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: Friday, July 18, 2025

The first Chinook salmon opening of the general summer troll season began on July 1 to target approximately 38,000 fish. The fishery was open for Chinook salmon retention for 4 days. Landing reports indicate a similar number of vessels participated in the fishery compared with the previous season.

Preliminary fish ticket data reported through July 17 indicates a total of 472 troll permits have landed 45,000 Chinook salmon. Harvest reported on fish tickets for other species include 74,000 coho and 60,300 chum salmon. Average prices are $8.04/lb for Chinook, $1.89/lb for coho and $0.68 /lb for chum salmon. Current average weights are 10.7 lb for Chinook, 5.0 lb for coho, and 7.7 lb for chum salmon. Chinook salmon average weight is above the 2024 average by 0.1 lb but below the 5-year average by 0.1 lb, while coho salmon average weight is above the 2024 and 5-year averages by 0.1 lb and 0.3 lb. Chum salmon average weight is below the 2024 and 5-year averages by 1.1 lb and 0.3 lb.

The current regional power troll coho salmon catch rate for this week (SW 29) is 78 coho/boat/day, with the highest catch rate in the Southern Outside area at 86/boat/day, followed by the Central Outside area at 70/boat/day.

Directed chum landings reported on fish tickets for the summer troll fishery in West Behm Canal and Neets Bay during SW 29 indicate 47 vessels have taken 21,100 chum salmon from 83 landings at a rate of 254 fish/landing. The seasonal total for this area indicates that 48 vessels have taken 52,800 chum salmon from 201 landings at a rate of 262 fish per landing.

A total of 8 vessels have reported 4,900 chum salmon from 22 landings since July 1 in District 14 (Icy Strait) at a rate of 222 fish per landing. A total of 5 vessels targeting chum salmon in Sitka Sound report 149 fish from 5 landings at a rate of 30 fish/landing.

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

Purse Seine Fishery

Last updated: Friday, July 18, 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.

Traditional pink salmon openings begin Thursday July 3 in Districts 1, 2, and 4. Traditional pink salmon openings continued with two openings this week on July 13 and July 17. Catches were stronger in Northern Southeast and area in Northern Southeast expanded to include District 10, the Hawk Inlet shoreline in District 12, more area in District 14, and Lisianksi Inlet in District 13. Pink salmon harvests continue to increase but are not at the levels seen during the 2023 parent year. The next opening is scheduled for July 20. As the run progresses, more area is expected to be open.

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: Friday, July 18, 2025

The Tree Point drift gillnet fishery opened at 12:01 p.m., on Sunday, July 13, for a 4-day fishing period. In comparison to the 10-year average, the harvest of pink and chum salmon species was above average, and harvest of sockeye and coho salmon was below average. The effort level of 36 vessels was below the 10-year average of 40 vessels. The estimated weekly harvest for statistical week 29 was 50 Chinook salmon, 1,200 sockeye salmon, 200 coho salmon, 28,000 pink salmon and 41,000 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 there are currently no treaty concerns. SW 30 marks the first week Tree Point will be managed under the District 1 Pink Salmon Management Plan. The management plan provides the Tree Point fishery initially with four days of fishing time, beginning at 12:01 p.m., Sunday, July 20, 2025, based on the expectation that the District 1 purse seine fleet will receive two days of fishing time in SW 30.

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, July 18, 2025

District 6 and two small areas in District 8 were open for an initial 48 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 in District 8 and the maximum size mesh allowed in both districts was six inches. District 6 was limited to 48 hours for McDonald Lake sockeye conservation. Results from on-the-grounds surveys indicated above average sockeye salmon abundance for the time of year in District 8 with a below average number of participants. As such, a 72-hour mid-week opening occurred in District 8 to target Stikine River sockeye salmon. The next opening will start on Sunday, July 20, for 48 hours with mesh restrictions in effect for Chinook salmon conservation in District 8. Then, following the closure on Tuesday, District 8 will re-open for a 24-hour mid-week with an expanded area starting at 6:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 23. Management personnel will be on the grounds assessing sockeye salmon run strength and wild Chinook salmon harvests for possible adjustments to the mid-week opening. As per the McDonald Action Plan, District 6 will be limited to 48-hour openings through August 2.

