Inseason Alaska Commercial Salmon Summary

This summary provides management, harvest, and escapement information for the Alaska commercial salmon fishing season. This summary will be updated each Friday between mid-May and September. Please note, inseason harvest data published in this summary are preliminary and subject to change. For more information on the Blue Sheet, inseason summaries, and harvest timing charts, please see our Blue Sheet, Inseason Summary, and Harvest Timing Charts Overview page.

Statewide Summary

Last updated: Thursday, May 16

The 2024 commercial salmon harvest forecast is 69.0 million pink salmon, 39.5 million sockeye salmon, 24.3 million chum salmon, and 2.6 million coho salmon. If realized, the forecasted 2024 total Alaska commercial salmon harvest will be approximately 135.7 million fish.

Area-specific fishery announcements, harvest, and escapement data can be found on the Commercial Fisheries homepage.

Inseason fish counts are posted on the Fish Count Data Search homepage.

Inseason harvest timing can be tracked here: Inseason Commercial Salmon Harvest Timing.

Southeast Alaska & Yakutat

Troll Fishery

Last updated: Friday, June 28

Southeast Alaska/Yakutat (SEAK) Chinook salmon action plans, as adopted by the Alaska Board of Fisheries in 2018 and 2022 to conserve wild SEAK and Transboundary River (TBR) Chinook salmon stocks, provide direction to implement management measures during spring fisheries. These measures and supplementary emergency order actions restrict spring troll fisheries for conservation of SEAK and TBR Chinook salmon stocks by limiting fisheries to areas on the outer coast near hatcheries or hatchery release sites. A total of 13 spring troll  and 8 terminal harvest areas targeting Alaska hatchery Chinook salmon have been opened to date. Alaska hatchery chum salmon fishing opportunity is available in 6 terminal harvest areas and 6 spring troll areas.

A total of 224 troll permits have reported 14,884 Chinook salmon harvested from 1,359 spring troll landings through June 27 (Statistical Week 26). This is a decrease in effort of 11 permits from the number of permits fished in 2023 and 35 permits below the 5-year average, for the same fishing period. The 2024 cumulative spring Chinook salmon harvest is below the 2023 harvest by 2,861 fish, but above the 5-year average by 499 fish. The current spring troll Chinook salmon seasonal average weight of 10.9 lb is below the 2023 and 5-year averages of 11.2 lb and 11.9 lb for the same period. The spring seasonal Chinook salmon average price per pound of $7.77 is below the 2023 and 5-year average price of $8.09 and $7.87. 

The 2024 summer troll fishery will open July 1 at 12:01 a.m. to target approximately 66,700 Chinook salmon during the first Chinook salmon retention period, estimated to last 6 to 7 days.  

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Purse Seine Fishery

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The 2024 forecast of 19.2 million pink salmon indicates an average pink salmon run throughout Southeast Alaska (SEAK) and a conservative fishing regime is expected. Terminal harvest areas (THA) opened for common property harvest to target hatchery-produced chum salmon starting June 16. Initial openings have been good for chum salmon harvest. The next openings are scheduled for Sunday, June 30. The Point August Index fishery first opened July 16 and openings have continued every Thursday and Sunday since. Chum salmon catches have been above average, whereas pink salmon catches have generally been below average. The Point Gardner Test fishery first occurred on June 25. Chum salmon catches were well above average and the highest on record for this test fishing period, whereas pink salmon catches were poor. The Hawk Inlet test fishery was fished June 28; results are not available for this update. The Point Gardner and Hawk Inlet test fisheries, and the Kingsmill test fishery are scheduled to be fished the week of June 20. The first pink salmon openings will begin early July in Districts 1, 2, 4, 7, and 12. Subsequent openings will be based on aerial observations and fishery performance data. The department will carefully monitor inseason information and will manage the fishery to ensure escapement goals are met, obtain district and stock group escapement targets, and distribute escapements throughout the run while providing maximum fishing opportunity. The department is prepared to provide additional fishing opportunity as run strength and fleet distribution allows by potentially expanding the fishing schedule from one to two 15-hour periods per week, to 39-hour periods, to 2-day on/2-day off, or a more continuous fishing schedule. The department may have to reduce fishing opportunity after initially expanding opportunity depending on how runs develop and fleet distribution. Specific areas may warrant more, or less fishing time than the regional schedule depending on run strength and effort in those areas.

The size of the purse seine fleet will have some impact on management decisions as the season progresses. Purse seine effort in 2023 was 210 permits fished, 2022 was 194 permits fished, in 2021, 208 permits were fished, and in 2020, 200 permits fished. Effort levels are generally higher in odd years and lower in even years reflecting the current odd-year cycle of stronger pink salmon runs. Effort in 2024 is anticipated to be similar to 2022. Since 2007, the number of total permits has decreased from 415 to 279 permits due to permit buyback programs. The average effort in the purse seine fishery is 242 permits fished.

SEAK Chinook salmon stocks are currently experiencing a cycle of very low abundance. In 2023, 5 of the 11 Chinook salmon stocks with escapement goals in SEAK, did not meet their respective goals and total run sizes were poor for all stocks. Chinook salmon runs are again expected to be poor in 2024 with 2 (Chilkat and Unuk Rivers) of the 4 Chinook salmon stocks for which the department developed formal forecasts having projected runs that meet or exceed the lower end of their escapement goal ranges only if no to little harvest occurs on those stocks. Management actions in accordance with the Pacific Salmon Treaty, regulations, and Board of Fisheries recommended actions will again be implemented to reduce harvest of wild Chinook salmon across SEAK salmon fisheries, including sport, commercial, personal use, and subsistence.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Drift Gillnet Fishery

Last updated: Friday, June 28

There are 5 traditional drift gillnet fishing areas in Southeast Alaska (SEAK): Tree Point and Portland Canal (District 1); Prince of Wales (District 6); Stikine (District 8); Taku/Snettisham (District 11); and Lynn Canal (District 15). In addition, drift gillnet fisheries occur in several terminal harvest areas (THA) adjacent to hatchery facilities and at remote release sites throughout the region. The drift gillnet fishery primarily targets sockeye, pink, and chum salmon during the summer season and coho and chum salmon during the fall season. In the last 10 years, the species composition of the drift gillnet harvest has been 63% chum, 22% pink, 9% sockeye, 6% coho, and <1% Chinook salmon. Of the total commercial salmon harvest in SEAK, the average drift gillnet fishery harvests have included 33% sockeye, 27% chum, 11% coho, 9% Chinook, and 4% pink salmon. Drift gillnet harvests have averaged 4.2 million salmon annually over the recent 10-year period and averaged 3.2 million salmon annually since statehood (1960–2023).

