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For Immediate Release: 6/3/2015 Press Contact:
Bobbie Jo Skibo Interagency Management Coordinator Chugach National Forest 907-441-1539 cell Russian River Sockeye Season Opener Proper precautions help keep anglers safe and bears wild (COOPER LANDING) – Early-run Russian River sockeye are on the way and June 11 marks opening day for this world-famous sport fishery. Before packing rods and coolers for
a trip to the river, the Russian River Interagency Coordination Group – a team of state, federal, and tribal partners – asks anglers to consider the rules, regulations and responsibilities associated with keeping the fishery safe and clean. Because bears are a part of the Russian River ecosystem and are commonly encountered throughout the fishery, federal regulations are in place to help ensure the safety
of anglers and bears alike. To keep bears from growing accustomed to harvested salmon, anglers are required to keep fish they’ve retained within 12 feet at all times. Also, food, beverages, trash and cooking equipment must be stored in a bear-resistant container,
vehicle, or kept within 3 feet of the user. When the Russian River sockeye salmon fishery is in full swing, nearly everyone seems to catch fish. In the past, bears have discovered that fish waste – including filleted
carcasses, heads and entrails – create easy meals. To discourage bears from congregating for these types of handouts, anglers are asked to:
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Take fish out whole when possible (gutting and gilling is acceptable).
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Process fish only at established fish-cleaning facilities. Remember to “stop, chop and throw”: STOP at fish-cleaning tables at the confluence or ferry site, CHOP fish waste into numerous
small pieces, and THROW the pieces into fast-moving river current.
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Help send fish waste downstream by regularly moving any fish waste you encounter along the shore or hanging up on rocks into faster moving water so it will move downstream.
The Russian River Interagency Coordination Group, formed in 2006, includes the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska State Parks, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, Kenaitze Indian Tribe and Cook Inlet Region, Inc.
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