Along with far-reaching restrictions on subsistence and commercial fishing in Lynn Canal, the state Department of Fish and Game also closed large areas around Juneau to sport fishing for king salmon this week.
King salmon fishing and retention of kings are prohibited through June 14 between Sherman Rock and Point Couverden, but also in Stephens Passage as far as 80 miles south of Juneau.
The Juneau-area closures are the most restrictive since the early 1980s, said Juneau area management biologist Daniel Teske, and are aimed at protecting Taku River kings.
The closure around Juneau is similar to one sought by the Haines Sportsman’s Association, whose members feared that without restrictions in lower Lynn Canal, Juneau anglers would intercept Chilkat fish.
Sportsman’s association president Charlie DeWitt said closing the southern areas was a “big step” toward improving the Chilkat return. “It’s about the only option they have. We think it’s great.”
DeWitt noted that the Haines area is still taking the brunt of restrictions, as its sport-fishing closures extend longer into the season than Juneau’s. Restrictions announced this week include non-retention of kings north of Sherman Rock starting April 15 through the year.
Chilkat Inlet north of Seduction Point is closed to sport fishing April 15-July 15.
Other restrictions include:
Limiting subsistence fishing in Chilkat River between 19 Mile and Wells Bridge to four days a week, June 15-July 31;
Prohibiting subsistence fishing in Chilkat Inlet through July 14 (fishing will be open between Glacier Point and Kochu Island July 15-July 21);
Prohibiting commercial nets with larger than six-inch mesh during the first two weeks and requiring night closures in District 15A during the first three weeks of the sockeye fishery;
Limiting commercial fishing in District 15A to the eastern half of Lynn Canal south of Talsani Island through July 8 and prohibiting commercial fishing in Chilkat Inlet through July 16; and,
Establishing other commercial fishing area and time closures to allow passage of kings through mid-July.
The closures in the Juneau area this week triggered cancellation of Tlingit and Haida Central Council’s annual Spring King Salmon Derby.
“The cancellation of the derby is unfortunate, but we fully support the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s decision to close the Juneau king salmon sport fisheries,” said group president Richard Peterson. “As stewards of the land and sea, it’s vital we protect our traditional and customary resources to ensure sustainability so future Taku River king salmon runs return stronger.”
The closures also mean the Haines King Salmon Derby won’t happen. The derby has been cancelled the past two years.