Inseason model projections for Stikine River sockeye salmon are pointing towards a 109,000 fish run with a U.S. allowable catch of approximately 38,000 fish (26,000 Tahltan and 12,000 mainstem sockeye). The cumulative U.S. harvest is estimated to be approximately 16,000 Stikine River sockeye (13,300 Tahltan and 2,700 mainstem sockeye). The Tahltan lake sockeye harvest appears to have peaked last week. The mainstem portion of the harvest typically peaks a couple of weeks later.

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. As such, conservation measures will be in place for next week’s opening. It is estimated that 300 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: Friday, July 18, 2025

It was a big week in the District 11 drift gillnet fishery with an estimated above-average harvest of all species. Fishing effort was similar to last week with about 70 taking part in the opening, which was 81% of the recent 10-year average. With hefty and consistent catches of sockeye on the first two days, the fishery was extended 24-hours for a four-day opening and to provide more opportunity to harvest returning sockeye and hatchery chum salmon. In effort to conserve wild sockeye salmon bound for Port Snettisham streams, a 6" minimum mesh restriction was enforced beginning on the third day of the opening.

Sockeye salmon harvest in the district this week took a big leap upwards, and if the numbers hold, the estimated harvest of 20,000 sockeye was the largest for the statistical week since 2013, being 184% of the 10-year average and catch per unit effort (CPUE) 195% of average. Surveys conducted on the fishing grounds this week revealed that fishermen targeting sockeye near the head of Taku Inlet had some great drifts on the first day which then held nicely during the remainder of the opening. Elsewhere in the district, sockeye catches were also above average and fisherman were widely reporting that the sockeye looked larger this week, which is likely attributed to later returning lake-rearing fish in the mix this week as Little Trapper and Tatsamenie Lake bound sockeye made a larger presence. Initial otolith reads support this, with a nice jump in enhanced TBR marked fish in the sample this week. The number of Snettisham Hatchery bound marked fish in this week's sample also increased, as did the sockeye harvest down in Stephens Passage, nearer to the hatchery. The first bilateral Taku River sockeye salmon inseason estimate was produced this week and generated a current inriver run estimate of 35,000 fish and projected a terminal run of 203,000 fish which is above the preseason terminal run forecast of 182,000 fish and the 10-year average terminal run of 180,000 fish. The Speel Lake weir was installed and made fish-tight by Douglas Island Pink and Chum (DIPAC) this week, but no fish have been passed or observed in the creek yet. Only about 20 sockeye have returned to the ladder at Snettisham Hatchery so far.

Chum salmon harvest in the district was also very strong this week, and far above DIPAC’s projected harvest for the week. The estimated 215,000 fish harvested was 196% of average and CPUE 198% of average, which would be the highest harvest for the week since 2009. Catches stayed consistent throughout the opening, and fishermen were happy for the full nets. Roughly two-thirds of the harvest was in Taku Inlet and the remainder south of Circle Point in Stephens Passage. DIPAC's chum salmon sample this week showed an even further decrease in chum size, averaging 6.1 pounds and 58% male. Age composition was 84% age-4, 15% age-5, and 1% age-6 fish.

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

Lynn Canal/District 15

Last updated: Friday, July 18, 2025

District 15 opened for an initial two-day fishing period in the traditional common property fishing areas. In Section 15-A, fishing was permitted along the eastern shoreline south of Ayiklutu Point to Point Sherman. In Section 15-C, fishing was open south of the latitude of the Boat Harbor Terminal Harvest Area (THA) southern boundary. The Boat Harbor THA also opened for an initial three-day period and was later extended by 24 hours due to continued effort targeting hatchery-produced chum salmon in Section 15-C. Concurrently, the traditional waters of Section 15-C were reduced to the Postage Stamp area, which also received a 24-hour extension. Chinook salmon conservation measures have been lifted in Section 15-C but remained in effect in Section 15-A.

Fishing effort in District 15 declined slightly this week, as some vessels shifted operations to District 11 to pursue the continued strong sockeye abundance. Approximately 123 boats made landings, with the majority of the fleet concentrated once again in Section 15-C targeting high volumes of chum salmon.

Sockeye harvests improved this week, with encouraging catch rates reported in Section 15-A. Despite this progress, the total sockeye harvest remained below average at fewer than 6,000 fish. Chum salmon harvests remained strong, with approximately 260,000 fish landed—exceeding the long-term average. DIPAC chum samples showed an average weight of 6.1 pounds, consistent with the previous week. The sex ratio was 58% male, indicating the run has likely not yet peaked.

