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.

Select Area or Fishery:

Statewide Summary

Last updated: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

The 2026 commercial salmon harvest forecast is 56 million pink salmon, 49.7 million sockeye salmon, 17.2 million chum salmon, and 2.4 million coho salmon. If realized, the forecasted 2026 total Alaska commercial salmon harvest will be approximately 125.5 million fish.

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, September 18, 2026

Inseason Alaskan Salmon Summary, as of September 18, 2026:

Southeast/Yakutat Troll Salmon Fishery:

The second Chinook salmon retention period of the general summer troll season began August 13 to target approximately 33,000 fish. The retention period closed on Friday, September 4 at 11:59 pm, at which point the waters of frequent high Chinook abundance closed concurrently for the remainder of the summer season.

In a September 17 advisory announcement, the department announced an extension of the coho troll fishery through September 30 in select areas. Districts 11, 14, and 15 will close September 20 at 11:59, as well as the waters north of 57°41.65' N lat in District 12, with the remaining waters open through the end of the month.

The department estimates that the full 33,000 Chinook salmon allocation for the second opening has been reached, with a total of 325 permits participating in the fishery. Harvest numbers will be finalized over the coming weeks as fish ticket reporting is completed. Harvest reported on fish tickets for other species throughout the summer troll fishery includes 375,700 coho and 1,016,300 chum salmon. Average prices are $9.34/lb for Chinook, $2.77/lb for coho and $1.63 /lb for chum salmon. Current average weights are 10.4 lbs for Chinook, 6.2 lbs for coho, and 8.5 lbs for chum salmon. Chinook salmon average weight is below the 2025 and 5-year averages by 0.5 lbs, while coho salmon average weight is above both the 2025 and 5-year averages by 0.8 lbs and 0.9 lbs, respectively. Similarly, chum salmon average weight is above both the 2025 and 5-year averages by 1.8 lbs and 1.6 lbs for the same fishing period.

The current regional power troll coho salmon catch rate for this week (SW 38) is 23 coho/boat/day, with the highest catch rate occurring in the Southern Inside area at 38/boat/day.

Directed chum landings reported on fish tickets for the summer troll season in the West Behm Canal and Neets Bay areas indicate that 114 vessels have taken 301,400 chum salmon from 1,228 landings at a rate of 245 fish per landing.

Directed chum landings reported in Sitka Sound during SW 37 indicate that 12 vessels have taken 2,000 chum salmon from 16 landings at a rate of 134 fish per landing. The seasonal total for this area indicates that 209 vessels have taken 588,800 chum salmon from 2,100 landings at a rate of 280 fish per landing.

Directed chum landings reported in West Crawfish during SW 37 indicate that 17 vessels have taken 6,700 chum salmon from 28 landings at a rate of 259 fish per landing. The seasonal total for this area indicates that 81 vessels have taken 102,800 chum salmon from 345 landings at a rate of 298 fish per landing.

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

Purse Seine Fishery

Last updated: Friday, September 18, 2026

Directed pink salmon common property purse seine fisheries is closed in all districts for the remainder of the 2026 season. Common property opportunity remains in select hatchery terminal harvest areas. In addition, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game will continue to monitor fall chum salmon runs to Cholmondeley Sound, Security Bay, Port Camden, Nakwasina Sound, Chaik Bay, and Excursion Inlet.

The 2026 Southeast Alaska pink salmon harvest forecast was predicted to be average with a point estimate of 19 million fish. Traditional common property purse seine openings directed at harvesting pink salmon began July 2 and concluded September 3. This year’s traditional common property purse seine harvest estimate is 18.7 million pink salmon, similar to the parent year harvest of 18.0 million pink salmon. The majority of the pink salmon harvest was from Southern Southeast; however over 44% of the region’s harvest was from District 13 in the Sitka Management Area. The year’s District 13 pink salmon harvest was the third highest on record for that area. The total southeast pink salmon harvest estimate, including harvest from the drift gillnet fishery and Annette Islands Reserve, is 19.8 million fish. Pink salmon average weight was 3.5 pounds. Purse seine effort decreased slightly from 2025 (200 permits) but was slightly higher than 2024 (197 permits) with 199 permits making landings. Pink salmon escapement surveys continue and escapements levels are being assessed.

