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: Friday, May 16, 2025

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: Thursday, July 03, 2025

The first Chinook salmon opening of the general summer troll season began on July 1 to target approximately 38,000 fish. Aerial surveys of troll vessels conducted on July 2 indicated a similar, but lower level of participation as compared to last year. The fishery remains open for Chinook salmon retention until further notice.

Preliminary fish ticket data reported through July 2 indicate a total of 49 troll permits have landed 800 Chinook, with another 5,000 Chinook salmon reported to be onboard vessels but not yet landed. Harvest reported on fish tickets for other species include 500 coho and 600 chum salmon. Current average weights are 11.7 lb for Chinook, 5.0 lb for coho, and 6.6 lb for chum salmon. Chinook salmon average weight is above the 2024 and 5-year averages by 0.9 lb and 0.8 lb, while coho salmon average weight is below the 2024 average by 0.3 lb and equal to the 5-year average. Chum salmon average weight is below the 2024 and 5-year averages by 3.3 lb and 1.0 lb.

The preliminary total number of Chinook salmon reported to date for the 2025 spring troll fisheries is 15,791, a decrease of 612 and 581 fish from the 2024 and the 5-year average catch.

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

Purse Seine Fishery

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

A detailed management plan for the 2025 season will be posted at:

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareasoutheast.salmon#management

Regulations allow purse seine fishing in Districts 1 (Sections 1-C, 1-D, 1-E, and 1-F only), 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (Sections 6-C, 6-D, and 6-E only), 7, 9, 10, 11 (Sections 11-A and 11-D only), 12, 13, and 14. Although the areas specified above are designated purse seine fishing areas, specific open areas and fishing times are established in season by emergency order (EO). Purse seine fishing is also allowed in hatchery terminal harvest areas (THA) at Carroll Inlet, Neets Bay, Kendrick Bay, Anita Bay, Thomas Bay, Southeast Cove, Hidden Falls, Deep Inlet, Crawfish Inlet, and Amalga Harbor. Purse seine openings in THAs are established by EO in consultation with hatchery operators.

The 2025 SEAK pink salmon harvest is predicted to be in the average range with a point estimate of 29 million fish (80% prediction interval: 16–53 million fish). Although uncertainties are inherent in salmon forecasts, the NOAA/ADF&G joint pink salmon harvest forecast has maintained a strong track record, despite the unique forecasting challenges for pink salmon.

Common property purse seine openings began June 1 in the Carroll Inlet, Anita Bay, and Deep Inlet THAs, and June 15 in the Thomas, Bay, SE Cove, and Hidden Falls THAs. The Point Augusta Index Fishery has been open twice this week, on Sunday and Thursday, beginning June 15. This Thursday’s opening on July 3 marked the first traditional pink salmon opening of the season with area in Districts 1 and 2 opening. Traditional pink salmon fishing area is expected to expand for Sunday’s opening on July 6 with District 4 as well as other areas opening. Most hatchery THAs will be closed for cost-recovery fishing after July 6, leaving only the Anita Bay and Thomas Bay THAs open. Pink and chum salmon harvest in common property purse seine fisheries has generally been slow to date.

The ADF&G interactive map where districts, sections, closed waters as well as other features used in the management of commercial salmon fisheries can be viewed, has been updated with recent changes from the Alaska Board of Fisheries and descriptions of THAs have been added. This map is available on the ADF&G website at: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareasoutheast.salmon#maps. Geographic information system data used to make the map is also available for download at: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=cfnews.main.

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

Drift Gillnet Fishery

Last updated: Friday, June 20, 2025

A detailed management plan for the 2025 season will be posted at:

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareasoutheast.salmon#management

There are 5 traditional drift gillnet fishing areas in 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 Pacific Salmon Treaty PST directly influences management of Districts 1, 6, 8, and 11 drift gillnet fisheries (5 AAC 33.361).

The drift gillnet fishery primarily targets sockeye, pink, and chum salmon during the summer season and coho and chum salmon during the fall season. Directed commercial fisheries harvesting Stikine and Taku Rivers stocks of Chinook salmon began in 2005 after ceasing in the 1970s. District 8 was opened to directed fisheries on Stikine River Chinook salmon from 2005 through 2008, and limited fisheries occurred in 2012 and 2016. In District 11, directed fisheries on Taku River Chinook salmon occurred in 2005, 2006, and 2009, and two 12-hour openings occurred in 2012.

Traditional common property fisheries began on June 15. For details on various drift gillnet fisheries, see the following sections by gillnet area.

The ADF&G interactive map where districts, sections, closed waters as well as other features used in the management of commercial salmon fisheries can be viewed, has been updated with recent changes from the Alaska Board of Fisheries and descriptions of THAs have been added. This map is available on the ADF&G website at: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareasoutheast.salmon#maps. Geographic information system data used to make the map is also available for download at: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=cfnews.main.

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

Tree Point/Section 1-B

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

The Tree Point drift gillnet fishery opened at 12:01 p.m., on Sunday, June 29, for an initial 4-day fishing period. In comparison to the 10-year average, the harvest of Chinook, sockeye, coho, and pink salmon were below average and the harvest of chum salmon was above average. The effort level of 30 vessels was below the 10-year average of 38 vessels. The estimated weekly harvest for statistical week 27 was 140 Chinook salmon, 1,000 sockeye salmon, 150 coho salmon, 6,000 pink salmon and 60,000 chum salmon. The 2025 preseason forecast for the Nass River is 597,000 sockeye salmon, allowing the Section 1-B drift gillnet fishery to harvest approximately 54,700 sockeye salmon of Nass River origin. With effort below average and currently no treaty concerns, Tree Point will be open four days in statistical week 28, beginning at 12:01 p.m., Sunday, July 6, 2025.