Pink salmon harvests saw a notable increase, reaching 11,500 fish, though this total remained below the recent statistical average of 26,000 for this week. Coho salmon harvests were also below average, with only 100 fish landed.

As of July 16, only 500 sockeye salmon have passed through the Chilkoot River weir—well below the historical average for this date. However, subsistence fishers reported strong weekend catches, and improving performance in Section 15-A suggests a stronger return may be underway. At Chilkat Lake, video monitoring has recorded a solid escapement of 13,500 sockeye to date. Chinook salmon catches in the Chilkat River drift gillnet project remain above average, pointing to a stronger return compared to last season.

Next week, management will shift fishing effort to the western shoreline of Section 15-A to focus on Chilkat River sockeye stocks while offering added protection for Chilkoot-bound fish migrating along the eastern shoreline. Section 15-C will reopen under the same boundaries as last week.

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, July 18, 2025

The East Alsek River was open for this statistical week, but less than 3 permits were fished and harvest information is confidential.

The Alsek River set gillnet fishery opened on July 13, for 72-hours. A total of 5 permits harvested 1,532 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 sockeye harvest was above average for this statistical week.

The Akwe River opened this statistical week, but it was not fished.

The Yakutat Bay set gillnet fishery opened on July 3, for 84-hours. A total of 8 permits harvested 28 Chinook, 485 sockeye, 3 coho, 104 pink and 3 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 July 13, for 60-hours. A total of 29 permits harvested 2,895 sockeye, 2 coho, 904 pink and 3 chum salmon. Fleet participation was average, and sockeye harvest was average for this statistical week.

The Manby Shore Outside set gillnet fishery opened on July 13, for 84 hours. A total of 4 permits harvested 11 Chinook, 2,098 sockeye, 5 coho, 3 pink and 3 chum salmon. Fleet participation was average, and harvest was near average for this statistical week.

The Dangerous River also fished this week, but due to less than 3 permits fished. Harvest information is confidential.

Escapement monitoring at the Situk River weir for sockeye and Chinook salmon started on June 1st. To date, 70,696 sockeye, 827 large Chinook, 426 medium Chinook and 605 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 Italio River systems will open by emergency order when adequate levels of escapement can be documented.

The East Alsek River and the Akwe River will be opened on statistical week 29.

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, July 18, 2025

The outside waters of the Boat Harbor THA opened initially for three days this week, followed by a 24-hour extension for a total fishing period of four days. Fishing was open within 2.0 nmi of the western shoreline of Lynn Canal south of the latitude of Lance Point at 58°43.95′ N lat and north of the latitude of a regulatory marker at 58°36.96′ N lat. Conservation measures for Chilkat River Chinook salmon remained in effect this week but will be removed next week (SW 29). Approximately 200,000 chum salmon were harvested in the THA this week. The inside waters of the Boat Harbor THA will remain open until further notice with no restrictions. DIPAC is projecting an above average total return of up to 2.8 million hatchery-produced chum salmon to the Boat Harbor and Amalga Harbor release sites in 2025, with a projected common property harvest of 1.3 million fish. Harvest opportunities throughout the season will remain contingent upon the inseason abundance of wild salmon returning to Chilkat and Chilkoot Rivers.

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

Nakat Inlet THA

Last updated: Friday, July 18, 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 144,000 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, July 18, 2025

The forecasted return for Kendrick Bay is 1,431,000 summer chum salmon. The Kendrick Bay THA remained closed to the common property fishery on June 15, 2025, to allow SSRAA to conduct cost recovery operations. SSRAA harvested their cost recovery goal of 1.5 million pounds of chum salmon in Kendrick Bay THA, and it opened to common property fishing on July 10. The current estimated harvest is 260,000 chum salmon.

For further information please refer to the April 16, 2025, ADF&G announcement for the Kendrick Bay THA. Updates on SSRAA contribution can be found on 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: 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: Friday, July 18, 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 gillnet harvest to date is 4,100 Chinook and 4,500 chum salmon. The seine harvest to date is 5,100 Chinook and 80,000 chum salmon. Trolling efforts have harvested an additional 200 Chinook salmon. 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). A rotational fishery will be in place for drift gillnet and purse seine gear 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: Friday, July 11, 2025

The Hidden Falls THA has been closed to common property harvest since July 7 to aid in cost-recovery harvest. 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. Harvest from the seine openings to date is 340 Chinook salmon and 316,000 chum salmon.