Hatchery produced chum salmon runs were expected to be average to above average in 2026. With the exception of Deep and Crawfish Inlets, hatchery produced chum salmon runs have concluded. The estimated common property purse seine THA harvest is 1.4 million chum salmon, below the 2016–2025 average harvest of 2.0 million chum salmon.

The overall exvessel of the 2026 purse seine harvest is expected to exceed the prior two seasons and the 2016–2025 average value of $56.5 million. Salmon prices were substantially higher than they have been for many years with initial estimates of price per pound of $5.52 for Chinook, $3.13 for sockeye, $1.01 for coho, $0.65 for pink, and $1.34 for chum salmon. The final price per pound paid will not be determined until late this winter.

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

Drift Gillnet Fishery

Last updated: Friday, September 04, 2026

The 5 traditional drift gillnet fishing in Southeast Alaska include: Tree Point and Portland Canal (District 1); Prince of Wales (District 6); Stikine (District 8); Taku/Snettisham (District 11); and Lynn Canal (District 15). Drift gillnet fisheries also occur in several terminal harvest areas (THAs) adjacent to hatchery facilities and remote release sites. The drift gillnet fishery targets sockeye, pink, and chum salmon during the summer season and coho and chum salmon during the fall season.

All districts are on fall coho salmon management and the fishery is expected to continue through September. Coho run strength indicators have varied throughout the region.

Hatchery-produced coho salmon run forecasts include 325,500 fish to SSRAA projects; 131,000 fish to NSRAA projects; 139,400 fish to Armstrong Keta Inc. (AKI), 8,000 fish to DIPAC projects, and 10,500 fish to the Sitka Sound Science Center. A portion of these runs will be harvested in traditional drift gillnet fisheries and in THAs. In 2025, Alaska hatchery coho contributions to drift gillnet fisheries were estimated at 45,300 fish, accounting for 43% of total drift gillnet coho common-property harvests. The largest single harvest came from Neets Bay, with strong contributions from Nakat Inlet, Anita Bay, and Macaulay releases.

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, September 18, 2026

The Tree Point drift gillnet fishery opened at 12:01 p.m., on Sunday, September 13, for a 5-day fishing period. In comparison to the 10-year average, the harvest of coho salmon was above average and chum salmon harvest was below average. The effort level of 11 vessels was below the 10-year average of 23 vessels. The estimated weekly harvest for statistical week 3 was 5,800 coho salmon and 700 chum salmon. Tree Point is currently being managed on the strength of fall coho salmon returns. With no fall coho concerns, Section 1-B will be open five days beginning at 12:01 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 2026.

The following information is about the Nakat Inlet, Neets Bay, Kendrick Bay and Carroll Inlet terminal harvest areas (THA). For further information and updates on SSRAA contributions and updates 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.

Stikine and Prince of Wales/Districts 6 and 8

Last updated: Friday, September 18, 2026

The District 6 and 8 gillnet fishery opened on September 13 for three days with management emphasis on wild coho salmon abundance. Coho salmon harvest rates were just below average in District 6. Run timing is a few weeks past peak for wild coho salmon harvests in both districts as indicated by the sharp increase in the proportion of hatchery fish for the past few weeks. With the switch to mostly hatchery fish, open time in both districts will be for three days next week. The preliminary harvest estimate for this week was 3,500 coho and 300 chum salmon from 24 boats fishing in District 6. The District 8 harvest was confidential this week. Both districts will open for three days next week starting on September 20.

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, September 18, 2026

The District 11 drift gillnet fishery was open for 42 days this season, which was 80% of the recent 10-year average fishing time. Preliminary salmon harvest estimates for the district indicate a Chinook harvest of 1,760 fish, which was 173% of the 10-year average. Sockeye harvest totaled 69,000 fish, or 78% of average. Coho harvest was approximately 14,000 fish, 58% of average. Pink salmon harvest reached 46,000 fish, 57% of average, and the chum salmon harvest was an estimated 407,000 fish, about 79% of average.

