(Kodiak) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon to five fish in the Buskin River drainage. The combined bag limit for sockeye, chum and pink salmon remains at five fish, of these two may be coho salmon through September 15. From September 16 through December 31 the bag limit for coho salmon is one fish, 20 inches or greater in length. Anglers may not harvest more than five salmon per day or possess more than five total salmon, all species (other than king salmon) combined. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 3 through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

Through June 30, a total of 5,272 sockeye salmon have passed the Buskin River weir. The escapement goal for sockeye salmon into Buskin Lake is 5,000 to 8,000 fish and typically 63% of the run has occurred by this date. Based on the current weir counts and recent history of this run, it is projected to exceed the escapement goal.

“Sockeye salmon have seen some very high and very low years in the Buskin recently but the 2024 run is better than expected. Given that the run is projected to exceed the goal it is warranted to increase the limit” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum.

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