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: Thursday, July 03, 2025

District 6 and two small areas in District 8 were opened for an initial 72 hours. Management emphasis was based on sockeye salmon abundance with Chinook salmon conservation measures in place for both districts. A large area closure was in place for District 8 and the maximum size mesh allowed in both districts was six inches. Results from on-the-grounds surveys indicated an average sockeye salmon abundance for the time of year with a below average number of participants. As such, a 24-hour extension occurred. The next opening will start on Sunday, July 6, for 96 hours in the same open areas as last week 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 2025 preseason forecast for Stikine River sockeye salmon is 176,000 fish, which is above the 10-yr average of 120,000 fish. This forecast includes: 135,000 Tahltan Lake and 41,000 mainstem sockeye salmon. For 2025, harvest shares will be 57.5% U.S./42.5% Canada. Based on the forecast, this results in a U.S. AC of 76,100 Stikine River sockeye salmon and is comprised of approximately 64,600 Tahltan Lake fish and 11,500 mainstem bound sockeye salmon. The estimated U.S. harvest of Stikine sockeye salmon through SW 26 is 3,200 fish.

The 2025 preseason terminal run forecast for Stikine River large Chinook salmon is 10,000 fish. This forecast is well below the 10-yr average of 14,500 fish and below the escapement goal range of 14,000–28,000 fish. This forecast does not allow for directed Chinook salmon fisheries in District 8. Recent trends of Stikine River Chinook salmon abundance and trends in Chinook salmon abundance throughout SEAK indicate very poor survival of Chinook salmon. As such, conservation measures will be in place for the start of the sockeye salmon fishery. It is estimated that 120 large Stikine River Chinook salmon have been harvested in commercial, sport, and subsistence fisheries in District 8 at the time of publication.

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

Taku-Snettisham/Section 11-B

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

This week’s opening of the District 11 drift gillnet fishery drew the attention of approximately 50 vessels making landings which was approximately 88% of the recent 10-year average for the statistical week. Fishing area remained slightly reduced this week in Taku Inlet with a closure north of Jaw Point to aid in conservation of wild Chinook salmon making their way up the Taku River. Overall, this week’s fishery produced harvests of sockeye and chum salmon near the recent 10-year average harvest for the district, and a 24-hour extension was issued based on the Taku River preseason sockeye salmon forecast and abundance of hatchery chum salmon in district waters, for a full three-day opening.

Sockeye salmon harvest this week was estimated to have been approximately 3,000 fish, which was 96% of the recent 10-year average, and catch per unit effort (CPUE) 65% of average. Sockeye size was on the smaller end, with an estimated average of around 5.6-pounds. A sample of otoliths taken from Taku Inlet showed a small component of Tatsamenie Lake (Canada) enhanced in the harvest this week. No Snettisham hatchery (U.S.) marks were observed in the sample. The Taku River sockeye salmon stock assessment project has continued operations at the Canyon Island research camp where department staff capture, tag, and release sockeye salmon with project fish wheels. This week’s effort at the fish wheels, along with the Canadian inriver gillnet fishery, were hampered by a Tulesquah River glacial outburst which caused river levels to rise rapidly and temporarily halt operations until waters receded. An inriver sockeye terminal run estimate is at least a week down the road as more recapture data is needed for a reliable estimate to be generated.

Chum salmon catches were near-average this week. The harvest estimate for the district was approximately 68,000 fish, which was 113% of the recent 10-year average and CPUE 137% of average. Effort near Limestone Inlet increased this week as fisherman targeted returning hatchery-produced chum salmon. Douglas Island Pink and Chum (DIPAC) reported a sample weight of 7.6-pounds for chum salmon harvested in Taku Inlet this week and 75% male fish. Pink salmon harvest was below average this week (36%), and coho salmon harvest above average (169%).

District 11 will open for three days next week with no area or gear restrictions.

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

Lynn Canal/District 15

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

In District 15, Section 15-A was open for two days, while Section 15-C was open for three days. The Boat Harbor Terminal Harvest Area (THA) initially opened for three days, with an additional 24-hour extension. Management decisions continued to focus on sockeye salmon abundance, while districtwide conservation measures for Chilkat River Chinook salmon remained in effect. The inside waters of the Boat Harbor THA remain open until further notice with no current restrictions in place.

Fishing effort increased from the previous week, with approximately 125 vessels making landings—slightly below the 10-year average of 140 boats for this period. Section 15-A experienced a modest increase in participation; however, the majority of the fleet continued to concentrate efforts in Section 15-C and the THA. On-the-grounds survey data indicated below average sockeye salmon abundance throughout the district, along with below average chum salmon catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). As a result, no additional time was allocated in the traditional state-managed areas. However, due to ongoing opportunity to harvest DIPAC’s enhanced chum salmon, the outside waters of the Boat Harbor THA were extended by 24 hours.

Chilkat River sockeye salmon escapement is off to an early and strong start, with approximately 4,000 fish counted through July 2. In contrast, the Chilkoot River sockeye escapement remains well below expectations, with only 300 fish observed passing through the weir to date. Chinook salmon catch in the Chilkat River adult drift gillnet project continues to track slightly above average, with 32 large Chinook captured so far this season.

For statistical week 28, District 15 will initially open for two days in Sections 15-A and 15-C, with expanded areas to provide additional opportunity to harvest wild sockeye and enhanced chum salmon. All existing conservation measures for Chilkat River Chinook salmon will remain in effect.

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

Yakutat Area Set Gillnet Fishery

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

The Alsek River set gillnet fishery opened on June 29, for 72-hours. A total of 6 permits harvested 9 Chinook and 1,541 sockeye salmon. There was a 24-hour extension on the Alsek River this week, due to this not all fish tickets are accounted for, and so harvest is preliminary. Fleet participation was near average, and the Chinook harvest was below average, and sockeye harvest was above average for this statistical week.

The Yakutat Bay set gillnet fishery opened on June 29, for 60-hours. A total of 10 permits harvested 30 Chinook, 2,408 sockeye, 10 coho, 11 pink and 10 chum salmon. Fleet participation was above recent 5-year average and harvest of all species was above the 10-year average for this statistical week.

The Situk-Ahrnklin Inlet set gillnet fishery opened on June 29, for 60-hours. A total of 26 permits harvested 4,757 sockeye, 2 pink and 2 chum salmon. Fleet participation was average, and sockeye harvest was above average for this statistical week.

The Manby Shore Outside set gillnet fishery opened on June 29, for 60-hours. A total of 11 permits harvested 3 Chinook, 4,138 sockeye, 2 coho, 2 pink and 2 chum salmon. Fleet participation was average, and Chinook was below average and sockeye harvest above average for this statistical week.