Abundance estimates for Taku River wild salmon are still being finalized. Preliminary analysis from the Chinook mark-recapture project indicates that escapement will exceed the lower bound of the goal of 19,000 large fish, but may fall short of the preseason forecast of 33,000. The preliminary inriver sockeye terminal size estimate of 141,000 above-border fish was below both the preseason terminal run forecast of 173,000 fish and the 10-year average of 189,000 fish. The projected Taku inriver wild sockeye run is 91,000 fish, which is above the escapement goal range of 40,000 to 75,000 wild fish. Sockeye escapements into Little Trapper, Tatsamenie, and King Salmon Lakes were all below their recent 10-year average weir counts.

Assessment of the Taku River coho run is ongoing. Preliminary estimates indicate a terminal run of approximately 72,000 fish, which is below the preseason forecast of 89,000 fish and the 10-year average of 91,000 fish. The inriver coho escapement is expected to come in just above the lower bound of the biological escapement goal range of 50,000 to 90,000 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, September 18, 2026

District 15 is currently managed based on wild coho and chum salmon abundance. All waters of the district, except Lutak Inlet, were open for three days. Fishing effort decreased to 35 boats participating, which was below the recent 10-year weekly average.

Chum and coho catch rates improved from prior weeks, but coho catch rates remained below average whereas chum catch rates improved to just above average.

The Chilkoot River weir final sockeye escapement estimate was 64,400 fish, near the midpoint of the escapement goal range of 68,000 to 86,000 fish. To date, almost 90,000 sockeye salmon have been counted at the Chilkat Lake Sonar Project, well above the 70,000 fish lower bound of the escapement goal range. The project will continue operating through the first week of October.

Next week, District 15 will open for 3 days again.

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

Yakutat Area Set Gillnet Fishery

Last updated: Monday, September 21, 2026

In the Yakutat area the sockeye salmon returns in 2026 were below average in most systems but escapement goals were met.

Fall coho salmon fisheries continued. Most coho salmon runs the Yakutat area are trending to be average to above average.

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

Terminal Harvest Area (THA) Fisheries

Last updated: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Terminal Harvest Area (THA) drift gillnet fisheries can occur in Nakat Inlet, Carroll Inlet, Anita Bay, Southeast Cove, Deep Inlet, and Boat Harbor. THA seine fisheries can occur in Carroll Inlet, Neets Bay, Kendrick Bay, Anita Bay, Thomas Bay, Southeast Cove, Hidden Falls, Crawfish Inlet, and Deep Inlet.

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

Nakat Inlet THA

Last updated: Friday, September 18, 2026

For 2026, SSRAA is forecasting total hatchery returns of 494,000 summer chum, 29,700 coho, and 20,000 fall chum salmon with anticipated terminal runs of 220,000 summer chum, 7,400 coho, and 9,000 fall chum salmon to the Nakat Inlet THA. Peak chum salmon harvests from these releases are expected between mid to late July for summer chum and between late August and mid-September for fall chum and coho salmon. The current estimated Nakat Inlet THA harvest is 479,000 chum salmon and 4,900 coho salmon.

The Nakat Inlet THA opens by regulation (5 AAC 33.372) from June 1 through November 10 concurrently to drift gillnet and troll gear. The 500-yard stream closure regulation (5 AAC 39.290) will remain in effect.

For inseason updates go to the SSRAA 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, September 04, 2026

In 2026, SSRAA is forecasting total runs of 1,375,000 summer chum and 95,500 coho salmon with anticipated terminal runs of 894,000 summer chum and 38,200 coho salmon for the Neets Bay THA.

The initial fishing schedule and area for Neets Bay THA for the 2026 season was announced by the ADF&G on April 15. The Neets Bay THA opened for a rotational fishery between purse seine and drift gillnet on August 7 and closed on Friday, August 21, 2026, as announced by the ADF&G on August 20. Additional common property fisheries, if warranted, will be announced by the ADF&G and opened by EO in consultation with SSRAA. The current estimated harvest for the Neets Bay THA is 54,000 chum salmon by drift gillnet gear and 156,000 chum salmon by purse seine gear.