An average of 473 SEAK drift gillnet limited entry permits were issued annually, of which an average of 87% were actively fished each year. In 2023, 474 permits were issued, of which 367 permits (77%) were actively fished. A historical low of 348 permits were fished in 2004.

SEAK Chinook salmon stocks are currently experiencing low abundance. Over the past 5 years (2019–2023), the 11 monitored Chinook salmon index systems did not meet escapement goals 44% of the time. In 2023, 5 of the 11 monitored Chinook salmon index systems were below their escapement goal ranges. Of the 11 monitored stocks, ADF&G has a more detailed stock assessment that allows for annual run forecasts for 5 of those stocks to be produced. In 2024, ADF&G forecasted 2 of these 5 stock's total runs to be within their respective escapement goal ranges, 2 below their respective escapement goal ranges, and 1 stock had insufficient data available to produce a forecast but is expected to be below its escapement goal ranges. Three of these systems —Stikine, Taku, and Chilkat Rivers— are within the Districts 8, 11, and 15 drift gillnet fishing areas. Commercial, sport, personal use, and subsistence fisheries will be restricted throughout SEAK to conserve Chinook salmon. More information on Chinook salmon management actions in specific fisheries are discuss in specific gillnet fishing areas.

Current information is provided in the specific gillnet fishery area sections below. 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Tree Point/Section 1-B

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The Tree Point drift gillnet fishery opened at 12:01 p.m., on Sunday, June 23, for a 4-day fishing period. In comparison to the 10-year average, the harvest of Chinook, sockeye, coho and pink were below average, and chum salmon harvest was well above average. Chum salmon catch per unit effort (CPUE) during statistical week 26 was double the 10-year average. The effort level of 27 vessels was double the previous week, but below the 10-year average of 39 vessels. The estimated weekly harvest for statistical week 26 was 300 Chinook salmon, 1,000 sockeye salmon, 100 coho salmon, 100 pink salmon, and 39,200 chum salmon. The preseason forecast for the Nass River run is 469,000 sockeye salmon, allowing the Section 1-B drift gillnet fishery to harvest approximately 37,100 sockeye salmon. With effort below average and currently no treaty concerns, Tree Point will open for four days in statistical week 27, beginning at 12:01 p.m., Sunday, June 30.

For updates on SSRAA contributions visit their website at http://www.ssraa.org/.  

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Stikine and Prince of Wales/Districts 6 and 8

Last updated: Friday, June 28

District 6, and two small areas in District 8 opened to commercial fishing for 48 hours beginning Sunday, June 23. A six-inch maximum mesh restriction was implemented for Chinook salmon conservation. On-the-grounds surveys indicated sockeye salmon abundance is above average for the time of year with a very low Chinook salmon harvest. As such, the 48-hour opening was extended for 24 additional hours. Chum salmon harvests were above average in District 6 and below average in District 8. Pink and coho salmon harvests were below average in both districts. District 6 and two small areas in District 8 will open on June 30 for 72 hours with mesh restrictions in effect for Chinook salmon conservation. Management personnel will be on the grounds assessing sockeye salmon run strength and wild Chinook salmon harvests for possible adjustments to fishing periods.   

The 2024 preseason terminal run forecast for Stikine River large Chinook salmon is 12,900 fish. This forecast is well below the average of 15,400 fish and below the escapement goal range of 14,000 to 28,000 fish. Recent trends of Stikine River Chinook salmon abundance and trends in Chinook salmon abundance throughout Southeast Alaska indicate very poor survival of Chinook salmon. As such, Chinook salmon conservation measures will be in place for the next few weeks of the sockeye salmon fishery.

The 2024 preseason forecast for Stikine River sockeye salmon is 130,000 fish, which is above the average of 102,000 fish. This forecast includes 99,000 Tahltan Lake and 30,000 mainstem sockeye salmon. For 2024, harvest shares will be 57.5% U.S./42.5% Canada. Based on the forecast, this results in a U.S. allowable catch of 49,100 Stikine River sockeye salmon and is comprised of approximately 43,900 Tahltan Lake fish and 5,200 mainstem bound sockeye salmon. To date, approximately 3,900 Stikine sockeye salmon have been harvested. This estimate was generated using average historical stock proportions from the past ten years and in-season genetic proportions.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Taku-Snettisham/Section 11-B

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The District 11 drift gillnet fishery garnered more interest and effort this week from permit holders with an estimated 35 vessels setting nets and making landings. Section 11-B was open for two days and fishing effort was just below the recent 10-year average of 37 vessels participating. In an effort to minimize the harvest of wild Chinook salmon returning to the Taku River drainage, maximum mesh size restriction and night closures were in place this week.

The Chinook salmon catch per unit effort (CPUE) dropped from the previous week and fishermen indicated that most of the harvest was composed of non-large fish. The estimated 180 Chinook salmon harvested this week was 91% of the recent 10-year average and CPUE was 102% of average. The Taku River drift tangle-net Chinook salmon stock assessment project will be wrapping up efforts capturing and tagging fish this week with a cumulative catch of approximately 1,000 Chinook salmon—about 740 fish being large Chinook salmon to date. The field crew’s efforts this season have resulted in the largest number of Chinook salmon captured, tagged, and released since the project’s inception in 2015. An escapement estimate will not be available until the spawning grounds recapture event takes place in late July and early August.

Sockeye salmon harvest and CPUE were above average this week, being 170% and 162% of average respectively. The Taku River sockeye salmon stock assessment project at Canyon Island has been ongoing with two fish wheel projects capturing and spaghetti-tagging sockeye salmon as part of the transboundary mark-recapture estimate of abundance. Catches at the fish wheels have been good for this early in the run. Upriver and across the international border, the Canadian inriver commercial gillnet fishery will have its first opening next week and will mark the start of part two (recapture) of the sockeye salmon mark-recapture study. This information will be used to generate weekly inseason sockeye salmon abundance estimates in the weeks to come.