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

Crawfish Inlet THA

Last updated: Friday, July 11, 2025

NSRAA expects a run of 454,000 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.

The Crawfish Inlet THA opened on July 6, with additional openings scheduled to occur on Sundays and Thursdays through July 26. However, due to lack of fishing effort, there is currently no harvest to report. 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: Friday, July 11, 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 confidential. The THA closed to all common property fisheries on July 6 for cost recovery operations and will remain closed until cost recovery has been completed. A portion of the run will be harvested in common property fisheries in Chatham Strait. 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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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: Friday, July 18, 2025

Harvest in Togiak District is now confidential. There are 23 permits/vessels registered to fish in the Togiak District, we extended fishing the maximum allowable 48 hours in the Togiak River section. This will allow fishing from 9:00 a.m. Friday until 9:00 a.m. Sunday. Escapement is 86,000 and just dropped 10,000 below the 2024 pace.

Nushagak District

Last updated: Friday, July 18, 2025

We have escapement information from Wood, Igushik and Nushagak rivers. Nushagak River sockeye salmon has exceeded the 2.5 upper end of the OEG range. The cumulative escapement is 3.2 million; daily escapements are below 10,00 and tapering off. The king salmon escapement continues to lag at only 33,747 fish. Wood River escapement is at 2.6 million and still within the 700,000 to 3 million OEG range. Igushik escapement has exceeded the 400,000 upper end of the escapement goal range and is now at 591,000. Escapement is tapering off in all systems, counting on the Wood and Nushagak will cease at the end of next week.

Harvest in the district is at 15.9 million, the 4th largest harvest for the Nushagak District ever, but harvest has slowed and fishermen are pulling boats and ending their seasons. The total sockeye salmon run now exceeds 22 million. Harvest percentages are 80.1% for drift and 19.9 % for set gillnet. That is off the 74%/26 allocation goal.

Naknek-Kvichak District

Last updated: Friday, July 18, 2025

On July 15, the Naknek River escapement was 17,000 sockeye for a total of 990,000; the Alagnak River escapement was 30,000 for a total of 1.9 million; and the Kvichak River escapement was 30,000 for a total of 2.8 million. All sockeye salmon escapement goals have been met. The harvest on July 15 was 173,000 fish for a total of 10.8 million. Total harvest exceeded the forecast by 3 million fish.

Egegik District

Last updated: Friday, July 18, 2025

The Egegik District opened for daily periods this week, and closed by EO Sunday, July 20 at 9 a.m. The fall schedule of 9 a.m. Monday to 9 a.m. Sunday will begin on Monday July 21.

Egegik River escapement through July 17 is 1.4 million sockeye, which is the midpoint of its SEG and above the historical average for the date. The total run to the district exceeded the preseason forecast by 2 million fish.

The allocation period ended July 17. In the Egegik District, the drift fleet has been behind their allocation (86%) for the entire season and ended up at 75% at the end of the allocation period. This is in large part due to fewer boats fishing the district in favor of others. There have been efforts to move allocation a bit, including having drifters begin fishing earlier in the flood, as well as giving more ebb time fishing. Unfortunately, to keep escapement on track, both gears were needed in the water.

The Egegik District cumulative harvest to date (7 million) is below the recent 5- and 10-year averages, but higher than the historical average.

Ugashik District

Last updated: Friday, July 18, 2025

Ugashik River escapement through July 17 is 930,000 sockeye, which is almost the midpoint of its SEG and above the historical average for the date. It does not look as though the run will meet its preseason forecast of 6.3 million.

The allocation period ended July 17. Drift allocation ended up at 88%, slightly lower than the 90% goal of the plan.

Ugashik District harvest to date (4.6 million) is well above the 5-year, 10-year, and historical averages.

