09-08-2004, 03:04 PM
This is the Haines and Skagway Sport Fishing Report
It is shaping up to be another good return of coho salmon (silvers) to the Chilkat River this year. As of September 6th, 746 had been caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels. This is lower than caught the previous two years, but still above average (584) for this date (see graph for average daily fish wheel catches). A total of 31 coho salmon passed through the Chilkoot River weir as of September 6th, which is slightly above average for this date but still very early in the run (see graph for average daily weir counts). Anglers are allowed to keep two coho salmon per day and in possession in the Chilkoot River, and three per day and six in possession in the Chilkat River.
Fishing for king salmon was very good in Taiya Inlet last week where it took an average of 5 rod hours of effort to catch a king salmon 28 inches or greater in length. That was the last week of sampling in Skagway. Anglers are reminded that the Taiya Inlet terminal hatchery regulations expired August 1st. Regional regulations apply to Taiya Inlet. Alaska resident anglers have a bag and possession limit of two king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; no annual limit. Nonresident anglers have a bag and possession limit of one king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; with an annual limit of three fish.
The number of sockeye salmon counted through the Chilkoot River remained high last week. Anglers are warned to be bear conscious due to recent bear incidents (see BEAR ALERT below). As of September 6th, 72,964 sockeye had been counted through the weir. This compares with the five year average of 53,725 sockeye salmon counted through the weir. Anglers are allowed six sockeye per day and in possession in the Chilkoot River drainage. Average daily weir counts of salmon are presented below.
The catch of sockeye salmon in the Chilkat River fish wheels has been above average. As of September 6th, 4,097 sockeye had been caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels. This is compares with the average of 3,782 for this date. Good places to fish for them are in Chilkat Lake and clearwater tributaries of the river. Anglers are allowed six sockeye per day and twelve in possession in the Chilkat River drainage. Average daily fish wheel salmon catches are presented below.
It is another record year for pink salmon returning to the area. An all time record 101,869 had been counted through the Chilkoot River weir by September 6th. The average for this date is 42,768 pink salmon (see graph below). A total of 5,810 had been caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels as of September 6th which is well above the average of 2,370 for this date. Anglers are allowed to keep six per day and in possession in the Chilkoot River. In the Chilkat River you are allowed six pink salmon per day and twelve in possession.
Halibut fishing has been good in the area although the weather has made it difficult to get out on the water. Dolly Varden can be caught in saltwater along the shorelines of Chilkat Inlet, Lutak Inlet, and Portage Cove, and in freshwater along the Chilkat and Chilkoot Rivers. The limit for Dolly Varden is 10 per day and in possession except in the Chilkoot drainage where the bag and possession limit is four Dolly Varden.
Important Announcements and Reminders:
BEAR WARNING……Anglers should be aware that there have been a number of brown bear and human interactions along the Chilkoot River in recent days. For example, a sow has been frequenting the fishing area below the weir and recently obtained fish from an angler who refused to stop fishing when the bear approached. This situation is very dangerous for both anglers and the bear. The bear learns to associate anglers with food making a dangerous situation for all anglers and will likely result in the bear having to be killed. You can help to reduce these incidents by following these guidelines: [ul] [li]Clean your fish in the river, and place fish remains in swiftly moving water. [li]Cease all fishing activity when a bear approaches to within 100 yards or at a point where the bear could obtain your fish if you hooked one, whichever is greater. Immediately release your hooked fish (by cutting or breaking the fishing line) when a bear approaches to within 100 yards or at the point when it is attracted by your struggling fish, whichever is greater. If anglers are in a boat, you may move to deeper water to maintain separation between the angler and the bear. Make every effort (including releasing hooked fish) to prevent a bear from obtaining your fish. [li]Store your food, fish and garbage in your vehicle (or bear-resistant container) at all times. Never leave your food, fish or garbage unattended. We encourage you to clean your fish, to bag it immediately, and to store it in a cooler in your vehicle. [li]Do not cast at bears. [li]Do not eat along the river. [li]Avoid fishing early in the morning or late at night. This is when bears are most active. [li]Avoid fishing in areas which bears are known to frequent such as the east shore (opposite side from the road). [li]Camp only in the campground at the lake or at one of the commercial campgrounds. [li]Use the outhouses provided in the campground. [li]Leave pets in your vehicle, or have them under leash control at all times. If you must feed your pet, do so at your campsite and clean up any dropped food. [li]Do not use firearms to scare or warn bears. This could result in a wounded bear. [li]If a bear approaches, stand your ground and speak in a normal voice. Never run away from a bear. Don’t whistle, call to, or otherwise try to get a bear’s attention. [/li][/ul]
Pullen Creek opened to king salmon fishing. Effective August 4th, Pullen Pond and Pullen Creek above the pond in Skagway are open to sport fishing for king salmon. In this area, the bag and possession limit is ten king salmon of any size, and the nonresident annual limit for king salmon does not apply. This regulation will remain in effect through September 14, 2004. This additional opportunity is being provided to allow harvest of hatchery-produced king salmon released at Pullen Creek, where returning adult king salmon are expected to exceed broodstock needs.
