The Alaska Department of Fish and Game expects to stock state waters with approximately 7 million sport fish this year, according to a recent press release.
But before ADF&G starts loading up rivers, streams and lakes with salmon and trout this year, they want to hear from anglers: ADF&G is accepting public comment until Jan. 30 on their 2018 statewide stocking plan for sport fisheries.
According to the plan, ADF&G will stock Chinook salmon in three areas around Juneau, not counting a small stock of juvenile salmon planted in Twin Lakes for Family Fishing Day.
About 280,000 Chinook smolt will be planted at Fish Creek, up to 220,000 into Gastineau Channel at Macauley Salmon Hatchery and about 90,000 at Auke Bay near the mouth of Auke Creek. Up to 30,000 smolt or 10 percent — whichever is greater — of the combined Fish Creek and Auke Bay releases will be adipose fin clipped and tagged with coded wire.
The plan outlines the locations, numbers, size and life stage for each species of fish they plan on stocking. Only fish from hatchery facilities and nonprofit hatcheries that work with ADF&G are included in the plan.
The stocking plan is available for review on the Division’s Hatcheries and Stocking webpage under the “Statewide Stocking Plan” tab. Hard copies are also available for review at local ADF&G offices.
Public comments can be submitted to Andrew Garry by email andrew.garry@alaska.gov or by mail to William Jack Hernandez, Sport Fish Hatchery, c/o Andrew Garry, 941 North Reeve Boulevard, Anchorage, Alaska, 99501.
