Low Runs Lead to Susitna River Salmon Fishing Closures

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By KTVA CBS 11 News
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Story Created: Jun 22, 2012 at 12:04 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jun 22, 2012 at 12:13 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Department of Fish and Game officials announced a temporary end to king salmon sport fishing in the Susitna River drainage Friday.

The closure will take place June 25 through July 13, and department officials said it is preempted by five years of below-average runs in the lower Cook Inlet and Kenai Peninsula regions. Biologists project an escapement of only 11,350 fish from the Deshka River, nearly 2,000 fish below the minimum sustainable escapement level. According to the emergency order issued by the department today, angler and guide reports show similar weak runs in the Susitna River.

On the Deshka River, bait remains prohibited and anglers are allowed only one, single-hook artificial lure. The Susitna River closure takes effect Monday at 6 a.m.

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