Yukon Residents to Pay Less for Sport Fishing Fees Beginning in 2005: Governor Frank H. Murkowski signed a bill adopting reciprocal sport fishing fees for residents of the Yukon. Specifically, the bill would enable a Yukon resident to receive a nonresident sport fishing license or a king salmon tag for the same annual fee that an Alaska resident would pay.
"I am pleased to support this legislation, because it fosters good relations with our neighbors in Yukon," Murkowski said. "It will give Yukoners who come to Southeast to fish for salmon a little bit of a break, yet will still require them to comply with nonresident restrictions, such as bag limits."
Yukon residents will continue to pay nonresident fees through the remainder of this year. The reduced fees become effective January 1, 2005.
King Salmon Bag Limits: Current king salmon bag and possession limits for sport anglers fishing in the marine waters of Southeast Alaska are as follows:
Ø Alaska residents: bag and possession limit of two king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; no annual limit.
Ø Nonresidents: bag and possession limit of one king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; annual limit of three fish.
These regulations are based on the preseason abundance index determined by the Pacific Salmon Commission’s Chinook Technical Committee, as directed by the Southeast Alaska king salmon management plan.
For more information about the sport fisheries in Southeast Alaska, contact the nearest Southeast Alaska ADF&G office or visit: [url "http://www.state.ak.us/adfg/sportf/region1/r1home.htm"]http://www.state.ak.us/adfg/sportf/region1/r1home.htm[/url]
2004 Sport Fishing Licenses and King salmon tags: Remember to buy your 2004 sport fishing license and king salmon tag (if going after kings) before heading for the water.
2004 Sport Fishing Regulations Booklets: The 2004 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary will be available by late April at Fish and Game Offices and many sporting goods stores throughout the Northern Southeast area. If you are rusty on the regulations, please pick up a regulation booklet and refresh your knowledge prior to going fishing.
The Use of Bait: The use of bait is permitted year-round in the Skagway Area and in the Chilkat and Chilkoot River drainages except as noted below. The use of bait is prohibited year-round in Chilkat and Mosquito Lakes. The inlet and outlet streams to Chilkat and Mosquito Lakes are closed to bait fishing now through September 15. This prohibition on the use of bait stems from concern over hook-and-release mortality on cutthroat trout that must be released if below the legal size for harvest.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) and Clams: Many people in Southeast Alaska like to take clams for personal consumption. Clam digging is popular but comes with some risk, primarily due to contamination of clam tissue with potentially lethal toxins accumulated during the so-called "red tides." This is a condition where small, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates (a type of algae), increase in abundance in the marine waters during warmer times of the year, and which can turn the local waters reddish in color. The dinoflagellates produce a group of toxins that are collectively referred to as paralytic shellfish poison, or PSP.
These toxins are a natural byproduct of the algae's metabolism, and are accumulated in clams when they feed on the algae. People can get sick and even die if they eat clams contaminated with PSP. The risk goes up exponentially during the summer months when water temperatures increase and there are "blooms" of the dinoflagellate algae. Certain species of clams purge themselves relatively quickly of the toxins, others retain the toxins for considerable time, and can be hazardous to eat at any time of the year. Little neck or steamer clams are a safer target species because they tend not to concentrate the toxins as much, compared to butter clams, mussels, and even scallops. Mussels and butter clams can be very dangerous. Moreover, butter clams will retain the toxins for very long times. People should learn as much as they can about clam identification, PSP, and procedures to minimize risks of contracting paralytic shellfish poisoning, should they choose to take clams for consumption.
Fishing Guide Registration and Charter boat Logbooks: Once again, sport fishing guides and owners of guiding services businesses must register with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. All businesses and guides registered in 2003 should have received renewal forms from the Department, which should be completed and returned. Individuals new to these activities can obtain registration forms from the Sport Fish Office in Haines (766-2625 or 766-3638). Additionally, the 2004 saltwater charter vessel logbooks are now available for businesses operating such vessels. Haines folks should come to the Haines Office and obtain their books. Please have your 2004 guide business registration number and your CFEC vessel license number with you. Business/vessel owners in outlying areas can call the Haines or Douglas office (465-4270) and work with a department representative for obtaining logbooks.