Escapement monitoring at the Situk River weir for sockeye and Chinook salmon started on June 1st. To date, 25,402 sockeye, 176 large Chinook, 87 medium Chinook and 117 small Chinook salmon have been enumerated at the weir. Model still has not been run to account for the 10 days that weir was not fish tight in the early part of June.

The East Alsek, Akwe, and the Italio River systems will open by emergency order when adequate levels of escapement can be documented.

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

Terminal Harvest Area (THA) Fisheries

Last updated: Friday, May 16, 2025

For the 2025 season, Terminal Harvest Area (THA) fisheries to harvest fish returning to Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (SSRAA) hatchery release sites will occur at Nakat Inlet, Carroll Inlet, Port Saint Nicholas, and Anita Bay. Fisheries to harvest fish returning to Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA) hatchery release sites will occur at Southeast Cove, Thomas Bay, Hidden Falls, Crawfish Inlet, and Deep Inlet. Fisheries to harvest fish returning to Douglas Island Pink and Chum release sites will occur at Boat Harbor. THA fisheries may occur at other release sites depending on cost-recovery operations. THA fisheries are managed in accordance with regulatory management plans, stock of concern action plans, and in consultation with the hatchery operators. Details regarding the open fishing periods by gear type in each THA will be announced via commercial fishery advisory announcements.

For inseason updates see hatchery organization website for SSRAA at http://www.ssraa.org/; NSRAA at https://www.nsraa.org/ and DIPAC at https://www.dipac.net/.

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

Nakat Inlet THA

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

The forecasted Nakat Inlet return is 516,000 summer chum, 6,000 fall chum, and 22,000 coho salmon. The Nakat Inlet THA will be open by regulation to the harvest of salmon by drift gillnet gear from Sunday, June 1, through Monday, November 10, 2025. The current estimated harvest is 60,000 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: Friday, May 16, 2025

In 2025, SSRAA is forecasting total runs of 1,375,000 summer chum and 98,000 coho salmon with anticipated terminal runs of 894,000 summer chum and 39,200 coho salmon to the Neets Bay THA and will open to troll gear.

The Neets Bay THA will be expanded on July 1 to Chin Point at 131°42.10′ W long (Chin Point line) for troll gear only. Chinook salmon may NOT be retained in this expanded area, as Chinook salmon retention and possession in the Neets Bay THA is prohibited for vessels operating commercial troll gear within all waters of the THA.

The THA will remain open to troll gear 12:01 AM, Friday, June 27 through 11:59 PM, Thursday, July 31 as follows, unless closed by emergency order:

  • 12:01 AM, Friday, June 27, to 11:59 PM, Monday, June 30, east of the Bug Island line (131°39.14' W long);
  • 12:01 AM, Tuesday, July 1, to 11:59 PM, Thursday, July 31, east of the Chin Point line (131°42.10' W long);

The Neets Bay THA is not scheduled to open for rotational net fisheries in 2025. Details of the 2025 season fishing schedule and area for the Neets Bay THA were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 15. Common property fisheries, if warranted, will be announced by advisory announcement, and opened by EO in consultation with SSRAA.

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

Kendrick Bay THA

Last updated: Friday, May 16, 2025

For 2025, SSRAA is expecting a total run of 1,431,000 summer chum salmon with an anticipated terminal run of 358,000 summer chum salmon. Due to budgetary shortfalls and the need for additional cost recovery, the Kendrick Bay THA will NOT open by regulation on June 15. The Kendrick Bay THA will remain closed to common property harvest until approximately 1.5 million pounds of chum salmon are harvested for cost recovery. Details of the 2025 fishing schedule for the Kendrick Bay THA were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 16.

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

Caroll Inlet THA

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

The forecasted return for Carroll Inlet is 11,100 Chinook salmon. The Carroll Inlet THA will be open to troll gear from Sunday, June 1, through Monday, June 30, 2025. 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 Sunday, June 1, through Saturday June 7, 2025. The entire THA will open to drift gillnet and purse seine concurrently Sunday, June 8 through noon, Thursday, June 12, 2025. The Carroll Inlet THA will open to a rotational fishery between purse seine and drift gillnet on Sunday, June 15, 2025. 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 Monday, June 30, 2025. . The current estimated harvest is 2,600 Chinook salmon by purse seine gear and 1,100 Chinook salmon by drift gillnet gear.

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

Anita Bay THA

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

SSRAA is forecasting total runs of 8,900 Chinook, 395,000 summer chum, and 13,600 coho salmon from releases at Anita Bay. A total of 7,900 Chinook, 158,000 summer chum, and 6,100 coho salmon are expected to be available for harvest in the THA. The total reported harvest to date is 3,000 Chinook salmon and 500 chum salmon from gillnetters, 3,400 Chinook and 800 chum salmon from seiners, and 2,400 Chinook and 300 chum salmon from trollers. The Anita Bay common property fishery is governed as described in the District 7: Anita Bay Terminal Harvest Area Salmon Management Plan (5 AAC 33.383). The initial opening of Anita Bay will be delayed until June 1 to mitigate potential harvest of wild Chinook salmon. Similarly to last year, the mouth of the bay will be open exclusively to troll gear through June 12. A rotational fishery will be in place for drift gillnet and purse seine gear from June 13 through August 31. Further details of the 2025 season fishing schedule and open area within the Anita Bay THA can be found in an ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 16.

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: Thursday, July 03, 2025

The Deep Inlet THA has been closed to all common property fisheries since June 29 to aid in cost-recovery harvest. The THA is scheduled to reopen on August 3, with purse seine fishing open on Sunday, Thursday, and Friday, and drift gillnet fishing open on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. A second closure will begin on August 10 and remain in effect until cost-recovery operations are complete. NSRAA will need approximately 132,500 chum salmon for broodstock this season. Harvest from drift gillnet openings to date is approximately 2,100 Chinook salmon and 23,000 chum salmon. Harvest from seine openings to date is approximately 2,050 Chinook salmon and 77,000 chum salmon.

