Federal Board Favors Subsistence Fishing in Upper Kenai

November 18, 2006 By: Marshall Cutchin

As we noted back in September (see “Alaska’s Remarkable Rainbows“), some anglers are concerned that subsistence fishing by native tribes and local residents will endanger the large rainbow trout and salmon that have been the focus of Alaskan conservation efforts in recent years. Now a Federal board has decided that subsistence fishing takes priority in the upper Kenai Peninsula. “Friday’s decision was not restricted to the two rivers, but covers all federal fresh waters on the Kenai Peninsula from the Kenai River watershed north. In large part it covers Kenai Lake, the Kenai River, the Russian River, Skilak Lake, the Swanson River and their tributaries on stretches that cross the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.” Brandon Loomis in the Anchorage Daily News.