Offshore interceptions may have played a role, Rutz said, but probably not a major one, given that other Susitna Valley king runs did not decline nearly so much. Overfishing at the mouth of the river might have compounded the weakness of some runs, he said, but didn't cause it. Whatever the cause, everyone appears happy the kings are back. Last year, with the Susitna running low and the Deshka running high, the mixing zone for the iron-colored water of one river and the glacial silt of the other moved down to just below the Deshka Silver King Lodge, offering special entertainment for lodge owners Bill and Susan Jarvis. But they were really well-behaved.
People seem appreciative.
She has seen anglers get on their cellular phones to call Alaska Fish and Wildlife Protection in Palmer when they see other anglers fishing illegally. We saw some big ones, too. I don't want to go. I want to stay right here. Another Deshka addict appeared to have been hooked.