For inseason updates go to the SSRAA website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

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

Kendrick Bay THA

Last updated: Friday, September 18, 2026

For 2026, SSRAA is expecting a total run of 810,000 summer chum salmon with an anticipated terminal run of 358,000 summer chum salmon for the Kendrick Bay THA. Due to budgetary shortfalls and the need for additional cost recovery, the Kendrick Bay THA did not open by regulation on June 15. The Kendrick Bay THA remained closed to common property harvest until approximately 1.5 million pounds of chum salmon were harvested for cost recovery. The Kendrick Bay THA opened to common property purse seine and troll fishing on July 16, 2026, and will close by regulation on September 30, 2026.

Details of the 2026 fishing schedule for the Kendrick Bay THA were announced separately by the ADF&G on April 17 and July 14. The current estimated Kendrick Bay THA common property harvest is 97,000 chum salmon.

For inseason updates go to the SSRAA website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

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

Carroll Inlet THA

Last updated: Friday, August 21, 2026

For 2026, SSRAA had forecasted a total run of 6,100 Carroll Inlet Chinook salmon with an anticipated terminal run of 4,400 Chinook. By regulation, Carroll Inlet THA opened June 1 through June 30 to provide harvest for hatchery-produced Chinook salmon.

Details of the 2026 season fishing schedule and area for the Carroll Inlet THA were announced by the ADF&G on April 17. The current estimated harvest is 1,200 Chinook salmon by purse seine gear and 160 Chinook salmon by drift gillnet gear.

The fishery is now closed for the season.

For inseason updates go to the SSRAA website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

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

Anita Bay THA

Last updated: Friday, September 18, 2026

For 2026, SSRAA forecasted a total run of 14,700 coho salmon to the Anita Bay release site. It is anticipated that 6,600 coho salmon will be available for common property harvest in the Anita Bay THA.

The Anita Bay THA will be open continuously to harvest salmon for Troll gear, drift gillnet, and purse seine gear concurrently through 11:59 pm, Tuesday, November 10. The Anita Bay THA will close for the season at 11:59 pm, Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

For inseason updates go to the SSRAA website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

Deep Inlet THA

Last updated: Friday, September 04, 2026

The Deep Inlet Terminal Harvest Area (THA) closed to all common property commercial salmon fisheries effective 12:01 a.m., Monday, August 31, 2026.

Estimated harvest to date from the purse seine openings is 427,000 chum salmon.

Estimated harvest to date from the drift gillnet openings is 1,900 Chinook and 125,000 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 24, 2026

The Hidden Falls Hatchery, operated by the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA), expects a total run of 409,000 chum salmon. An estimated 200,000 chum salmon will be needed for broodstock. NSRAA will not be conducting cost recovery operations within the Hidden Falls THA this year; however, time and area restrictions may be necessary to conserve chum salmon for broodstock.

The Hidden Falls THA has remained closed following the July 12 purse seine opening to achieve broodstock goals. Harvest from the Hidden Falls THA purse seine openings through July 12 totaled 450 Chinook and 160,000 chum salmon.

The Hidden Falls Hatchery Terminal Harvest Area Salmon Management Plan (5 AAC 33.374) provides guidelines for allocation of hatchery-produced chum and Chinook salmon in the Hidden Falls THA. The management plan describes several approaches to achieve broodstock and cost- recovery goals through June 30. Purse seine openings will be limited to a maximum of 2 fishing days per week in the terminal harvest area in order to harvest surplus chum salmon. If Sunday and midweek seine openings have not occurred and further action is needed to achieve broodstock and cost-recovery goals, the troll fishery will be closed to the retention of chum salmon inside the THA as long as at least 7 days remain until July 1. Beginning July 1, areas within the THA may be closed to protect chum or Chinook salmon broodstock and trollers may only retain chum salmon in numbers not exceeding the total number of Chinook salmon on board. For the latest Hidden Falls Hatchery boundaries, refer to the salmon purse seine fishery announcements issued each Tuesday and Friday.

