Lack of Alaska kings leads to more restrictions

KODIAK, Alaska — A lack of king salmon is leading to more restrictions from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

KMXT reported that the Chignik River drainage sport fishery was restricted Sunday to catch-and-release for kings 20 inches and over. Bait is also prohibited through the end of the season, Aug. 9.

Catch-and-release is also the name of the game for marine waters in Cook Inlet. Fishermen can’t keep kings in salt water within a mile of shore. This is for the area south of the mouth of Ninilchik River to Bluff Point and lasts until the end of July.

Officials also have closed the Ninilchik River hatchery king salmon sport fishery as of Monday. This closure includes catch-and-release.