It is shaping up to be another good return of coho salmon (silvers) to the Chilkat River this year. As of September 6th, 746 had been caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels. This is lower than caught the previous two years, but still above average (584) for this date (see graph for average daily fish wheel catches). A total of 31 coho salmon passed through the Chilkoot River weir as of September 6th, which is slightly above average for this date but still very early in the run (see graph for average daily weir counts). Anglers are allowed to keep two coho salmon per day and in possession in the Chilkoot River, and three per day and six in possession in the Chilkat River.
Fishing for king salmon was very good in Taiya Inlet last week where it took an average of 5 rod hours of effort to catch a king salmon 28 inches or greater in length. That was the last week of sampling in Skagway. Anglers are reminded that the Taiya Inlet terminal hatchery regulations expired August 1st. Regional regulations apply to Taiya Inlet. Alaska resident anglers have a bag and possession limit of two king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; no annual limit. Nonresident anglers have a bag and possession limit of one king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; with an annual limit of three fish.
The number of sockeye salmon counted through the Chilkoot River remained high last week. Anglers are warned to be bear conscious due to recent bear incidents (see BEAR ALERT below). As of September 6th, 72,964 sockeye had been counted through the weir. This compares with the five year average of 53,725 sockeye salmon counted through the weir. Anglers are allowed six sockeye per day and in possession in the Chilkoot River drainage. Average daily weir counts of salmon are presented below.
The catch of sockeye salmon in the Chilkat River fish wheels has been above average. As of September 6th, 4,097 sockeye had been caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels. This is compares with the average of 3,782 for this date. Good places to fish for them are in Chilkat Lake and clearwater tributaries of the river. Anglers are allowed six sockeye per day and twelve in possession in the Chilkat River drainage. Average daily fish wheel salmon catches are presented below.
It is another record year for pink salmon returning to the area. An all time record 101,869 had been counted through the Chilkoot River weir by September 6th. The average for this date is 42,768 pink salmon (see graph below). A total of 5,810 had been caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels as of September 6th which is well above the average of 2,370 for this date. Anglers are allowed to keep six per day and in possession in the Chilkoot River. In the Chilkat River you are allowed six pink salmon per day and twelve in possession.
Halibut fishing has been good in the area although the weather has made it difficult to get out on the water. Dolly Varden can be caught in saltwater along the shorelines of Chilkat Inlet, Lutak Inlet, and Portage Cove, and in freshwater along the Chilkat and Chilkoot Rivers. The limit for Dolly Varden is 10 per day and in possession except in the Chilkoot drainage where the bag and possession limit is four Dolly Varden.
Important Announcements and Reminders:
BEAR WARNING……Anglers should be aware that there have been a number of brown bear and human interactions along the Chilkoot River in recent days. For example, a sow has been frequenting the fishing area below the weir and recently obtained fish from an angler who refused to stop fishing when the bear approached. This situation is very dangerous for both anglers and the bear. The bear learns to associate anglers with food making a dangerous situation for all anglers and will likely result in the bear having to be killed. You can help to reduce these incidents by following these guidelines: [ul] [li]Clean your fish in the river, and place fish remains in swiftly moving water. [li]Cease all fishing activity when a bear approaches to within 100 yards or at a point where the bear could obtain your fish if you hooked one, whichever is greater. Immediately release your hooked fish (by cutting or breaking the fishing line) when a bear approaches to within 100 yards or at the point when it is attracted by your struggling fish, whichever is greater. If anglers are in a boat, you may move to deeper water to maintain separation between the angler and the bear. Make every effort (including releasing hooked fish) to prevent a bear from obtaining your fish. [li]Store your food, fish and garbage in your vehicle (or bear-resistant container) at all times. Never leave your food, fish or garbage unattended. We encourage you to clean your fish, to bag it immediately, and to store it in a cooler in your vehicle. [li]Do not cast at bears. [li]Do not eat along the river. [li]Avoid fishing early in the morning or late at night. This is when bears are most active. [li]Avoid fishing in areas which bears are known to frequent such as the east shore (opposite side from the road). [li]Camp only in the campground at the lake or at one of the commercial campgrounds. [li]Use the outhouses provided in the campground. [li]Leave pets in your vehicle, or have them under leash control at all times. If you must feed your pet, do so at your campsite and clean up any dropped food. [li]Do not use firearms to scare or warn bears. This could result in a wounded bear. [li]If a bear approaches, stand your ground and speak in a normal voice. Never run away from a bear. Don’t whistle, call to, or otherwise try to get a bear’s attention. [/li][/ul]
Pullen Creek opened to king salmon fishing. Effective August 4th, Pullen Pond and Pullen Creek above the pond in Skagway are open to sport fishing for king salmon. In this area, the bag and possession limit is ten king salmon of any size, and the nonresident annual limit for king salmon does not apply. This regulation will remain in effect through September 14, 2004. This additional opportunity is being provided to allow harvest of hatchery-produced king salmon released at Pullen Creek, where returning adult king salmon are expected to exceed broodstock needs.
