(Dillingham) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon to 10 fish, with no size limit, in all waters of the Nushagak-Mulchatna River drainage, effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 3 through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2024. The bag and possession limit for other salmon, except king and sockeye salmon, remains at five fish with no size limit. These limits are in combination (chum, pink, coho salmon combined to total a bag limit of five fish) with the more liberal limits for sockeye salmon.

The escapement of sockeye salmon in the Nushagak River is projected to exceed the escapement goal of 370,000 – 900,000 fish. Therefore, it is warranted to increase the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon in the Nushagak-Mulchatna River sport fishery.

“This year’s sockeye run is anticipated to exceed the upper end of the escapement goal,” stated Assistant Area Management Biologist Greta Hayden-Pless. “With nearly 900,000 fish passing the sonar station at Portage Creek, we are increasing opportunity for harvest of sockeye salmon in the sport fishery.”

For additional information, please contact Assistant Area Management Biologist Greta Hayden-Pless at (907) 842-2427.