Chum salmon harvest this week was estimated at 36,000 fish which was approximately 181% of the recent 10-year average, and CPUE was 319% of average. Douglas Island Pink and Chum (DIPAC) reported an average sample weight of Taku Inlet-caught chum salmon of 6.9-pounds this week, which is small for this early in the return, and a sex ratio of 70% male and 30% female fish. Seventy-six percent of the chum salmon sampled were 4-ocean age, and 17% 5-ocean age fish.

The District 11 drift gillnet fishery will open for 48-hours in statistical week 27 with the north line in Taku Inlet relaxed to Jaw Point with no gear restrictions or night closures in place.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Lynn Canal/District 15

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The District 15 gillnet fishery opened for 48 hours this week, with area and gear restrictions, including night closures, to conserve Chilkat River Chinook salmon. The same areas as last week were opened to commercial fishing. Fishing effort increased from last week with 88 vessels actively fishing throughout the district, however, participation was below the recent 10-year average of 130 boats for this statistical week. Effort in Section 15-A increased to 9 boats, but the majority of the fleet remained in Section15-C to target hatchery-produced chum salmon returning to the Boat Harbor terminal harvest area (THA). Chum salmon are averaging 6.8-7 lbs. with quite a few dark fish in the mix. DIPAC reported an age composition of 66% 4-year-olds, and a sex ratio of 71% males. On-the-grounds surveys indicated below average sockeye salmon abundance in the canal, and the overall harvest of 765 fish was less than half the10-year average. Chum salmon catch-per-unit  (CPUE) dropped a bit this week, and the overall estimated harvest of 69,000 fish was 71% of average. Very few Chinook salmon were reported this week, harvest for all other species were below average as well.

Sockeye salmon run timing through the Chilkoot River weir is late. To date, 187 sockeye salmon have been counted through the weir, which is 136% of average for this time. Chilkat River on the other hand, is showing good numbers with an above average count of approximately 3,000 sockeye salmon observed through the DIDSON weir. The Chilkat River Chinook salmon drift project continues to battle high water and lots of debris, and only 5 Chinook salmon have been sampled so far.

Next week (statistical week 27) District 15 will open initially for two days. The Postage Stamp will be expanded north approximately 1.5 nautical miles. Outside waters of Boat Harbor will remain at the 1 nautical mile line, and gear restriction and night closures will remain in effect districtwide. Inside waters of the Boat Harbor THA remain open with no restrictions until further notice. 

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Yakutat Area Set Gillnet Fishery

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The Alsek River, Dangerous River, Situk-Ahrnklin Inlet, Yakutat Bay, Manby Outside Waters, Manby Inside Waters and the remainder of the district were opened for commercial fishing during statistical week 26.

In the Yakutat District, the Alsek River was open for 2 days with 8 permits fished. Total harvest was 8 Chinook salmon and 814 sockeye salmon. Participation was average with sockeye salmon harvest above average and Chinook salmon harvest about average. The Situk-Ahrnklin Inlet was open for 2.5 days with 24 permits fished and a harvest of 3,517 sockeye salmon. Participation and harvest were average for this statistical week. Yakutat Bay was open for 2.5 days and there were 3 permits fished with total harvest of 5 Chinook, 72 sockeye and 7 chum salmon. Participation and harvest were below average for this statistical week. The Manby Outside Waters were open for 2.5 days and 5 permits were fished with a total harvest of 1,464 sockeye salmon. Participation and harvest were average for this week. 

The Situk River weir became operational on June 10. So far this season 130 Large Chinook salmon, 113 medium Chinook salmon, 68 small Chinook salmon, and 15,864 sockeye salmon have been observed through the weir.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Terminal Harvest Area (THA) Fisheries

Last updated: Thursday, May 16

Terminal Harvest Area (THA) drift gillnet fisheries occur in Nakat Inlet, Carroll Inlet, Anita Bay, Southeast Cove, Deep Inlet, and Boat Harbor. THA seine fisheries occur in Carroll Inlet, Kendrick Bay, Anita Bay, Thomas Bay, Southeast Cove, Hidden Falls, Crawfish Inlet, and Deep Inlet. 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Nakat Inlet THA

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The forecasted Nakat Inlet return is 415,000 summer chum, 20,000 fall chum, and 24,500 coho salmon. The Nakat Inlet THA will be open by regulation to the harvest of salmon by drift gillnet gear from Saturday, June 1, through Sunday, November 10. The current estimated harvest is 6,000 chum salmon.

For updates on SSRAA contributions visit their website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Neets Bay THA

Last updated: Thursday, May 16

The forecasted Neets Bay return is 1,540,000 summer chum salmon, 40,000 fall chum salmon, 100 Chinook salmon, and 109,700 coho salmon. The Neets Bay THA opens to the harvest of salmon by troll gear on Thursday, June 27. The Neets Bay THA expands to Chin Point on July 1, and Chinook salmon may not be retained west of the easternmost tip of Bug Island. The rotational fishery between drift gillnet and purse seine begins on Saturday, June 29, in those waters east of the easternmost tip of Bug Island. Neets Bay will close to the harvest of salmon by the net gear groups at 12:00 noon, Saturday, July 6 to allow for Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (SSRAA) cost recovery operations.

 

For further information please refer to the April 19 ADF&G announcement for Neets Bay THA and updates on the SSRAA website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Kendrick Bay THA

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The forecasted return for Kendrick Bay is 1,238,000 summer chum salmon. The Kendrick Bay THA will be open by regulation to the harvest of salmon by purse seine gear from Saturday, June 15, through Monday, September 30. The current estimated harvest is 79,000 chum salmon.

For updates on SSRAA contribution visit their website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Caroll Inlet THA

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The forecasted return for Carroll Inlet is 6,200 Chinook salmon. The Carroll Inlet THA will be open to troll gear from Saturday, June 1, through Sunday, June 30. The Carroll Inlet THA will be open in the waters of Carroll Inlet north of the latitude of 55°34.83′ N lat, approximately 1.3 nautical miles north of Nigelius Point, to the harvest of salmon by net gear groups from Saturday, June 1, through Wednesday June 12. The Carroll Inlet THA will open to a rotational fishery between purse seine and drift gillnet gears on Saturday, June 15. The 500-yard stream closure (5 AAC 39.290) will not be in effect in the Carroll Inlet THA. The Carroll Inlet THA will close to all gear groups on Sunday, June 30. The current estimated harvest is 1,100 Chinook salmon by the purse seine fleet, and 1,400 Chinook salmon by the drift gillnet fleet.

