(Palmer/Anchorage) - Two youth-only fisheries will take place on Saturday, June 20, one at the Eklutna Tailrace and another at Ship Creek. Youth 15 years of age or younger are encouraged to come out and try to catch a king salmon. These youth-only fisheries are only open to anglers 15 years old and younger and were established to provide a special opportunity for youth to get out and go fishing.

The bag and possession limit for king salmon 20 inches or longer in both fisheries is one per day. As with all fisheries in Alaska, the fish belongs to the angler that sets the hook. Adults may assist youth anglers with other aspects of fishing, such as helping with casting and landing a fish, and helping them record their catch. King salmon harvested in these fisheries count toward the Cook Inlet annual limit of five king salmon, 20 inches or longer. The bag and possession limit for king salmon less than 20 inches in length is ten per day. Bait is allowed in these fisheries and snagging is prohibited. Youth anglers do not need a sport fishing license or king salmon stamp but do need a Harvest Record Card. All king salmon harvested that are 20 inches or longer in length must be recorded immediately on the harvest record card. While adults can assist youth anglers with fishing, sections dedicated to the youth-only fisheries are closed to anglers 16 years old and older, including catch-and-release, during that time.

Eklutna Tailrace - The youth-only fishery at the Eklutna Tailrace will take place from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20. The youth-only section will be on both sides of the Eklutna Tailrace from the mouth upstream to the walking bridge. The section upstream of the walking bridge and downstream of the mouth in the side channel of the Knik River open to king fishing will remain open to fishing for all anglers.

Ship Creek - The youth-only fishery at Ship Creek will take place from 6:00 a.m. to
11:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20. The youth-only section will be on both sides of the creek from the C Street bridge upstream to the Bridge Restaurant. The remainder of Ship Creek will be open to fishing for all anglers. ADF&G staff will be onsite at Ship Creek a few hours before high tide to provide youth anglers with sport fishing information. The 27.6-foot-high tide is at 11:56 a.m. on June 20. Fishing will be most productive approximately 3 hours before and 3 hours after high tide.

For additional information, please see pages 35 and 43 of the 2026 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet.

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