(Kodiak) - In favor of protecting returning king salmon and ensuring fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is expanding the waters closed to sport fishing for king salmon in the Chignik River drainage downstream to markers at the mouth of the Chignik Lagoon at a line from 56° 20.38’ N. lat., 158° 29.14’ W. long. to 56° 20.27’ N. lat., 158° 28.20’ W. long., starting Thursday, June 13, at 12:01 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 9, 2024. This includes all of Chignik and Black lakes and their tributaries. Any king salmon hooked incidentally while fishing for other species may not be retained or possessed and may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. In addition, the use of bait is prohibited and only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used in the Chignik River drainage.

“The Chignik River king salmon run has seen low returns over the last several years and was designated as a stock of concern by the Board of Fisheries in 2023,” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum. “The escapement goal has only been achieved in 5 of the last 10 years with the 2023 weir count being the lowest on record. ADF&G previously closed the king salmon sport fishery, however expanding closed waters to include the lagoon will ensure a conservative approach in alignment with the action plan and aligns the closed area with a similar subsistence fishing closure in the area.­­”

King salmon fishing opportunities may be restored in the Chignik River by a subsequent emergency order if inseason assessment indicates the king salmon run is stronger than anticipated.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum at
(907) 486-1880.