For further information, please refer to the ADF&G announcement for Carroll Inlet (April 19) and for updates on SSRAA contributions visit their website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Anita Bay THA

Last updated: Friday, June 28

For 2024, the Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (SSRAA) is forecasting total runs of 7,700 Chinook, 458,000 summer chum, and 14,300 coho salmon from releases at Anita Bay. A total of 5,400 Chinook, 118,200 summer chum, and 5,700 coho salmon are expected to be available for harvest in the THA. The Anita Bay common property fishery is managed as described in the District 7: Anita Bay Terminal Harvest Area Salmon Management Plan (5 AAC 33.383). A rotational fishery began for the drift gillnet and purse seine fleets on June 13. The total reported gillnet harvest to date is 1,000 Chinook salmon and 100 chum salmon. The total reported seine harvest to date is 220 Chinook and 20 chum salmon. The total reported troll harvest to date is 100 Chinook salmon. Details of the 2024 Anita Bay THA fishing schedule and area were announced in a separate advisory announcement released on April 18.

 

For further information and updates on Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (SSRAA) contributions and updates visit the SSRAA website.

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Deep Inlet THA

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The Deep Inlet THA opened on June 1. The drift gillnet fishery will be open on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of each week. From June 1 through June 27, the cumulative gillnet harvest in the Deep Inlet THA is confidential. The purse seine fishery will be open on Sunday, Thursday, and Friday of each week. From June 1 through June 27, the cumulative purse seine harvest in the Deep Inlet THA is 1,700 Chinook salmon and 198,000 chum salmon. To accommodate cost recovery operations, a portion of the Deep Inlet THA closed to all common property harvest on June 1. This area may reopen during the season based on the progression of the cost recovery fishery. Additionally, a portion of the Deep Inlet THA may be closed in late August to facilitate broodstock collection at Medvejie Hatchery.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Hidden Falls THA

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The common property purse seine fishery at Hidden Falls first opened on June 16 and has been open on Sundays and Thursdays. The most recent opening was June 27. The cumulative purse seine harvest to date at Hidden Falls THA is 350 Chinook and 268,000 chum salmon. The next opening for the common property purse seine fishery at Hidden Falls will occur on June 30. Following the fishing period on June 30, future openings will be dependent on inseason assessments of run strength and timely harvest reporting. A contraction of the offshore boundary of the Hidden Falls THA to within 1.0 nautical miles off the Baranof Island shoreline is likely for the 2024 season to conserve weak Chinook salmon and pink salmon runs destined for systems farther inland.

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Crawfish Inlet THA

Last updated: Thursday, May 16

The Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA) expects a run of 1,336,000 chum salmon to the Crawfish Inlet remote release site. NSRAA plans on conducting a cost recovery fishery this season in Crawfish Inlet. The number of chum salmon available for common property harvest will depend entirely on the progress of the cost recovery fishery. No chum salmon are needed for broodstock in Crawfish Inlet.

Purse seine openings at Crawfish Inlet will be conducted as needed following the cost recovery fishery to maintain fish quality and prevent large buildups of fish. Seine openings may occur inside the boundaries of the SHA depending on abundance of fish and balancing the troll priority. Should they occur, the purse seine openings will happen on Sundays and Thursdays. Purse seiners are advised that openings at Crawfish Inlet during the 2024 season may be announced with a minimum 24-hour notice, if necessary, to maximize fish quality.  

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Thomas Bay THA

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA) is forecasting a total run of 381,000 chum salmon to the Thomas Bay Terminal Harvest Area (THA). A portion of the run will be harvested in common property fisheries in Chatham Strait and Frederick Sound. No cost recovery is planned for 2024. The Thomas Bay THA is open to common property purse seine and troll fisheries from Sunday, June 16, through Saturday, August 3. Purse seine openings occur on Sundays and Thursdays, and troll openings occur on days closed to purse seining. Purse seine harvest through Friday, June 28, is confidential. Details of the 2024 Thomas Bay THA fishing schedule and area were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 18.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Southeast Cove THA

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA) is forecasting a total run of 215,000 summer chum salmon to the Southeast Cove Terminal Harvest Area (THA). The THA opened to common property fishing starting Sunday, June 16. Total reported purse seine harvest to date is 16,550 chum salmon. The gillnet harvest through Friday, June 28 is confidential. Details of the 2024 Southeast Cove THA fishing schedule and area were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 23.

In 2024, cost recovery will occur in the Southeast Cove THA with a harvest goal of roughly 60,000 chum salmon. If cost recovery goals cannot be met during days when the purse seine and drift gillnet fisheries are closed, then a brief closure may occur near the peak of the run.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

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Southeast Alaska & Yakutat | Central Region | Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Region | Westward Region

Central Region

Bristol Bay

The commercial salmon season in Bristol Bay opens June 1 by regulation. Fishing in eastside districts and the Togiak District will be allowed using a weekly schedule that varies by section. The schedules are in place to balance fishing opportunity with escapement in the early part of the season, particularly for king salmon. As each run develops and sockeye salmon run characteristics become defined within individual districts, fishing time will be adjusted accordingly. In the Nushagak District, management will focus on king salmon in the early part of the season, and switch to sockeye salmon management as abundance dictates.

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Bristol Bay Management Area

Togiak District

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The Togiak fishery is still developing. A big wind event limited fishing for several days this week. Effort is still below average and current harvest is 5,000 fish. Fishing closed this morning (6/28) based on the regular weekly schedule and will reopen Monday (7/1).

 

 

 

Nushagak District

Last updated: Friday, June 28

Commercial fishing in the whole district began Wednesday afternoon (6/26). Through Thursday night (6/27), Nushagak River sockeye salmon escapement is 640,000 fish. Through Friday morning (6/28) Wood River sockeye salmon escapement is 1,015,000 fish. Igushik River escapement enumeration started on June 25, and 1,300 salmon have been counted through Friday morning (6/28). Commercial harvest of sockeye salmon after the first 3 openings, through Thursday night (6/27), is 640,000 fish. Fishing in the Nushagak District will continue each tide and the Wood River Special Harvest Area will open to set gillnet fishing Saturday morning (6/29).

 

Naknek-Kvichak District

Last updated: Friday, June 28

On June 27, the Naknek River escapement was 858 sockeye salmon for a total of 4,700 fish. The Kvichak River escapement was 942 sockeye salmon for a total of 1,900 fish. Harvest from June 27 was an estimated 49,000 fish for a total of 78,000 fish. There are 247 vessels registered to fish in the district.

