Sports fishermen may catch kings again. Returning king salmon exceed the number required for hatchery brood stock. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game on Friday liberalized king salmon catch limits for sport fishermen.
“June 15 is kind of the magical date when close to 85 to 90 percent of the Taku king salmon are in river by now,” said Daniel Teske, ADF&G area management biologist.
Teske said the daily bag and possession limit is one king salmon that are at least 28 inches long. But in the terminal hatchery areas of Lena Cove, Auke Bay, Fritz Cove, and the northern half of Gastineau Channel down to the bridge, the limit is two fish. That’ll be in effect through the end of August.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect that anglers may retain kings both inside and outside designated hatchery areas. Nor did the Taku River reach its escapement goals as previously reported.