For inseason updates please go to the NSRAA website at http://www.nsraa.org/.

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

Crawfish Inlet THA

Last updated: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

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 managed with a troll priority. There are no scheduled purse seine openings for the Crawfish Inlet THA in 2026.

NSRAA expects a run of 281,000 chum and 500 Chinook salmon for 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.

For inseason updates go to the NSRAA website at http://www.nsraa.org/.

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

Thomas Bay THA

Last updated: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

NSRAA is forecasting a total run of 115,000 chum salmon for the Thomas Bay THA. A portion of the run will be harvested in common property fisheries in Chatham Strait and Frederick Sound. No cost recovery is planned in 2026. The Thomas Bay THA will be open to common property purse seine and troll fisheries from Sunday, June 21, through Saturday, August 8, 2026. Purse seine openings will occur on Sundays and Thursdays, and troll openings will occur on days closed to purse seining.

Further details of the 2026 Thomas Bay THA fishing schedule and area were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 10.

For inseason updates go to the NSRAA website at http://www.nsraa.org/.

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

Southeast Cove THA

Last updated: Friday, May 15, 2026

The Southeast Cove THA will be managed in accordance with the District 9: Southeast Cove Terminal Harvest Area Management Plan (5 AAC 33.387). In 2026, NSRAA is forecasting a run of 105,000 summer chum and 860 Chinook salmon for the Southeast Cove THA. In 2026, it is anticipated that the Southeast Cove THA will be cost recovery only and common property purse seine opportunity will not be provided. However, if significant numbers of fish remain after cost recovery operations are completed, common property opportunity may be provided via EO, dependent on the presence of wild salmon stocks in the area. If closures or openings are warranted, they will be announced by advisory announcement.

Further details of the 2026 Southeast Cove THA fishing schedule and area were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 15.

For inseason updates go to the NSRAA website at http://www.nsraa.org/.

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

Port Asumcion THA

Last updated: Friday, September 18, 2026

For 2026, SSRAA has forecasted a total run of 354,000 summer chum salmon with an anticipated terminal run of 248,000 summer chum salmon. The Port Asumcion summer chum return is intercepted in District 3 and 4 fisheries, and terminal harvest in this area is primarily designated for cost recovery. The Port Asumcion THA opened to common property purse seine fishing on August 6 and will close on September 15, 2026, as announced by the ADF&G on August 4. Additional common property fisheries, if warranted, will be announced by the ADF&G and opened by EO in consultation with SSRAA. The current estimated Port Asumcion THA harvest is 17,100 chum salmon.

The fishery is now closed for the season.

For inseason updates go to the SSRAA website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

Burnett Inlet THA

Last updated: Friday, May 15, 2026

The Burnett Inlet Terminal Harvest Area (THA) commercial salmon troll fishery will open for the harvest of chum, coho, sockeye, and pink salmon from 12:01 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2026, until closed by emergency order. The Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association is forecasting a total return of approximately 426,000 hatchery-produced summer chum salmon and 11,600 hatchery-produced fall chum salmon to the Burnett Inlet THA.

Further details of the 2026 Burnett Inlet THA fishing schedule and area were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 15.

For inseason updates go to the SSRAA website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

Speel Arm THA

Last updated: Thursday, May 14, 2026

The 2026 total run forecast for Snettisham Hatchery sockeye salmon is 83,000 fish, below the 144,000 fish average. These fish will be principally harvested in the traditional District 11 commercial drift gillnet fishery. Common property fishery openings may occur during August in the Speel Arm THA (waters of Speel Arm north of Sharp Point). Timing of openings in the THA will depend on sockeye salmon escapement into Speel Lake and DIPAC’s progress toward broodstock goals. DIPAC cost-recovery efforts in the special harvest area during July will be limited to waters in the immediate vicinity of the hatchery where wild and hatchery stocks are well segregated. Fishery management decisions for the Speel Arm THA will be made in consultation with DIPAC.