Copper River and PWS Drift Gillnet

Last updated: Friday, July 18, 2025

The Copper River District was open for a 48-hour fishing period on Monday, July 14 and a 60-hour period on Thursday, July 17. There have been 462 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, July 14 and an 84-hour fishing period starting Thursday, July 17. The Eshamy District opened for a 36-hour fishing periods starting on Monday, July 14 and Thursday, July 17. The Port Chalmers Subdistrict opened for a 60-hour fishing period starting Monday, July 14, and an 84-hour fishing period starting Thursday, July 17.

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 802,813 salmon have been enumerated to date versus a cumulative management objective of 537,816 salmon. The Coghill River weir cumulative sockeye salmon count through 7/16 is 34,791 fish versus a target escapement range of 16,584–60,286. The Eshamy River weir has passed 34 sockeye salmon through 7/16 with a cumulative target of 1,029¿2,216 fish for the date.

Based on the recent poor Chinook salmon production, a conservative management approach was implemented through early July. 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 658,735 fish and, based on the forecast and recent historical run timing, the anticipated harvest for this period is 1.76 million fish. The Chinook salmon cumulative harvest to date in the Copper River District commercial fishery is 5,415 fish compared to a recent 10-year (2015-2024) average 12,250 fish over the same period. The Coghill District cumulative harvest to date is 628,433 chum salmon and is well behind harvest levels in recent years. The Eshamy District sockeye salmon cumulative harvest to date is 131,065 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 1.75 million chum salmon and is a new record total harvest for this fishery.

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, July 18, 2025

The 2025 pink salmon total run forecast for PWS is 66.70 million fish, with a potential commercial harvest of 56.12 million. 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.

No deliveries have been reported in the Southwestern District this past week. This is likely due to the pink salmon commercial fishing opportunity in the Eastern District. The cumulative chum harvest for the year is 431,000, more than double the preseason forecast of 210,000 fish.

The total pink salmon purse seine harvest for the year is 15.37 million, slightly above the 10-odd-year average of 14.27 million for this date. VFDA completed cost recovery on July 14 and has recommended fishing periods targeting SGH salmon. This past week limited area and extended periods effort have been used to focus fishing pressure on the SGH pink salmon return.

In the Eastern District, there were three commercial purse seine periods this week, with 2.1 million pink salmon harvested on July 13, 2.2 million pink salmon on July 15, and 2.3 million pink salmon on July 17. Each period averaged about 258 deliveries from approximately 180 vessels.

The Northern District opened on July 15, and 210,000 pink and 3,600 chum salmon were harvested.

An aerial survey of the Eastern and Northern Districts was flown yesterday, July 17, and the Coghill, Northwestern, and Eshamy Districts are being flown today. Wild stock run entry and escapement indices are improving and within anticipated ranges for this date. Currently, a strong SGH pink return warrants continued fishing pressure, and at this time, wild stocks cannot sustain that same fishing pressure.

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, July 18, 2025

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

  1. 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.
  2. Central District Drift Gillnet Fishery: Monday/Thursday –12-hour periods; 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
    1. With additional time announced by Emergency Order.
  3. Upper Subdistrict Dip Net Fishery; Monday through Friday 12–hour periods 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  4. Northern District Set Gillnet Fishery: Monday/Thursday –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 slightly below average for sockeye salmon and significantly below average for king salmon. The cumulative harvest for the Central District set gillnet fishery is 39,016 sockeye and 12 king salmon. The 10-year average total harvest through July 17 is approximately 302 king salmon and 40,866 sockeye salmon. The 5-year average harvest is approximately 256 king salmon and 41,644 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 61 king salmon and 992,142 sockeye salmon. The 10-year average total harvest through July 17 is approximately 218 king salmon and 400,312 sockeye salmon. The 5-year average harvest is approximately 110 king salmon and 398,601 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 26,531 sockeye and zero king salmon. This fishery was established in 2024; there is not enough historical data to compare this year’s harvest against.

The Northern District opened to commercial fishing on Thursday, July 3rd. Total harvest from the Northern District set gillnet fishery is below average for sockeye salmon and significantly below average for king salmon. The cumulative harvest for the Northern District set gillnet fishery is 12,443 sockeye and 3 king salmon. The 10-year average total harvest through July 17 is approximately 1,173 king salmon and 18,196 sockeye salmon. The 5-year average harvest is approximately 1,019 king salmon and 15,622 sockeye salmon.