The Naknek Section will open to drift gillnet gear and the Naknek-Kvichak District will open to set gillnet gear for a 7.5-hour period from 6:00 p.m. Friday, June 28 until 1:30 a.m. Saturday, June 29.

 

Egegik District

Last updated: Friday, June 21

The Egegik River escapement through June 20 is 2,700 fish. Cumulative harvest through June 20 stands at 22,000 sockeye salmon.

 

Ugashik District

Last updated: Friday, June 21

The Ugashik tower is expected to be operational by late next week (statistical week 26). Harvests during the early season schedule slowly increased over the last week. Cumulative harvest through June 20 is approximately 18,000 sockeye salmon.

 

Copper River and PWS Drift Gillnet

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The Copper River Delta sustainable escapement goal (SEG) range is 55,000–130,000 sockeye salmon, and the upper Copper River SEG range is 360,000–750,000 wild sockeye salmon.

The 2024 commercial harvest forecasts for the Copper River District are 1.30 million sockeye and 202,000 coho salmon. The 2024 sockeye salmon harvest forecast is 46% above the 10-year (2014–2023) average of 893,000 fish. Based on recent poor Chinook and sockeye salmon production, a conservative management approach will be implemented at the start of the season. For Chinook salmon conservation, the ‘inside closure area’, as defined in 5AAC 24.350(1)(B), will be closed during early season fishing periods; this area may be expanded early in the season to include waters inside the barrier islands east of Coffee Creek West (60° 14.13' N. lat., 144° 58.31' W. long.). The Copper River Chinook salmon total run forecast (47,000 fish) is 2% below the 10-year (2014–2023) average (48,000 fish).

Waters within the standard Chinook salmon inside closure area remain CLOSED. The trend in daily and cumulative passage at the Miles Lake sonar station indicates that the inriver goal is likely to be met and supports opening the Copper River District commercial fishery. Fishing effort is shifting from the Copper River District to other gillnet fisheries in Prince William Sound. Copper River District Chinook salmon average harvest timing (2014-2023) is 98% complete through this date. The continued closure of the standard Chinook salmon inside closure area is to help meet the escapement goal, and in response to Chinook salmon subsistence, personal use, and sport harvest restrictions (no retention).

To-date, the cumulative Copper River District commercial harvest is 8,325 Chinook salmon and 749,874 sockeye salmon. The expected cumulative commercial sockeye salmon harvest to date is 907,464 fish. The commercial fishery was open for a 36-hour period on Monday, June 24, a 36-hour hour period starting on Thursday, June 27. Preliminary harvest estimates from the 36-hour period that started on Monday, June 24 were 91,411 sockeye, 263 Chinook, and 3,054 chum salmon with 369 deliveries reported. The North and South Bank sonars at Miles Lake are currently deployed 24 hours per day. The cumulative passage to-date is 503,756 salmon versus a cumulative management objective of 446,200 salmon.

The recent 10-year average commercial harvests for the Bering River District are 5,270 sockeye and 63,400 coho salmon. The western portion of the Bering River District may open concurrent with the Copper River District to alleviate enforcement concerns in the line fishery along the district boundary.

The 2024 Coghill Lake sockeye salmon total run forecast is 273,000 fish with an SEG range of 20,000–75,000 fish. The chum salmon run to Wally Noerenberg Hatchery (WNH) is forecast to be 2.82 million fish. Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation (PWSAC) anticipates utilizing 1.60 million (57%) chum salmon for cost recovery and broodstock, leaving 1.22 million (43%) fish available for harvest.

The management strategy in 2024 will be to provide two periods per week in the Coghill District. WNH cost recovery and broodstock needs currently necessitate extended closures of hatchery subdistricts. Based on the strong Coghill Lake sockeye salmon forecast and recent trend in annual escapement near to or above the upper end of the Coghill Lake escapement goal, 60 to 84-hour fishing periods are currently the management approach in waters of north Port Wells and College Fiord. If the Coghill River weir counts start to exceed the daily weir passage objectives, fishing area will be expanded to the mouth of Coghill River. If sustained weir passage above daily objectives continues and/or wild sockeye salmon harvest patterns indicate rapidly increasing run entry, portions of hatchery subdistricts may be opened to target Coghill Lake sockeye salmon. Hatchery cost recovery and broodstock needs continue to be regularly evaluated and management will adjusted to the extent practicable.

The Coghill District opened on June 20 for an 84-hour period and on June 24 for a 60-hour fishing period. Participation is holding steady at around 100 deliveries per fishing period. The cumulative Coghill District commercial harvest is 98,419 chum and 26,034 sockeye salmon.

The 2024 sockeye salmon run to Main Bay Hatchery (MBH) is forecast to be 864,000 fish. PWSAC anticipates utilizing 259,000 (30%) sockeye salmon for cost recovery and broodstock, leaving 605,000 (70%) fish available for harvest. The management strategy in 2024 is to provide two periods per week in the Eshamy District when possible. Extended closures and/or short-duration periods may be necessary due to anticipated MBH cost recovery and broodstock needs representing almost a third of the total run. Fishing time in the Crafton Island Subdistrict may be adjusted based on the Coghill River wild sockeye salmon escapement. The Eshamy District has been open for four 36-hour and four 24-hour fishing periods in 2024.

The cumulative Eshamy District commercial harvest is 24,174 chum and 479,957 sockeye salmon. Sockeye salmon harvest during the 24-hour period that started on June 24 was 200,758 fish, nearly double the 122,106 sockeye salmon harvest from the previous 24-hour period that started on June 20.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Prince William Sound and Copper River Management Area.

Prince William Sound Purse Seine

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The 2024 purse seine season started on Saturday, June 1, targeting enhanced chum salmon returning to the Port Chalmers Subdistrict and Armin F. Koernig (AFK) Hatchery Terminal Harvest Area (THA) and Special Harvest Area (SHA). The overall chum salmon forecast is 4.62 million fish. Most fish, 3.98 million (86%), are from Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation (PWSAC) hatchery production, with 240,000 fish returning to the AFK hatchery and 920,000 fish returning to Port Chalmers.