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

Hidden Falls THA

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

The Hidden Falls Hatchery, operated by NSRAA, expects a run of 2,666,000 chum salmon. Common property purse seine openings at Hidden Falls in 2025 will occur on Sundays and Thursdays beginning Sunday, June 15. Harvest from the seine openings to date is 280 Chinook salmon and 126,000 chum salmon. Additionally, NSRAA will need approximately 240,000 chum salmon for broodstock. The Hidden Falls THA will close on Monday, July 7 to allow for cost recovery harvest operations; depending on the progress of the cost recovery fishery, portions of the Hidden Falls THA may reopen to common property harvest later in the season. 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 a portion of the 2025 season to conserve weak Chinook 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: Friday, May 16, 2025

The District 13: Crawfish Inlet Terminal Harvest Area Salmon Management Plan (5 AAC 33.380) states that the department, in consultation with NSRAA, shall, by EO, open and close the Crawfish Inlet THA to provide for the harvest of hatchery-produced Chinook and chum salmon by purse seine, drift gillnet, and troll gear. The runs of Chinook and chum salmon to Crawfish Inlet are being managed with a troll priority. The THA will open to troll gear from 12:01 AM, June 1 through 11:59 PM, September 20 with Chinook salmon retention permitted only during June and the general summer troll Chinook salmon retention periods. Purse seine openings at Crawfish Inlet are scheduled to occur on Sundays and Thursdays from July 6 through July 26. The Crawfish Inlet THA will close to all common property fishing beginning on July 27 through the completion of cost-recovery operations.

NSRAA expects a run of 454,000 chum and 1,100 Chinook 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 expected to be needed for broodstock in Crawfish Inlet. 

Purse seine openings at Crawfish Inlet are scheduled to occur on Sundays and Thursdays from July 6 through July 26. The Crawfish Inlet THA will close to all common property fishing beginning on July 27 through the completion of cost recovery operations

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

Thomas Bay THA

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

NSRAA is forecasting a total run of 379,000 chum salmon to the Thomas Bay THA. The reported harvest to date is confidential. A portion of the run will be harvested in common property fisheries in Chatham Strait and Frederick Sound. No cost recovery is planned in 2025. The Thomas Bay THA will be open to common property purse seine and troll fisheries from Sunday, June 15, through Saturday, August 9, 2025. Purse seine openings will occur on Sundays and Thursdays, and troll openings will occur on days closed to purse seining. Details of the 2025 Thomas Bay THA fishing schedule and area were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 16.

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

Southeast Cove THA

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

NSRAA is forecasting a total run of 587,000 summer chum and 550 Chinook salmon to the Southeast Cove THA. The total reported harvest to date is 500 Chinook and 50,000 chum salmon from seiners. The gillnet and troll harvest is confidential. A portion of these runs could be harvested in common property fisheries in Chatham Strait. The Southeast Cove THA will be open to open continuously to troll gear from 12:01 AM, Sunday, June 1 through 11:59 PM., Saturday, June 14 and to purse seine, drift gillnet, and troll from Sunday, June 15, through Thursday, July 3, 2025. The 2025 gear rotation will be purse seine on Sundays and Thursdays, drift gillnet on Fridays, and troll on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Details of the 2025 Southeast Cove THA fishing schedule and area were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 29.

In 2025, cost recovery will occur in the Southeast Cove THA beginning Monday, July 7.

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

Inseason Harvest Information

The 2025 Bristol Bay sockeye salmon run is forecasted to be approximately 51.4 million fish. Based on the forecast and using the mid-points of the lower or upper portion of escapement goal ranges, depending on forecasted run size, 34.8 million fish are potentially available for commercial inshore harvest. The department manages fisheries based on inseason information regarding abundance. The inseason management approach uses a suite of assessment tools to provide information on abundance in each district as each run develops. This information is then used by the department to determine fishing opportunity.

The commercial salmon season in Bristol Bay opens June 1 by regulation.

Bristol Bay Fisheries Collaborative (BBFC)

Togiak District

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

The 2025 inshore run of Togiak River sockeye salmon is forecast to be approximately 1.0 million fish with a potential surplus of 750,000 fish (Table 1). The escapement goal range is 120,000 to 270,000 sockeye salmon. Approximately 67% of the run is expected to be age 1.3; 31% is expected to be age 1.2; 2% is expected to be ages 2.2 and 2.3.

Unlike other fishing districts in Bristol Bay that require emergency orders to announce fishing periods, the Togiak District follows a regular weekly schedule that allows fishing in the Togiak Bay Section four days per week, fishing in the Kulukak Section two and a half days per week, and fishing in the Matogak, Osviak, and Cape Peirce Sections five days per week. Following the Registration and Reregistration regulations, permit holders are restricted from fishing in the Togiak District until the mid-point of the Togiak River escapement goal has been achieved, as announced by the department, if they have fished in any other district in Bristol Bay. Conversely, permit holders are restricted from fishing in any other district until the mid-point of the Togiak River escapement goal has been achieved, as announced by the department, if they have fished in the Togiak District. Regulation 5AAC 06.370 requires vessel transfers to be restricted in the Togiak District, similarly to the restriction of permit transfers. Regulation also prevents drift gillnet fishing effort near the Togiak River mouth through July 15 and restricts mesh size to 5.5 inches or smaller between June 15 and July 15 to conserve king salmon.

2025 Bristol Bay Commercial Salmon Fishing Outlook

Effort continues to build in Togiak. The total harvest is 46,700, through July 2, of which 17,600 came on July 2. The tower crew is scheduled to fly out today and should be counting by Saturday. We plan on extending fishing from Saturday night until Monday morning to provide some additional fishing opportunity in Togiak Bay.

Nushagak District

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

Escapement information is now available from Wood, Igushik and Nushagak rivers. Nushagak River sockeye salmon has exceeded the 2.5 upper end of the OEG range and is still going strong. The king salmon escapement continues to lag at only 26,847 fish. Wood River escapement has just passed the 1.5 million mark not quite to the mid point of the 700,000 to 3,000,000 million OEG range. Igushik escapement is very good and just passed the 150,000 lower end of the escapement goal range on July 2.

Harvest in the district is at 9 million with over 830,000 of that coming on July 2. We are still getting harvest information for July 2 at this time. We have now had 3 days with over 1 million harvest this season. The total sockeye salmon run now exceeds 13 million.