For inseason updates go to the DIPAC website at https://www.dipac.net/

Amalga Harbor THA

Last updated: Thursday, May 14, 2026

Common property purse seine opportunities in the Amalga Harbor THA will be based on run strength of hatchery-produced chum salmon, progress toward DIPAC cost-recovery goals, expected effort levels, and considerations for nontarget species. Openings may occur in Section 11-A and will be limited to a portion of the Amalga Harbor THA, Subdistrict 111-55. These openings may occur in July, will only be on Thursdays, and will be limited to 9 hours (9:00 am–6:00 pm). If there are conservation concerns for non-target species in nearby systems, the open area or time may be reduced. Details of the open area and times will be included in the normal purse seine advisory announcement at the appropriate time.

For inseason updates go to the DIPAC website at https://www.dipac.net/

Boat Harbor THA

Last updated: Friday, August 28, 2026

The outside waters of the Boat Harbor Terminal Harvest Area (THA) were open for three days this week and closed at noon on Wednesday, August 26. There was no participation in the area during the opening. The outside waters of the THA are no longer being managed as a THA and will now be managed with the remainder of Section 15-C as a traditional state-managed fishery.

There was also no participation in the inside waters of the Boat Harbor THA this week. The inside waters of the THA will close for the season at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

For inseason updates go to the DIPAC website at https://www.dipac.net/

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Central Region

Bristol Bay

Inseason Harvest Information

2026 Bristol Bay Salmon Fisheries Outlook (PDF 290 kB)
2026 Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon Forecast (PDF 282 kB)

Bristol Bay Fisheries Collaborative (BBFC)

Togiak District

Last updated: Friday, August 21, 2026

Final escapement past the Togiak tower was 119,298 sockeye salmon just shy of the 120,000 lower end goal. The buyer in Togiak ceased buying on August 14. The total run is just shy of 300,000 sockeye salmon and well below the preseason forecast of 530,000 fish. The Togiak salmon season has ended.

Nushagak District

Last updated: Friday, August 21, 2026

The Nushagak District sockeye salmon fishery is essentially over. The cumulative sockeye salmon harvest in the Nushagak District is 9 million. Combined with the total escapement of 6.3 million we have a total Nushagak District run of 15.3 million as of July 29. This is significantly below the preseason forecast of 18.39 million inshore run.

The last major buyer ceased operations over the weekend. There are still a few small operators fishing occasionally, but the season is over for all intents and purposes. This will be the last update here. We should have a season summary out in mid-September.

Naknek-Kvichak District

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

The Naknek River tower finished counting on July 21 with a season total escapement of 892,326 sockeye salmon, which is in the escapement goal range of 800,000 to 2 million fish. The Kvichak River tower finished counting on July 25 with a season total escapement is 3,080,286 sockeye salmon, which is within the escapement goal range of 2 to 10 million fish. The Alagnak River tower finished counting on July 28 with a season total escapement is 1,432,782 sockeye salmon and above the lower bound escapement goal of 210,000 fish. The season total harvest through August 2 is 6.15 million sockeye salmon, close to the preseason forecast of 6.2 million. The total run to the district is 11.5 million sockeye salmon and above the preseason forecast of 11.0 million. The Naknek River total run came in below the forecast of 3.9 million fish, and the Kvichak River total run came in above the total run forecast of 3.9 million. Fishing is open on the fall fishing schedule of 9:00 a.m. Monday until 9:00 a.m. Sunday. The Commercial fishing season closes September 30.

Egegik District

Last updated: Friday, July 31, 2026

The Egegik District harvest to date is approximately 9.0 million sockeye salmon, which is above the preseason forecast of 7.5 million, but slightly below the recent 10-year average. Total escapement this season was 1.98 million, which is within the SEG bounds of 800,000 - 2.0 million. Harvest and effort has decreased significantly this week and it is likely that most companies will stop buying this week. The fall schedule of 9:00 a.m. Monday to 9:00 a.m. Sunday has been in effect since 9:00 a.m. Monday, July 20.