Port Chalmers has remained on its preseason schedule of a 48-hr period and two 36-hr periods per week. Through 11 fishing periods at Port Chalmers, approximately 341,300 chum salmon have been harvested from 351 deliveries; approximately 35 boats are participating in the Port Chalmers fishery. Fishing time has been adjusted for the AFK THA and SHA to minimize the interception of Main Bay sockeye salmon. The current schedule is one 36-hr period and two 24-hour periods in the AFK THA and SHA. Effort remains low at AFK, and the cumulative harvest through 10 periods is 50,300 chum and 15,200 sockeye salmon from 75 deliveries; approximately 12 boats are participating in the AFK fishery. The enhanced chum salmon fisheries at Port Chalmers and AFK are performing below forecast.

Some pink salmon have started appearing in parts of Prince William Sound, and the Valdez Fisheries Development Association (VFDA) has conducted a few cost recovery test sets. The results of those sets have indicated that run entry does not yet warrant beginning cost recovery. The pink salmon season typically starts in early July. The pink salmon total run forecast for Prince William Sound is 32.18 million fish, with a potential commercial harvest of 20.53 million fish.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Prince William Sound and Copper River Management Area.

Upper Cook Inlet

Last updated: Friday, June 28

There are three commercial fisheries currently underway in Upper Cook Inlet (UCI):

  1. Season starts June 17: Western Subdistrict Set Gillnet Fishery: Monday/Thursday –12-hour periods
  2. Season starts June 20: Drift Gillnet Fishery: Monday/Thursday fishing periods; 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  3. Season starts June 20: Upper Subdistrict Dip Net fishery; up to 3 12–hour periods per week, by EO

The Big River fishery reported the last salmon harvest of the year on Monday, June 24.

Total harvest from the Big River commercial fishery is below average for sockeye salmon and significantly below average for king salmon. Cumulative harvest to date is confidential since less than 3 processors have reported deliveries. The 10-year average total harvest through June 24 is approximately 336 king salmon and 11,104 sockeye salmon. The 5-year average harvest is approximately 352 king salmon and 12,814 sockeye salmon.

Total harvest from the Western Subdistrict commercial fishery is slightly above average for sockeye salmon and below average for king salmon. Cumulative harvest to date is confidential since less than 3 processors have reported deliveries. The 10-year average total harvest through June 27 is approximately 29 king salmon and 3,094 sockeye salmon. The 5-year average harvest is approximately 21 king salmon and 3,248 sockeye salmon.

Total harvest (excluding confidential harvest) from the Central District State and Federal drift gillnet commercial fisheries is below the 10-year average but above the 5-year average for sockeye salmon with a harvest of 9,955 fish, and is well below average for king salmon with a harvest of 4 fish. The 10-year average total harvest through June 27 is approximately 31 king salmon and 10,804 sockeye salmon. The 5-year average harvest is approximately 18 king salmon and 5,912 sockeye salmon.

Total harvest from Upper Subdistrict dip net commercial fishery was 86 sockeye salmon through June 27. No historical data is available for comparison as this fishery was created in 2024.

The season opening dates in 2024 for the various fisheries are as follows:

  • Northern District King Salmon Fishery: Closed.  In response to the preseason projection of the Deshka River king salmon run is less than the lower bound of the sustainable escapement goal, the Division of Commercial Fisheries released an EO closing the Northern District directed king salmon commercial fishery for the 2024 season.  
  • All remaining set gillnet fisheries, except the Upper Subdistrict: June 27.
  • Upper Subdistrict Set Gillnet Fishery: The 2024 Kenai River late-run king salmon forecast projects a total run of 13,639 large (>75cm mid eye to tail fork) fish. The newly established recovery goal for Kenai River late-run king salmon is 14,250–30,000 large fish. The recovery goal was established with the listing of Kenai River Late-run king salmon as a stock of a management concern and adoption of The Kenai River Late-Run King Salmon Stock of Concern Management Plan (KLKSOC). Set Gillnet permit holders can use dip nets as commercial fishing gear in the Upper Subdistrict statistical areas from June 20 through July 31. The department will issue EO’s to open this fishery up to three days per week for 12-hour periods.

In 2024, a run of approximately 5.7 million sockeye salmon is forecast to return to UCI with an estimate of 3.7 million available for harvest (commercial, sport, personal use, and subsistence).

The sockeye salmon total run forecast for the Kenai River is approximately 3.3 million fish. The 2024 sockeye salmon forecast is 500,000 fish less (14%) than the historical (1986­–2023) average run of 3.8 million fish, but 215,000 fish more than the 10-year (2014–2023) average of 3.17 million fish.

The Kasilof River sockeye salmon run forecast is approximately 1.1 million fish which is 201,000 fish greater (20%) than the historical (1986–2023) average and is 174,000 fish greater (17%) than the recent 10-year (2014–2023) average.

The Susitna River sockeye salmon run forecast is 303,400 fish, which is 127,400 fish below the historical (2002–2023) average run and 71,600 fish (21%) below the recent 10-year (2014–­2023) average run.

The Fish Creek sockeye salmon run forecast for 2024 is 86,690 fish. The 2024 forecast is 25,450 fish (26%) below the historical average but the same as the recent 10-year (2014–2023) average run size. The years 2021 and 2022 were excluded from this analysis because the weir was not operated for the entire run.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

The UCI commercial fisheries information line will again be available by calling 262-9611.  The most recent Emergency Order (EO) announcement is always available on the recorded message line; catch, escapement and test fishing information is included whenever possible.  The same recording may be accessed at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareauci.main and clicking on the UCI Commercial Fisheries Information Recording player.

All EO announcements are also faxed or emailed to processors as quickly as possible and posted online at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareauci.salmon.

For very general information, we invite you to visit the Commercial Fisheries page on the department website at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishingCommercial.main.

 

 

Please see the 2022 Upper Cook Inlet Salmon Fishing Outlook (PDF 589 kB) for more information on fishing strategies.

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Upper Cook Inlet Management Area.

Lower Cook Inlet

Last updated: Friday, June 28

Eastern District

Cost recovery harvest of returning Trail Lakes Hatchery sockeye salmon from the Bear Lake release site began on May 28 and concluded in saltwater on June 17. Cost recovery harvest at the Bear Creek weir is ongoing. Through June 24 a total of 39,369 hatchery produced sockeye salmon have been harvested. Over the past 10 years, approximately 86% of final harvest has occurred by this date. The cost recovery goal for this return in 2024 is 89,000 fish.