We continued to take breaks with all gear out of the water to provide passage opportunity for king salmon most days. Though with the storm that pushed through on July 1 we did keep gear in the water.

Naknek-Kvichak District

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

On July 2, the Naknek River escapement was 26,000 sockeye for a total of 584,000; the Alagnak River escapement was 406,000 sockeye for a total of 658,000, which above the lower bound escapement goal; and the Kvichak River escapement was 230,000 sockeye for a total of 546,000. The Kvichak inriver estimate is 1 million fish. The harvest on July 2 was an estimated 460,000 fish for a total of 2.8 million. There are 245 vessels registered to fish in the district and there will be 286 in 48 hours.

Egegik District

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

Egegik District has been consistently fishing both tides daily since June 26th. Egegik River escapement through July 2 is 655,000 sockeye. This is well above the historical average of 413,000 for the date. This could mean the run is early, or it could be larger than forecast. The drift in the Egegik District fleet has been behind their allocation (86%) for the entire season. This is in large part due to fewer boats fishing the district in favor of others. Because we are ahead on escapement and behind on allocation, drifters began fishing before set nets and were given more ebb time fishing starting July 1. Current harvest levels in the Egegik District is above the 5-year, 10-year, and historical averages for the date.

Ugashik District

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

The Ugashik District has had a one-tide-a-day fishing schedule since June 28th. Ugashik River escapement through July 2 is 100,000 sockeye, which is also well above the historical average of 65,000 for the date. It too soon to tell if the run is early, large, or both.In the Ugashik District, the single set net buyer suspended buying on June 29th after a healthy harvest the day before.Current harvest levels in the Ugashik District is above the 5-year, 10-year, and historical averages for the date.

Copper River and PWS Drift Gillnet

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

The Copper River District was open for a 24-hour fishing period on Monday, June 30 and a 36-hour period on Thursday, July 3. There have been 258 hours of fishing time in the Copper River District during the 2025 season. The Bering River District is being managed on the same schedule as the Copper River District. The Coghill District opened for a 60-hour fishing period starting Monday, June 30 and an 84-hour fishing period starting Thursday, July 3. The Eshamy District opened for a 12-hour fishing period starting on Monday, June 30 and is expected to remain closed until Monday, July 7. The Port Chalmers Subdistrict opened for a 60-hour fishing period starting Monday, June 30, and an 84-hour fishing period starting Thursday, July 3.

The Miles Lake field camp was deployed on Wednesday, May 7. Sonar monitoring of Copper River sockeye and king salmon passage at the outlet of Mile Lake is ongoing. Currently, north bank and south bank sonar is deployed 24 hours per day. A total of 590,908 salmon have been enumerated to date versus a cumulative management objective of 437,123 salmon.

Based on the recent poor Chinook salmon production, a conservative management approach has been implemented so far this season. During Monday, June 23 and Thursday, June 26 fishing periods the Copper River District fishery was open for shorter duration fishing periods than sockeye salmon abundance and fishing effort dictated in an effort to reduce Chinook salmon harvest. The drift gillnet gear group has exclusive access to the Port Chalmers Subdistrict chum salmon fishery in 2025.

The 2025 Copper River District sockeye salmon commercial harvest forecast is 1.92 million fish, and the coho salmon commercial harvest 10-year average (2015–2024) is 182,000. The Copper River Chinook salmon total run forecast (36,000 fish) is 25% below the 10-year (2015–2024) average (48,000 fish). The 2025 sockeye salmon harvest forecast is 2.3 times the 10-year (2015–2024) average of 824,000 fish. The recent 10-year average (2015–2024) commercial harvests for the Bering River District are 11,100 sockeye and 52,300 coho salmon. The commercial fishery in Port Chalmers has a harvest forecast of 780,000 chum salmon. The 2025 sockeye salmon run to Main Bay Hatchery (MBH) is forecast to be 1.00 million fish. PWSAC anticipates utilizing 275,000 (27%) sockeye salmon for cost recovery and broodstock, leaving 728,000 (73%) fish available for harvest. The chum salmon run to Wally Noerenberg Hatchery (WNH) is forecast to be 1.45 million fish. PWSAC anticipates utilizing 948,000 (65%) chum salmon for cost recovery and broodstock, leaving 502,000 (35%) fish available for harvest. PWSAC projects the 2025 run to WNH to be 6,000 coho salmon, requiring 2,400 fish for broodstock, with all remaining fish (3,600) available for harvest. The wild stock sockeye salmon commercial harvest 10-year average (2015–2025) in Unakwik Inlet is 7,600 fish.

The Copper River District cumulative sockeye salmon harvest to date is 515,404 fish and, based on the forecast and recent historical run timing, the anticipated harvest for this period is 1.45 million fish. The Chinook salmon cumulative harvest to date in the Copper River District commercial fishery is 5,256 fish compared to a recent 10-year (2015-2024) average 12,100 fish over the same period. The Coghill District cumulative harvest to date is 218,148 chum salmon and is well behind harvest levels in recent years. The Eshamy District sockeye salmon cumulative harvest to date is 55,636 sockeye salmon and is low for this stage of the run timing curve for this stock. The Port Chalmers Subdistrict remote release enhanced chum salmon fishery cumulative harvest to date is 1.05 million chum salmon and is tracking ahead of harvest levels in recent years.

Break-up of the Copper River was early this year and river water levels are low for this date.

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: Thursday, July 03, 2025

The 2025 pink salmon total run forecast for PWS is 66.70 million fish, with a potential commercial harvest of 56.12 million fish. Chum salmon is expected to make up a smaller proportion of the purse seine harvest, and the forecast is composed of a forecasted AFK hatchery return of 210,000 fish and a wild stock forecast of 443,000 fish.

Currently, the only area open to commercial purse seine fishing is the AFK THA/SHA, where there is a terminal enhanced chum salmon return. Harvest since the last update, from the three fishing periods occurring on 6/27, 6/29, and 7/2, was 187,578 chum salmon, from 176 deliveries.

VFDA pink salmon cost recovery began on June 29, and they are 12.5% complete with their cost revenue goal. The first commercial purse seine period targeting enhanced and wild pink salmon will be on Saturday, July 5. Wild stock escapement indices are within expected ranges for the date. The next aerial survey evaluating wild stock escapement will occur early next week.