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: Friday, July 18, 2025

Eastern District

The waters of Aialik Bay opened to commercial common property purse seine salmon harvest seven days a week for 6AM to 10PM fishing periods on Monday, July 14. The following day, fishing was permitted in Peterson Lagoon targeting returns to Aialik Lake. An aerial survey of Aialik Lake counted 4,150 sockeye salmon in that lake. This is within the SEG range of 3,200 – 5,400 fish for this lake. There has been no reported harvest to date from this subdistrict.

Outer District

Waters of the East Nuka Subdistrict opened on a schedule of daily 16-hour fishing periods from 6AM to 10PM on Monday July 14. Prior to this, they opened July 7 on a Monday-Friday schedule of 16-hour fishing periods. Aerial surveys of sockeye spawning systems in this area identified a harvestable surplus of this species. There has been no reported harvest to date from this subdistrict.

Southern District

Cumulative harvest from the 13 set gillnet fishing periods was 97 Chinook, 16,870 sockeye, and 2,595 chum salmon. Cumulative harvest last year from the first thirteen fishing periods was 101 Chinook, 20,787 sockeye, and 923 chum salmon. The previous 5-year harvest average from these nine periods combined was 213 Chinook, 14,385 sockeye, and 1,351 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 16 preliminary cumulative commercial common property seine harvest is estimated at 40,000 sockeye, 350 pink, 164 chum, and 2 Chinook salmon with six commercial seine CFEC permits reporting harvests.

Kamishak District

Video monitoring of sockeye salmon escapement into Chenik Lake began on June 12. Through Wednesday, July 16 a total of 4,865 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. An aerial survey of Chenik Lagoon on Tuesday, July 15 counted 22,000 sockeye salmon in the marine environment in waters open to commercial salmon harvest. This area has been open continuously to commercial salmon harvest since July 2. Harvest from the Chenik Subdistrict is confidential due to fewer that 3 permit holders reporting deliveries. All other remaining areas of the Kamishak District excluding the McNeil Subdistrict, the Paint Subdistrict, and the Kirschner Lake SHA remain open until further notice.

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, July 18, 2025

The current commercial salmon fishery in the Inner Kitoi Bay, Outer Kitoi Bay, and Izhut Bay Sections of the Afognak District has been extended from 9:00 pm July 17 until further notice.

There will be a 105-hour commercial salmon fishing period from noon Sunday, July 20 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, July 24 in the following areas:

  • The Outer Ayakulik and Halibut Bay Sections of the Southwest Kodiak District;
  • The Northwest Kodiak District;
  • The Northeast Kodiak District;
  • The Eastside Kodiak District; and
  • The Afognak District (except the Inner Kitoi Bay, Outer Kitoi Bay and Izhut Bay Sections remain open until further notice).

There will be a 57-hour commercial salmon fishing period from noon Sunday, July 20 to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 in the following areas:

  • The Cape Alitak, Alitak Bay, Moser Bay, Olga Bay and Humpy-Deadman Bay Sections of the Alitak District; and
  • The Mainland District.

The Seaward Zones of the Cape Igvak Section of the Mainland District remain closed to commercial salmon fishing.

In the Southwest Kodiak District, the cumulative Karluk River's sockeye salmon escapement through July 17 is 64,835 fish, which is below the target range for this date. The cumulative Karluk River late-run sockeye escapement is 366 fish. Additionally, only 46 Chinook salmon have escaped, marking a record low for the Karluk River.

In the Southwest Kodiak District, cumulative Ayakulik River sockeye salmon escapement for July 17 is 355,800 fish, which is well above the target range for this date. The cumulative Ayakulik river late-run sockeye salmon is 654 fish. Additionally, only 396 Chinook salmon have escaped, marking a near record low for the Ayakulik River.

In the Alitak District, the cumulative Upper Station sockeye salmon escapement through July 17 totals 81,403 fish, within with the target escapement range for this date. The cumulative Upper Station late-run sockeye salmon escapement is 317 fish. The cumulative Dog Salmon River escapement through July 17 is 71,746 fish, within the target escapement range for this date.

In the Afognak District, the cumulative Afognak Lake (Litnik) sockeye salmon escapement through July 17 totals 18,093 fish, below the target escapement range for this date.

In the Northeast Kodiak District, the cumulative Buskin Lake sockeye salmon escapement through July 17 totals 9,167 fish, above the target escapement range for this date.

