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- At this time, there are no Emergency Orders in effect for this area.
- The 2008 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet is now available at most vendors and any Fish & Game office. Remember, it is your responsibility to check the 2008 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary before going fishing.
- Anglers are reminded that flowing waters in the Palmer-Wasilla Zone are CLOSED to all fishing until June 15.
- Many flowing waters along the Parks Highway are catch and release only for rainbows until June 15.
- Alexander Creek and all waters within a 1/2 mile radius of the mouth are closed to king salmon fishing.
- Anglers are reminded that fishing for king salmon on the Deshka River is open for the first 17 miles of river only. The daily limit is one king per day and two in possession. Fishing is only allowed between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Bait is allowed beginning May 15.
- Before fishing for king salmon, remember most anglers must also purchase a king stamp. All king salmon 20 inches or longer harvested must be recorded immediately on the back of your fishing license, or a harvest record card if under 16 or in possession of a permanent license.
- The Susitna River is at least a week late breaking up this year, meaning the Susitna is not navigable at present. Boaters should check conditions thoroughly before planning a trip.
- Early king salmon fishing normally commences around mid May. Early kings can be targeted at the Little Susitna and Deshka Rivers.
- No kings have been reported caught in the Eklutna Power Plant Tailrace, but a few should start trickling in any day now. The gate to the parking area is now open.
- As lake ice recedes, northern pike may be found in shallow grassy waters where they are spawning.
- Anglers may retain as many pike as they catchÑ there is no bag or possession limit (Alexander Lake is the only exception to this regulation).
- For road-accessible pike fishing try the Nancy Lake Recreation Area lakes, Prator and Memory lakes. Call Alaska State Parks in Palmer at (907) 745-3975 for updates on which of the Mat-Su Valley lakes are ice-free.
- The mouths of the Parks Highway streams from Willow Creek and streams to the north should provide some action for Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, and perhaps an occasional early King Salmon.
- The "2008 Mat-Su Valley Lake Fishing Forecast," which provides information on lake access and fishing hotspots is available at the Palmer and Anchorage Fish and Game offices, as well as on our web pages under "Publications."
- Echo and Kepler/Bradley lakes are open, Finger Lake along with a myriad of other lakes are now partially open. Fishing should be good to excellent in most Valley lakes.
- For a wide variety of fish, try Finger Lake. It has been stocked with Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, Arctic Char, Landlocked King Salmon, and Landlocked Silver Salmon.
Recorded weekly fishing reports from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game for other areas in the state can be reached by calling: 267-2515 in Anchorage 262-2737 in Soldotna 235-6930 in Homer.
Area webpage: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/areas/nci/ncihome.cfm Salmon and trout identification pages: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/regulations/2001/html/pdfs/01ayksalmonid.pdf Sonar estimates/weir counts: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/Escapement/HTML/query.cfm Kenai River in season data summaries: not yet available River levels: http://aprfc.arh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ahps.cgi?pacr Lake stocking: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/Hatchery/Stocking_search/HTML/stock_search.cfm Maps to stocked lakes: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/LAKEMAPS/HTML/LAKEMAP1.stm Southcentral informational handouts: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/region2/pubs.cfm Safety in bear country: http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov/hunt_trap/hunting/huntak/huntak14.cfm Enforcement: http://www.dps.state.ak.us/fwp/index.asp Regulations: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/reghome.cfm Northern pike: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/region2/areas/anch/pikepage.cfm OEO/ADA statement: http://www.adfg.state.ak.us/oeostate.php
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