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

Upper Cook Inlet

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

There are three commercial fisheries currently underway this week in Upper Cook Inlet (UCI).

Central District (Western, Kustatan and Kalgin Island subdistricts) Set Gillnet Fishery: Monday/Thursday –12-hour periods; 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Drift Gillnet Fishery:

District wide: Monday/Thursday –12-hour fishing periods; 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Expanded Kasilof and Anchor Point sections: Tuesday/Wednseday-12-hour fishing periods; 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Upper Subdistrict dip net fishery; Monday through Friday 12–hour periods 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Total harvest from the Central District (Western, Kustatan and Kalgin Island subdistricts) set gillnet commercial fishery is below average for sockeye salmon and significantly below average for king salmon. The cumulative harvest for the Western subdistrict is 13,799 sockeye and 1 king salmon. The 10-year average total harvest through July 3 is approximately 363 king salmon and 20,581 sockeye salmon. The 5-year average harvest is approximately 384 king salmon and 23,073 sockeye salmon.

The drift gillnet fleet began fishing July 19th in State of Alaska waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of UCI. Total harvest from both drift gillnet commercial fisheries is above average for sockeye salmon and significantly below average for king salmon. Cumulative harvest from both fisheries to date is 9 king salmon and 65,507 sockeye salmon. The 10-year average total harvest through July 3 is approximately 64 king salmon and 36,991 sockeye salmon. The 5-year average harvest is approximately 23 king salmon and 36,633 sockeye salmon.

The Upper Subdistrict dip net fishery began on June 20th. The cumulative harvest to date for the Upper Subdistrict dip net fishery is 5,887 sockeye and zero king salmon. This fishery was established in 2024; there is not enough historical data to compare this year's harvest against. Permit holders are averaging 102 sockeye salmon harvested per delivery.

The season opening dates in 2025 for the various fisheries are as follows:

  • Upper Subdistrict Set Gillnet Fishery: The ESSN fishery will begin closed (EO # 2-F-H-2-25) and may only open if Kenai late-run king salmon projections indicate achievement of the recovery goal of 14,250 large (>75cm mid eye to tail fork) fish. If inseason projections of large king salmon indicate the recovery goal will be achieved, then fishing opportunity will be reassessed and may be opened following provisions in the Kenai River Late-run King Salmon Stock of Concern Management Plan (5 AAC 21.382).

In 2025, a run of approximately 6.9 million sockeye salmon is forecast to return to Upper Cook Inlet (UCI) with an estimate of 4.9 million available for harvest (commercial, sport, personal use, and subsistence).

The Kenai River sockeye salmon forecast is approximately 4.2 million fish. The 2025 Kenai River forecast is 302,400 (7.5%) fish more than the historical (1986–2024) average run of 3.9 million, but 968,000 (26%) fish more than the recent 10-year (2015–2024) average run of 3.2 million. For sockeye salmon runs 2.3–4.6 million fish, the Kenai River Late-Run Sockeye Salmon Management Plan (KRLSSMP) stipulates ADF&G manage to the SEG range of 750,000–1,300,000 and achieve an inriver goal of 1.1 to 1.4 million fish. The department will formally reassess the UCI sockeye salmon run after July 20.

The Kasilof River sockeye salmon run forecast is approximately 1.2 million fish. The 2025 forecast is 311,000 fish (29%) greater than the historical (1986– 2024) average run of 930,000 fish and 261,000 fish (24%) greater than the recent 10- year (2015–2023) average run of 978,000.

Approximately 404,000 and 105,000 sockeye salmon are forecast to return to the Susitna River and Fish Creek respectively in 2025. The 2025 Susitna River sockeye salmon forecast is approximately 22,600 fish (6%) below the historical (2002–2024) average run of 430,000 fish but approximately 29,500 fish (7.5%) greater the recent 10- year (2015–2024) average run of 380,000 fish. The 2025 Fish Creek sockeye salmon forecast is approximately 2,600 fish greater than the recent 10-year average run size (2.5%) of 102,400.

General Information

The UCI commercial fisheries information line will again be available by calling 262-9611. The most recent EO announcement is always available on the recorded message line and 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 at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareauci.salmon. For very general information, we invite you to visit the Commercial Fisheries web page on the Internet 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: Thursday, July 03, 2025

Eastern District

Cost recovery harvest of returning Trail Lakes Hatchery sockeye salmon from the Bear Lake release site began on May 26 and concluded in saltwater on June 20. Cost recovery harvest at the Bear Creek weir is ongoing. Through July 3 is approximately 11,000 hatchery produced sockeye have been harvested. Over the past 10 years, approximately 95% of the final harvest has occurred by this date. The cost recovery goal for this return in 2025 is 64,200 fish. Commercial common property purse seine salmon harvest in Resurrection Bay opened on a schedule of Monday through Friday 6AM to 10PM openings with a closure on the July 4th holiday. Commercial harvest is confidential due to fewer than three permits delivering.

The weir at Bear Creek in Resurrection Bay has been in operation for several weeks. Through July 1, a total of 11,086 sockeye salmon have been counted at the Bear Creek weir. This is within the anticipated range for this date (3,838–11,233 fish) to achieve passage into the lake that meet both broodstock and wild stock escapement objectives.

Southern District

Cumulative harvest from the first nine set gillnet fishing periods was 82 Chinook, 6,111 sockeye, and 987 chum salmon. Cumulative harvest last year from the first nine fishing periods was 87 Chinook, 8,159 sockeye, and 371 chum salmon. The previous 5-year harvest average from these nine periods combined was 184 Chinook, 8,685 sockeye, and 614 chum salmon.

Portions of the Southern District opened to commercial purse seine salmon harvest on Monday, June 9 on a schedule of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 16-hour fishing periods beginning at 6:00 AM on those days. Through Wednesday, July 2 preliminary cumulative commercial common property seine harvest is estimated at 10,228 sockeye, 65 chum, and 2 Chinook salmon.

Kamishak District

Video monitoring of sockeye salmon escapement into Chenik Lake began on June 12. Through Thursday, July 2 a total of 2,024 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 opened to commercial common property salmon harvest on Wednesday, July 2.