In the Eastside Kodiak District, the cumulative Pasagshak Lake sockeye salmon escapement through July 17 totals 1,713 fish. The Saltery Lake sockeye salmon weir total escapement through July 17 is 17,342 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 July 17, approximately 589,000 sockeye salmon have been harvested in the Kodiak Area, which is below average. Approximately 1,882,000 pink salmon have been harvested, which is above average. Approximately 449,000 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, July 18, 2025

Currently, the Nelson Lagoon is open until further notice. The Port Moller Bight Section is open until 11:59 pm Thursday, July 24. The Black Hills and Herreden Moller Bay Sections were extended from 6:00 pm Thursday, July 16, until 6:00 pm Sunday, July 20.

Fishing has been closed in the Ilnik Section since June 28, due to a poor return to the Ilnik River system.

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 18, escapement at the Ilnik River weir was well below average and weak, with only 37,846 sockeye having passed the weir. This escapement is below the minimum expected for the date of 38,800 fish and well below the ten-year average of 95,000 fish for the date. The 2025 Ilnik run is the 2nd lowest return since 1995 (30 years), when Ocean River flows into Ilnik River.

Escapement at the Bear River weir has been below average and weak for most of the season, with 146,229 sockeye having passed the weir below the ten-year average of 248,000 fish for the date. However, escapements have been steadily improving over the last week, and the Bear River early run is well ahead of both 2023 and 2024, which were two of the lowest returns for early run sockeye in the past 20 years.

The escapement at the Nelson River weir has been strong and early, with 500,944 sockeye having passed the weir so far, exceeding the ten-year average of 204,000 fish for the date. This is the second 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 11th.

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. Participation within OPH and the Ilnik Section has been slightly less than in recent years, with about 90 permits participating.

Harvest within Nelson Lagoon Section has started to tail off over the last week, with a daily average of 4,800 sockeye harvested in the previous seven days. The cumulative harvest within Nelson Lagoon is 203,000 sockeye.

Harvest within the OPH Section is below average for the date, with 445k sockeye harvested as of July 18, and the 5-year average for the date is approximately 511,000 fish.

Harvest within the Ilnik Section is well below average for the date, with 211k fish harvested as of July 18, compared to the 5-year average of approximately 905,000 fish.

The Bear River and Three Hills sections have been closed all year due to poor escapement of Bear River sockeye.

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

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

South Peninsula

Last updated: Friday, July 18, 2025

Commercial salmon fishing by set gillnet was permitted in the Northwest Stepovak Section of the Southeastern District for 96 hours beginning at noon on July 9. Purse seine was permitted in the Northwest Stepovak Section for approximately 60 hours beginning at 12:01 a.m. on July 11. The third and fourth post-June commercial fishing periods for 36 hours began at 6:00 a.m. on July 14 and July 18 respectively. Due to the purse seine gear harvesting over 1,000 Chinook salmon in the Shumagin Islands, fishing was closed to in statistical area 282-11 for purse seine gear only during the July 14 fishing period.

We have begun conducting aerial surveys for the South Alaska Peninsula. There are few known early systems that are beginning to show signs of pink salmon arriving to these systems. The remainder of the area still does not have fish showing near terminal areas in significant numbers at this time. There is one salmon enumeration weir operated in the South Alaska Peninsula Management Area, the Orzinski Weir. To date, Orzinski River weir has passed 10,241 sockeye salmon.

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 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 (Appendix A2). 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.

Participation for the beginning of the Post-June fishing schedules is average and harvest appears to be improving. 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 within the escapement goal range therefore an additional 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 704,144 is below the recent 5-year average of 2,115,413 fish and the 10-year average of 1,866,532 fish.

Pink salmon harvest of 460,522 fish is below the recent 10-odd year average of 3,966,577 fish.

Chum salmon harvest of 533,789 fish is below the recent 5-year average of 756,762 fish and the 10-year average of 859,042 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: Friday, July 18, 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 July 17, 613,816 sockeye salmon have passed through the weir. Of that, an estimate of 455,150 are early run and 158,292 are late run. In addition to sockeye salmon, 670 Chinook, 42 pink, and 24 chum have passed through the weir. Chignik early run sockeye has been on time and weak, though run strength is the highest it has been for the date since 2018. Late run sockeye also seems to be on time and is of at least average strength. Both sockeye runs are better than forecasted. The Chinook salmon run is weak and currently tracking just below its lower escapement goal.

