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Eklutna Tailrace King Salmon Run
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2005 Season: Year round
Average Size: 15 to 25 lbs.
Limit: 1 Daily
Run Size: Approx. 4000
Escapement: none |
Image Provided by FWS Image Library
If you have a picture of a tailrace King
you would like to share, let us know. |
About the Run
The Eklutna King Salmon run is an artificial fishery created
by the Alaskan Department of Fish and Game intended to increase sportfishing
opportunities for Kings in the upper Cook Inlet and take some of the
pressure off wild stocks. Sportfishermen should be very happy to have
another King Salmon spot in the area. Right now the only other King
fishery near Anchorage is Ship Creek.
The ADFG’s current stocking plans are to stock 100,000
to 150,000 King smolt into the tailrace each year to get a return of
4,000 to 5,000 Adult Kings each year. The first stocking year was in
2002. Because Kings remain in saltwater for an average of three to five
years, the King fishery at the tailrace still has a few years to mature.
It will be interesting to see how the fishery developes. 2005 should
be the first year of decent King fishing here, with even bigger fish
returning over the next few years.
Because there will be no eggs collected or need to maintain
wild stocks, there is no need for escapement. In an ideal world, all
returning salmon will be harvested.
When to Fish
The smolt that have been stocked into the Eklutna Tailrace
are early run Kings. They should start returning in early may and continue
through July. There should be a peak through June and Early July.
Currently Kings are open year round at the tailrace, but there is little
chance of picking up a King outside the run times.
Regulations
Many of the typical regulations for Kings are in effect
at the tailrace. The daily limit of Kings longer than 20 inches is still
one. If you harvest a King at the tailrace, you must immediately stop
fishing and mark the fish onto your harvest record card. There is no
snagging allowed.
There are some ways that the Eklutna Tailrace is a little more liberal
than some fisheries. Bait and all types of lures are available. And
King fishing is open year round in the fishing area around the tailrace.
The fishable areas include the tailrace downstream of the marker that
is 100 foot downstream of the Old Glenn Highway bridge. Also you are
allowed to fish for Kings in the waters of the Knik River that are within
one half mile of the mouth of the Eklutna Tailrace. Please check for
current regulations and possibly emergency orders. It is possible that
the ADFG might allow snagging to salvage Kings before the start to spawn
out.
Suggested Gear
Artificial Lures
Assorted Spoons 1⁄2 to 1 ounce
Vibrax or Mepps spinners Sizes 4-6
Yarn or Coho Flies
Spin-N-Glos
Bait
4/0 – 6/0 hooks
20-40 Pound Leaders
Salmon Eggs
Bobbers
Weights 3/8, 1⁄2 and 3⁄4 oz
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