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: Thursday, July 03, 2025

The initial commercial fishing openings for hatchery chum and sockeye salmon in the Inner Kitoi Bay, Outer Kitoi Bay, Duck Bay, and Izhut Bay Sections of the Afognak District, as well as the Foul Bay Special Harvest Area opened at noon on Monday, June 9, and remains open until further notice.

To increase broodstock at the hatchery, the Inner and Outer Kitoi Bay Sections closed June 27, the Izhut Bay Section closed on June 30, and the Duck Bay Section closed July 2. The Foul Bay Special Harvest Area remains open until further notice.

In response to the recent record-low Chinook salmon escapements in the Karluk River, commercial salmon fishing in the Inner Karluk and Outer Karluk Sections of the Southwest Kodiak District, the Northwest Kodiak District, and the Southwest Afognak Section of the Afognak District will remain closed from June 1 through July 5. Fishing will resume only after the Karluk River's early-run sockeye salmon escapement goal of 150,000 to 250,000 fish is exceeded.

In response to the recent record-low Chinook salmon escapements in the Ayakulik River, commercial salmon fishing in the Inner Ayakulik, Outer Ayakulik, and Halibut Bay Sections of the Southwest Kodiak District will remain closed from June 1 through July 15. Fishing will resume only after the Ayakulik River's early-run sockeye salmon escapement goal of 140,000 to 280,000 fish is exceeded.

In the Southwest Kodiak District, the cumulative Karluk River's early-run sockeye salmon escapement through July 2 is 62,139 fish, which is below the target range for this date. Additionally, only 27 Chinook salmon have escaped, marking a record low for the Karluk River.

In the Southwest Kodiak District, the cumulative Ayakulik River's early-run sockeye salmon escapement through July 2 is 223,891 fish, which is well above the target range for this date. Additionally, only 352 Chinook salmon have escaped, marking a near record low for the Ayakulik River.

In the Alitak District, the cumulative Upper Station early run sockeye salmon escapement through July 2 totals 75,558 fish, within with the target escapement range for this date. The cumulative Dog Salmon River escapement through July 2 is 43,845 fish, below with the target escapement range for this date.

In the Afognak District, the cumulative Afognak Lake (Litnik) sockeye salmon escapement through July 2 totals 15,337 fish, below the target escapement range for this date.

In the Northeast Kodiak District, the cumulative Buskin Lake sockeye salmon escapement through July 2 totals 8,112 fish, above the target escapement range for this date.

In the Eastside Kodiak District, the cumulative Pasagshak Lake sockeye salmon escapement through July 2 totals 1,003 fish. The Saltery Lake sockeye salmon weir total escapement through July 2 is 2,837 fish.

There is currently little or no early information on sockeye 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.

As of June 22, approximately 58,659 sockeye salmon have been harvested in the Kodiak Area, which is below average. Approximately 118,662 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: Thursday, July 03, 2025

Currently, the Nelson Lagoon and Port Moller Bight Sections are open until 11:59 pm Thursday, July 10. The OPH Section was open for 60 hours, starting on Wednesday, July 2, at 6:00 a.m. and continuing until Friday, July 4.

Deployment of the Northern District weirs and field camps (Bear, Ilinik, and Nelson River) started on Tuesday, May 27, and finished on June 10. The Ilnik Weir was installed on June 6, and the Nelson and Bear River weirs were installed on June 10.

As of July 3, escapement at the Ilnik River weir has been below average with only 21,472 sockeye having passed the weir below the ten-year average of 52,965 fish for the date; escapement at the Bear River weir has been below average with 48,539 sockeye having passed the weir so far below the ten-year average of 73,584 fish for the date; and escapement at the Nelson River weir has been strong and early with 254,690 sockeye having passed the weir so far above the ten-year average of 54,322 fish for the date. This is the largest return of sockeye to the Nelson River for the date in 20 years.

Due to budget constraints, the Sandy River weir will not be operational for the 2025 season.

An aerial survey of the Meshik River is expected to be conducted on July 5th.

Commercial fisheries began on the North Peninsula on June 16th within the Nelson Lagoon and Port Moller Bight sections; participation in these areas is comparable to that of recent years. Both the Ilnik and OPH sections have been open in the past week, with roughly 90 vessels participating, which is above average for the date.

Harvest within Nelson Lagoon Section has been strong the past two weeks compared to recent years, with 95,000 sockeye caught from June 23 to July 2.

Within the OPH section, approximately 75,000 sockeye were caught on July 2. The Ilnik, Bear, and Three Hills Sections are closed due to low sockeye escapement into area rivers.

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

South Peninsula

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

Commercial salmon fishing by set gillnet was permitted in the Northwest Stepovak Section of the Southeastern District for 60 hours beginning at 6:00 a.m. on July 2. The first post-June commercial fishing period will begin at 6:00 a.m. on July 6. Commercial fishing for purse seine in the Shumagin Islands will be contingent on the outcome of the immature test fishery that will take place from July 2, 3, and 5. The first test fish day took place on July 2 and the average immature salmon per set was 30 fish.

No aerial surveys have been flown yet, which is normal for this time of year. There is one salmon enumeration weir operated in the South Alaska Peninsula Management Area, the Orzinski Weir. To date, Orzinski River weir has passed 3,500 sockeye salmon. This level of escapement is earlier than the recent 10 years. It is still too early to determine the strength of this run.

The 2025 South Alaska Peninsula post-June harvest estimate is 10.6 million pink salmon, and the total run estimate is 14.6 million fish. ADF&G will manage the commercial fishery according to the June and post-June schedules through July 31, after which time the commercial salmon fishing periods will be based upon the strength of local pink and chum salmon stocks.

The 2025 forecast for the estimated total harvest of Chignik River sockeye salmon is 757,000 fish. ADF&G will manage the fisheries so that the number of sockeye salmon harvested in CMA, for both runs combined, will be at least 600,000 fish and the harvest of sockeye salmon considered to be Chignik bound in the SEDM will approach, as near as possible, 7.6% of the total CMA sockeye salmon harvest through July 25.