Yukon Residents to Pay Less for Sport Fishing Fees Beginning in 2005: Governor Frank H. Murkowski signed a bill adopting reciprocal sport fishing fees for residents of the Yukon. Specifically, the bill would enable a Yukon resident to receive a nonresident sport fishing license or a king salmon tag for the same annual fee that an Alaska resident would pay.
"I am pleased to support this legislation, because it fosters good relations with our neighbors in Yukon," Murkowski said. "It will give Yukoners who come to Southeast to fish for salmon a little bit of a break, yet will still require them to comply with nonresident restrictions, such as bag limits."
Yukon residents will continue to pay nonresident fees through the remainder of this year. The reduced fees become effective January 1, 2005.
King Salmon Bag Limits: Current king salmon bag and possession limits for sport anglers fishing in the marine waters of Southeast Alaska are as follows:
Ø Alaska residents: bag and possession limit of two king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; no annual limit.
Ø Nonresidents: bag and possession limit of one king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; annual limit of three fish.
These regulations are based on the preseason abundance index determined by the Pacific Salmon Commission’s Chinook Technical Committee, as directed by the Southeast Alaska king salmon management plan.
For more information about the sport fisheries in Southeast Alaska, contact the nearest Southeast Alaska ADF&G office or visit: [url "http://www.state.ak.us/adfg/sportf/region1/r1home.htm"]http://www.state.ak.us/adfg/sportf/region1/r1home.htm[/url]
2004 Sport Fishing Licenses and King salmon tags: Remember to buy your 2004 sport fishing license and king salmon tag (if going after kings) before heading for the water.
2004 Sport Fishing Regulations Booklets: The 2004 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary will be available by late April at Fish and Game Offices and many sporting goods stores throughout the Northern Southeast area. If you are rusty on the regulations, please pick up a regulation booklet and refresh your knowledge prior to going fishing.
The Use of Bait: The use of bait is permitted year-round in the Skagway Area and in the Chilkat and Chilkoot River drainages except as noted below. The use of bait is prohibited year-round in Chilkat and Mosquito Lakes. The inlet and outlet streams to Chilkat and Mosquito Lakes are closed to bait fishing now through September 15. This prohibition on the use of bait stems from concern over hook-and-release mortality on cutthroat trout that must be released if below the legal size for harvest.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) and Clams: Many people in Southeast Alaska like to take clams for personal consumption. Clam digging is popular but comes with some risk, primarily due to contamination of clam tissue with potentially lethal toxins accumulated during the so-called "red tides." This is a condition where small, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates (a type of algae), increase in abundance in the marine waters during warmer times of the year, and which can turn the local waters reddish in color. The dinoflagellates produce a group of toxins that are collectively referred to as paralytic shellfish poison, or PSP.
These toxins are a natural byproduct of the algae's metabolism, and are accumulated in clams when they feed on the algae. People can get sick and even die if they eat clams contaminated with PSP. The risk goes up exponentially during the summer months when water temperatures increase and there are "blooms" of the dinoflagellate algae. Certain species of clams purge themselves relatively quickly of the toxins, others retain the toxins for considerable time, and can be hazardous to eat at any time of the year. Little neck or steamer clams are a safer target species because they tend not to concentrate the toxins as much, compared to butter clams, mussels, and even scallops. Mussels and butter clams can be very dangerous. Moreover, butter clams will retain the toxins for very long times. People should learn as much as they can about clam identification, PSP, and procedures to minimize risks of contracting paralytic shellfish poisoning, should they choose to take clams for consumption.
Fishing Guide Registration and Charter boat Logbooks: Once again, sport fishing guides and owners of guiding services businesses must register with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. All businesses and guides registered in 2003 should have received renewal forms from the Department, which should be completed and returned. Individuals new to these activities can obtain registration forms from the Sport Fish Office in Haines (766-2625 or 766-3638). Additionally, the 2004 saltwater charter vessel logbooks are now available for businesses operating such vessels. Haines folks should come to the Haines Office and obtain their books. Please have your 2004 guide business registration number and your CFEC vessel license number with you. Business/vessel owners in outlying areas can call the Haines or Douglas office (465-4270) and work with a department representative for obtaining logbooks.