The weir at Bear Creek in Resurrection Bay has been in operation for several weeks. Through June 25, a total of 12,185 sockeye salmon have been counted at the Bear Creek weir. This is above the anticipated range for this date (4,346 – 10,746 fish) to achieve passage into the lake that meet both broodstock and wild stock escapement objectives.

Southern District

Cumulative harvest from the first seven set gillnet fishing periods was 74 Chinook, 3,549 sockeye, and 150 chum salmon. Cumulative harvest last year from the first seven fishing periods was 117 Chinook, 6,234 sockeye, and 243 chum salmon. The previous 5-year harvest average from these seven periods combined was 191 Chinook, 6,212 sockeye, and 365 chum salmon.

Portions of the Southern District opened to commercial purse seine salmon harvest on Monday, June 10 on a schedule of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 16-hour fishing periods beginning at 6:00 AM on those days. Through Wednesday, June 26 preliminary cumulative commercial common property seine harvest is estimated at 2,170 sockeye and 88 chum salmon.

Through June 25 a total of 4,578 sockeye salmon have passed through the English Bay River weir. This is above the range for this date (2,031 – 3,934 fish) to achieve a final SEG range of 6,300 – 12,200 salmon by July 31 using historical run timing for this stock.

Kamishak District

Video monitoring of sockeye salmon escapement into Chenik Lake began on May 30. Through Wednesday, June 27 approximately 30 fish have been counted entering this lake. Preliminary estimates of sockeye salmon passage into Chenik Lake are posted here: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyarealci.salmon#fishcounts The sustainable escapement goal range for Chenik Lake is 2,900 – 13,700 fish.

The Chenik Subdistrict and all remaining areas of the Kamishak District remain closed until further notice.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Lower Cook Inlet Management Area.

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Lower Cook Inlet Management Area.

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Westward Region

Kodiak

Last updated: Friday, June 28

The Duck Bay Section of the Afognak District, the Foul Bay Special Harvest Area, and the Waterfall Bay Special Harvest areas are open until further notice targeting hatchery sockeye and chum salmon.

In the Southwest Kodiak District, the cumulative Karluk River early-run sockeye salmon escapement through June 27 is 66,731 fish, which is below the desired escapement range for this date. The Karluk River Chinook salmon escapement through June 27 is 55 fish which is the lowest on record. The cumulative Ayakulik River early-run sockeye salmon escapement through June 27 is 123,497 fish, which within the desired escapement range for this date. The Ayakulik River Chinook salmon escapement through June 27 is 211 fish, which is the lowest on record.

In the Alitak District, the cumulative Upper Station early-run sockeye salmon escapement through June 27 is 24,245 fish, which is below the desired escapement range for this date. The cumulative Dog Salmon Creek sockeye salmon escapement through June 27 is 25,555 fish, which is below the desired escapement range for this date

In the Afognak District, the cumulative Afognak Lake (Litnik) sockeye salmon escapement through June 27 is 22,375 fish, which is within the desired escapement range for this date.

In the Northeast Kodiak District, the cumulative Buskin Lake sockeye salmon escapement through June 27 is 3,875 fish, which is within the desired escapement range for this date.

In the Eastside Kodiak District, the cumulative Pasagshak River sockeye salmon escapement through June 27 is 365 fish, which is within the desired escapement range for this date. The cumulative Saltery River sockeye salmon escapement through June 27 is 427 fish, which is within the desired escapement range for this date.  

There is currently little or no early information on sockeye salmon runs at Kaflia, Swikshak, Miam, Uganik, Little River, Malina, Long Lagoon, Thorsheim, Perenosa Bay, Pauls Bay, Akalura, Horse Marine, and other minor sockeye salmon systems.

Very few permits have participated so far this season. It is anticipated that approximately 140 seiners and 150 set gillnetters will participate.  

As of June 27, approximately 48,033 sockeye salmon have been harvested in the Kodiak Area, which is the least amount of sockeye salmon harvested to date in the Kodiak Area in the past 52 years. Approximately 221,920 chum salmon have been harvested in the Kodiak Area, which is above average.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Kodiak Management Area.

North Peninsula

Last updated: Friday, June 28

Currently, the Nelson Lagoon and the Outer Port Heiden Sections are open to commercial salmon fishing. Nelson Lagoon has been open every day but one since the June 17 and will be open continuously moving forward due to strong weir counts. The harvest since June 24 is averaging 6,000 sockeye salmon a day with 11 permits delivering. The Bear, Three Hills, and Ilnik Sections are closed to commercial salmon fishing due to poor weir counts for the date. 

Currently, the Nelson, Bear, and Ilnik River weirs are all operational. The Sandy River washed out on June 26 due to 70-80 mph sustained winds and high water, it will be reinstalled when water levels drop. Weir counts at the Nelson River are well above the ten-year average (2014-2023) for this date. Weir counts at the Bear, Sandy, and Ilnik River weirs are below the ten-year average (2014-2023) for this date. A survey of the Meshik River will be conducted in the coming days, weather dependent, to gauge sockeye salmon escapement.  

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Alaska Peninsula Management Area webpage.

South Peninsula

Last updated: Friday, June 28

Commercial salmon fishing began in the waters of the South Alaska Peninsula Management Area on June 25 at 6:00 a.m. until June 28 at 10:00 p.m. for set gillnet and drift gillnet gear. Commercial fishing for purse seine gear began on June 25 at 8:00 a.m. until June 27 at 4:00 a.m. in the Shumagin Islands Section of the Southeastern District. Commercial fishing for purse seine gear in the Otter Cove and Cape Lutke Sections of the Unimak District, Bechevin Bay Section of the Northwestern District, and the Southwestern District began on June 25 at 8:00 a.m. and will close at 11:59 p.m. June 28.

No aerial surveys for salmon escapement have been flown yet, which is normal for this time of year. The Orzinski weir was fish tight at 5:15 p.m. June 11. Only 162 sockeye salmon have passed through the weir.

There is one management plan in the South Alaska Peninsula Management Area that has allocative ties to another area. The Southeastern District Mainland Salmon Management Plan (5 AAC 09.360) is based off the Chignik Management Area (Area L) harvest. No commercial salmon fishing has occurred in Chignik at this time.

Sockeye salmon harvest is below the recent 10-year average and below the 5-year average, with 1,041,021 fish harvested through June 27. The 10-year average sockeye salmon harvest to date is 1,570,212 fish and the 5-year average is 1,701,026 fish.

Pink salmon harvest of 257,524 fish is below the recent 10-year average of 2,030,862 fish and the most recent even 5-year average of 1,147,797.

