An emergency order has been issued to close the Bird Creek drainage to all sport fishing. This restriction goes into effect on Monday, April 26 through Tuesday, July 13.
The department is taking this action to reduce the incidental catch and illegal harvest of king salmon in the Bird Creek drainage.
Bird Creek supports a small run of wild king salmon that has an annual average escapement of approximately 160 fish. During the 1990s the run averaged 198 king salmon, but since 2000 has only averaged 128 fish. Six of the 10 lowest escapements on record have occurred since 2000.
The fishing closure is effective through July 13 to protect the bulk of the king salmon return, and will reopen July 14 to allow anglers to participate in Bird Creek's popular pink and coho salmon fisheries.