Since the conclusion of the Shumagin Island and South Unimak scheduled fishing periods, there has only been one fishing period located in the Northwest Stepovak Section (NWSS) of the Southeastern District. At this time, harvest reports have not been completed and no information on harvest and participation is available. After July 1, NWSS is managed for local stocks, specifically Orzinski sockeye salmon, and is excluded from much of the allocation associated with the Southeastern District Mainland Management plan. Escapement into Orzinski Lake is currently tracking above the upper bound of the escapement goal, therefore a fishing period was warranted in this section. Additional fishing periods or the possibility of an extension of the current period is contingent on additional harvest and escapement information.

Sockeye salmon harvest of 440,267 is below the recent 5-year average of 1,942,687 fish and the 10-year average of 1,569,868 fish.

Pink salmon harvest of 127,084 fish is below the recent 10-even year average of 2,165,866 fish.

Chum salmon harvest of 165,649 fish is below the recent 5-year average of 547,842 fish and the 10-year average of 571,845 fish.

Chinook and coho 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: Thursday, July 03, 2025

The 2025 Chignik sockeye salmon harvest forecast is weak, with a harvest forecast estimate of 757,000 sockeye. Of this, 243,000 fish are estimated to be Chignik early run sockeye salmon and 441,000 fish Chignik late run sockeye salmon. The early run has a total run estimate of 593,000 fish with an optimal escapement goal (OEG) of 300,000–400,000 while the late run has a total run estimate of 741,000 fish with an OEG of 240,000–360,000.

The Chignik weir was operational May 27 with counts starting on May 28. Through June 26, 190,842 sockeye salmon have passed through the weir. No other salmon species have been observed through the weir yet. So far the Chignik early run sockeye appear to be on time and weak, though escapement is the highest it has been for the date since 2018. Three commercial fishing openers have occurred so far, with the first starting on June 20th. Currently, the Chignik Bay District is scheduled to open for 24 hours beginning at 9:00 p.m. Thursday, July 3. The Eastern, Central, and Western Districts are currently open until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, July 5. Non-Confidential harvest so far is 14 Chinook, 161,587 sockeye, 94 coho, 131 pink, and 1,718 chum salmon. The majority of harvest has occurred in the Chignik Bay District with 142,523 sockeye salmon harvest.

Beginning July 1 additional restrictions focused on protection of Chinook salmon went into effect. Fishing in the Chignik Bay District is limited to 48-hours per week in order to protect Chinook Salmon. Additionally, if more than 1,000 Chinook salmon are caught within a 48-hour period, the districts primarily responsible will be closed for one week.

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: Friday, May 16, 2025

No commercial salmon fishing is anticipated in either the summer or fall seasons of the Yukon River in 2025. The drainagewide Chinook salmon run is expected to be between 58,000 and 88,000 fish which is below average and unlikely to meet escapement goals. The Canadian-origin portion of the Chinook salmon run is forecast to be 24,000 to 37,000 fish, which is well below the U.S./Canada border passage objective of 71,000 fish. 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 drainagewide fall chum salmon forecast is for a run size of 218,000 fish, with a range of 114,000 to 322,000 fish. There is a large amount of uncertainty in the chum salmon forecasts given the recent salmon declines, the small size of the parent years from 2020 and 2021 and the uncertainty associated with recent year sibling relationships. For fall chum salmon it is unlikely any of the escapement goals will be achieved. The coho salmon run is anticipated to be below average as the parent year was record low.

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

Kuskokwim River

Last updated: Friday, May 16, 2025

The 2025 Kuskokwim River Chinook salmon forecast is for a range of 132,000 –217,000 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 surplus above escapement will be available to support a limited to normal subsistence harvest. The chum salmon run is expected to meet the escapement goal with a near average run and support normal subsistence harvest. The sockeye salmon is expected to come in above average, meet all escapement goals and support the full amounts necessary for subsistence harvest. The coho salmon run is expected to be an average run, to meet escapement goals and support normal subsistence harvest. The 2025 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. There are currently no registered commercial fishery buyers for the 2025 season in the Kuskokwim Management Area.

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

Norton Sound

Last updated: Thursday, July 03, 2025

The second commercial salmon fishery in Norton Sound was scheduled for 24 hours in Subdistricts 1 and 2, the Nome and Golovin Subdistricts, on Wednesday, July 3. This opening is ongoing at this time and harvest will be updated in future announcements.

Commercial harvest from the first opening are as follows:

Subdistrict 1: Confidential

Subdistrict 2: 3 permits harvested 10 sockeye and 236 chum salmon

Subdistrict 3: 4 permits harvested 10 sockeye, 78 chum, and 1 pink salmon.

In the Port Clarence District, the commercial fishery is expected to remain closed because of a continued lack of market interest.

Escapement project throughout Norton Sound have started to come online with counts being recorded at the Pilgrim, Eldorado, Niukluk, Kwiniuk, Ungalik, and North Rivers.

Pilgrim River Weir: counts began on June 26 with 1 king, 6 chum, 3 pink, and 2,059 sockeye salmon recorded to date.

Nome River Weir: counts began on June 28 with 3 chum and 1 pink salmon recorded to date.

Eldorado River Weir: counts began on June 24 with 13 chum, 33 pink, and 3 sockeye salmon recorded to date.

Niukluk River Tower: counts began on June 24 with 15 king, 385 chum, 549 pink, and 3 sockeye salmon recorded to date.

Kwiniuk River Tower: counts began on June 26 with 216 chum, 234 pink, and 15 sockeye salmon recorded to date.

Ungalik River Tower: counting began on June 25 and the tower became inoperable on June 28. While the tower was operational there were 30 chum and 3 sockeye counted.

North RiverTower: counting began on June 17 and the tower became inoperable on June 27. No salmon had migrated passed the tower at that time.

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

Kotzebue

Last updated: Friday, May 16, 2025

The outlook for the 2025 season is based on the parent-year returns and returning age classes observed in the commercial catch samples in 2024. During the 2024 season, the salmon return was weak and the 2025 return is expected to mirror that weakness to some extent with the 4-year-old component near average percentage of harvest based on the previous season’s 3-year-old return. The 5-year-old component of the run is expected to be above average percentage of the harvest based on the 4-year-old return last season. The 3-year-old and 6-year-old age classes are generally minimal components of the run and not expected to influence overall harvest significantly. The commercial harvest is expected to fall within the range of 50,000 to 150,000 chum salmon.

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

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