The to date chum salmon harvest of 374,859 fish is below with the 10-year average of 472,997 fish and the 5-year average of 562,747 fish.

Chinook and coho salmon catches are relatively low, which is normal for this time of year.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Alaska Peninsula Management Area webpage.

Chignik

Last updated: Friday, June 21

The 2024 Chignik sockeye salmon harvest forecast is strong, with a forecast estimate of 1.58 million sockeye salmon. Of this total, 634,000 fish are estimated to be Chignik early run sockeye salmon and 796,000 are estimated to be Chignik late run sockeye salmon. The early run has a total run estimate of 984,000 fish with an optimal escapement goal (OEG) range of 300,000–400,000 fish, while the late run has a total run estimate of 1,096,000 fish with an OEG range of 240,000–360,000 fish.

The Chignik weir was fish tight at approximately 5:00 pm May 31. As of 11:00 am June 21, 40,452 sockeye salmon have passed the weir.

Commercial fishing in the Chignik Area cannot open until after June 1 and 40,000 sockeye salmon have or are expected to escape. So far, the early sockeye salmon run appears late and likely weak, currently about 40,000 fish behind lower interim goals. Based on forecast, recent run timings, and escapement, commercial fishing opportunities are not likely to begin before late June, potentially later depending on escapement.

 

For Advisory Announcements detailing the specific information related to the fishery visit the Advisory Announcements webpage.

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Chignik Management Area webpage.

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Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim (AYK) Region

Yukon River

Last updated: Thursday, May 16

Due to low run sizes and conservation concerns, there will be no commercial fishing opportunity on the Yukon River for Chinook salmon in 2024. The Chinook salmon run is expected to be between 45,000 and 68,000 fish, of which the Canada-origin portion is 19,000 to 28,000 fish. This is well below the Canadian passage objective of 71,000 fish outlined in the 7-year agreement between the US and Canada. The drainagewide summer chum salmon forecast is for a run size of 1,100,000 fish, with a range of 550,000 to 1,800,000 fish. The forecast is near the upper range of the drainagewide escapement goal and is above the commercial fishing threshold according to the Yukon River Summer Chum Management Plan. There is uncertainty in the forecasts given the recent salmon declines and ability to provide for subsistence needs, therefore a cautious approach is warranted.

The drainagewide fall chum salmon forecast is for a run size of 369,000 fish, with a range of 263,000 to 474,000 fish. The coho salmon run is anticipated to be below average. The fall chum and coho salmon forecasts are below the commercial fishing thresholds in their respective management plans. No commercial salmon fishing is anticipated for these species.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Yukon Management Area.

Kuskokwim River

Last updated: Monday, May 20

There are currently no registered commercial fishery buyers in the Kuskokwim Management Area for the 2024 season. The 2024 Kuskokwim River Chinook salmon forecast is for a range of 108,000–160,000 fish. The drainage-wide Chinook salmon escapement goal is 65,000–120,000 fish. If the run comes back as projected, the drainagewide escapement and tributary goals are expected to be achieved and a surplus above escapement needs may be available to support a limited subsistence harvest. The 2024 season will be managed in accordance with the Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Plan (5 AAC 07.365) with input from the Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Working Group. It is the intent of the department that all Kuskokwim River salmon stocks shall be managed in a conservative manner consistent with the Policy for the Management of Sustainable Salmon Fisheries under 5 AAC 39.222 to meet escapement goals and the subsistence priority.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Kuskokwim Management Area.

Norton Sound

Last updated: Friday, June 28

In the Nome Subdistrict, the subsistence fishing schedule went into effect June 15. Marine waters east of Cape Nome will be open 7 days per week. Marine waters west of Cape Nome and fresh waters of the Nome Subdistrict will open to gillnet fishing from 6:00 p.m. Wednesday until 6:00 p.m. Monday each week. Effective June 15, beach seines, dip nets, and cast net can be used for salmon and are open in all subsistence areas of the Nome Subdistrict whenever subsistence gillnet fishing is open. Unless closed by emergency order, beach seining will remain open during gillnet fishing periods through August 15. Additionally, the Sinuk River will be closed to subsistence fishing above the subsistence area (upstream from Boulder Creek) and open below Boulder Creek to beach seines only. Any sockeye salmon caught in beach seines must be returned immediately to the water unharmed.

Beach seining for salmon in Subdistricts 5 and 6 waters will open in fresh waters only at 12:01 a.m. July 1 with non-retention of king salmon. Any king salmon caught in beach seines must be immediately returned to water alive. Gillnetting in the marine waters of Subdistricts 5 and 6 remains closed to conserve king salmon in an effort to achieve escapement goals. Any king salmon caught in a beach seine, cast net, or dip net must be immediately returned to the water unharmed. Additionally, set gillnets with a mesh size of 4 inches, or less, may continue to be fished in the Unalakleet River drainage upstream of the North River confluence to target non-salmon species. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, July 15, the marine waters of Subdistricts 5 and 6 will open to subsistence fishing as the majority of king salmon should be in the river systems by that time.

The Pilgrim River remains closed to all net fishing effective at midnight Friday, June 14, which includes the lower Kuzitrin River 300 yards upstream from the mouth and the entire Pilgrim River and its tributaries until further notice.

Port Clarence waters, not including the Pilgrim River, will open on a schedule of two 48-hour period per week from 12:00 p.m. Monday through 12:00 p.m. Wednesday and then from 12:00 p.m. Thursday to 12:00 p.m. Saturday to gillnet fishing starting on Monday, July 1. Due to weak runs and unmet sockeye salmon escapement goals, the department closed the Pilgrim River to net fishing and is restricting Port Clarence. If escapement projections indicate the Pilgrim River escapement goal range of 6,800 to 36,000 sockeye salmon will be attained, the department will reopen the subsistence fishery to net fishing. Starting at 12:01 a.m. July 15, subsistence fishing in the Port Clarence District, excluding the Pilgrim River, will be open to subsistence fishing 7 days per week.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Norton Sound & Kotzebue Management Area.

Kotzebue

Last updated: Friday, May 31

The 2024 salmon season is projected of be near average with a commercial harvest projected of 200 - 300,000 chum salmon. Commercial salmon fishing is set to begin on July 10, as per regulations. Commercial fishing is expected to open 5 to 6 days per week. 

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Norton Sound & Kotzebue Management Area.

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