with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to close it to sport fishing for cohos beginning Wednesday.

"While angler reports of fishing success have improved recently on other Knik Arm streams, fishing success has been sporadic and below average for this time of the season at Jim Creek," according to a Fish and Game press release.

In 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014, the silver return fell short of the escapement goal of at least 450 fish, counted by a foot survey of McRoberts Creek, a tributary. State surveys conducted last week suggest this year will come up short yet again.

Other Mat-Su waterways are faring bit better but still struggling.

• Some 9,800 silvers have passed the Deshka River weir, some 1,700 less than last year and the fewest since 2012.

• On the Little Susitna River, only 12,421 silvers had passed when the weir was pulled Thursday. That's some 8,000 fewer than last year at the same date, and about 600 fewer than 2013 – but still above the escapement goal for the river.

Fish, Cottonwood, and Wasilla creeks are doing better, according to Fish and Game, with the escapement goal already achieved at Fish Creek. They remain open.

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296-pounder grabs halibut derby lead

An Oregon man took over the lead in the Valdez Halibut Derby last week by boating a 296-pound flatfish aboard the Magic Dragon charter.

Brad Burch stands to earn $15,000 if his fish holds up through the end of the derby Sept. 6.

In Valdez's Silver Salmon derby, Karen Phillips of Fairbanks continues to lead with a 16.5-pounder caught Aug. 19.

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