Nine commercial fishing openers have occurred so far, with the first starting on June 20th. Currently, the next Chignik Bay District opening is scheduled for 24 hours beginning at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, July 20. The Eastern, Central, and Western Districts are currently open until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 22. Non-Confidential harvest so far is 213 Chinook, 408,861 sockeye, 1,645 coho, 17,066 pink, and 13,141 chum salmon. The majority of harvest has occurred in the Chignik Bay District with 311,272 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.

Leaking fuel in the Chignik Lagoon due to a capsized seiner caused the commercial opener on Sunday, July 13 to be prematurely closed in the Chignik Bay District. The fishery was able to re-open on Tuesday, July 15.

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, July 18, 2025

No commercial salmon fishing is anticipated in either the summer or fall seasons of the Yukon River in 2025. As of 7/17/25, about 59,000 Chinook salmon and 335,000 summer chum salmon have passed the Pilot Station sonar project. Both runs are well below average and are not expected to meet escapement goals. The fall season started in the Lower Yukon Area on July 16, and Lower Yukon assessment projects began transitioning to fall season counts this week. The 2025 fall chum salmon inseason projection is for a run size of less than 200,000 fish, compared to the historic average of 950,000 fish and it is unlikely that any of the fall chum salmon escapement goals will be met. The 2025 coho salmon run is also anticipated to be below the average run of 216,000 fish, as the parent year escapement (2021) of 46,000 fish was a 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: Friday, July 18, 2025

Commercial

The forth commercial salmon fishery in Norton Sound was scheduled for 24 hours in Nome Subdistrict 1 and in Golovin Subdistrict 2. Total harvest to date is:

Nome Subdistrict 1: 4 permits harvested 96 sockeye, 1,072 chum, and 12 pink salmon.

Golovin Subdistrict 2: 7 permits harvested 247 sockeye, 2,979 chum, and 8 coho salmon.

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

Escapement projects

Pilgrim River Weir: counts began on June 26 with 9 kings, 581 chum, 196 pink, and 14,684 sockeye salmon recorded to date.

Nome River Weir: counts began on June 28 with 208 chum, 4 sockeye, and 70 pink salmon recorded to date.

Snake River Weir: counts began on July 11 with 107 chum, 106 pink, and 1 sockeye salmon recorded to date.

Eldorado River Weir: counts began on June 24 with 2,445 chum, 350 pink, 1 coho, and 27 sockeye salmon recorded to date.

Niukluk River Tower: counts began on June 24 with 36 kings, 11,940 chum, 15,311 pink, 30 coho, and 6 sockeye salmon recorded to date.

Kwiniuk River Tower: counts began on June 26 with 18 kings, 1,146 chum, 5,526 pink, and 189 sockeye salmon recorded to date.

Ungalik River Tower: counting began on June 25 and became inoperable on July 14. Escapement is 3,825 chum, 38,659 pink and 48 sockeye counted to date.

Shaktoolik River Tower: the tower has counted for 3 days from July 13 to July 15 with 207 kings, 915 chums, and 4,482 pink salmon counted.

North RiverTower: counting began on June 17 with 147 kings, 734 chum, and 8,838 pink salmon counted to date.

Subsistence

Subdistrict 1 is currently on the subsistence schedule outlined in regulation. Fresh waters and Marine waters west of Cape Nome are open from 6:00 pm on Wednesday to 6:00 pm on Monday. Marine water of Subdistrict 1 east of Cape Nome are open 7 days per week.

Marine waters in Subdistricts 5 and 6 are closed to subsistence net fishing. Fresh waters in Subdistricts 5 and 6 are open to beach seining with the non-retention of king salmon. Gillnets may be used in the Unalakleet River upstream of the North River confluence with mesh restricted to 4 inches, or smaller.

Household annual limits on sockeye salmon in the Pilgrim River have been waived. Current escapement indicated that there is a harvestable surplus available for subsistence needs.

All other areas of the Norton Sound-Port Clarence district are open 7 days per week with standard net requirements.

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

Kotzebue

Last updated: Friday, July 11, 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.

Commercial fishing will open in the Kotzebue District as follows:

  • 8 hours from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, July 10
  • 8 hours from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Friday, July 11

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

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