Ugashik District

Last updated: Friday, July 31, 2026

The Ugashik District harvest to date is approximately 5.4 million sockeye salmon, which is above the preseason forecast of 4.3 million, and above the recent 10-year average. Total escapement for the season was 1.7 million, which is above the SEG upper bound of 1.4 million. Harvest is confidential this week and it is likely few buyers will be in the district past this week. The fall schedule of 9:00 a.m. Monday to 9:00 a.m. Sunday has been in effect since 9:00 a.m. Monday, July 20.

Copper River and PWS Drift Gillnet

Last updated: Friday, September 18, 2026

Copper River District

The Copper River District has transitioned to coho salmon management and opened for two 24-hour fishing periods this week. There have been 276 hours of fishing time in the Copper River District during the 2026 season. The Bering River District is being managed on the same schedule as the Copper River District. The Coghill District transitioned to pink salmon (purse seine) management as of July 21 and transition back to coho salmon (drift gillnet only) management on September 1. Eshamy District opened for two 36-hour drift gillnet fishing periods this week and a 14-hour and 12-hour set gillnet period.

The Miles Lake field camp was deployed on Monday, May 11. Sonar monitoring of Copper River sockeye and king salmon passage at the outlet of Mile Lake ended on July 28. A total of 570,391 salmon were enumerated versus a cumulative management objective of 600,897 salmon. Based on historical precedent, cold water temps low water levels in the Copper River likely delayed early season salmon migration through the fishing district and in the river. The Eshamy River weir was fish tight on July 27 and 14,898 sockeye salmon have been counted to date versus a projected minimum cumulative of 11,597 fish.

Based on the recent poor Chinook salmon production, a conservative management approach was implemented this season. Waters inside of the barrier islands from Steamboat through the eastern end of the district were closed for the first fishing period. During the second, third, and fourth fishing periods, a new intermediate closure line, excluding more inside and nearshore waters, was used to reduce Chinook salmon harvest potential. During the fifth fishing period an offshore closure line was implemented for additional Chinook and sockeye salmon conservation. The Copper River District only opened for one fishing period between June 12 and the start of coho season in mid-August.

The 2026 Copper River District sockeye salmon commercial harvest forecast is 728,000 fish, and the coho salmon commercial harvest 10-year average (2016–2025) is 184,000. The Copper River Chinook salmon total run forecast (33,000 fish) is 27% below the 10-year (2016–2025) average (45,000 fish). The 2026 sockeye salmon harvest forecast is on par with the 10-year (2016–2025) average of 733,000 fish. The 2026 sockeye salmon run to Main Bay Hatchery (MBH) is forecast to be 431,000 fish. PWSAC anticipates utilizing 142,000 (33%) sockeye salmon for cost recovery and broodstock, leaving 289,000 (67%) fish available for harvest. The 2026 Coghill Lake sockeye salmon total run forecast is 104,000 fish with an SEG of 20,000–75,000 fish. This is 53% below the 10-year (2016–2025) average of 223,000 fish. The chum salmon run to Wally Noerenberg Hatchery (WNH) is forecast to be 1.87 million fish. PWSAC anticipates utilizing 1.09 million (58%) chum salmon for cost recovery and broodstock, leaving 785,000 (42%) fish available for harvest. The wild stock sockeye salmon commercial harvest 10-year (2016–2025) average in Unakwik Inlet is 7,500 fish.

The Copper River District cumulative sockeye salmon harvest to date is 243,000 fish and, based on the forecast and recent historical run timing, the anticipated harvest so far this season is 728,000 fish. The Chinook salmon cumulative harvest to date in the Copper River District commercial fishery is 4,200 fish compared to a recent 10-year (2015-2024) average 12,300 fish over the same period. The Copper River District coho salmon harvest to date is 234,000 fish and is above average to this point in the season. Cumulative chum salmon harvest in the Coghill District is 106,000 fish and is below levels seen last year at this time, indicating slow run entry to this point in the season. The cumulative sockeye salmon harvest in the Eshamy District is 329,000 fish and is consistent with the high variability seen in run entry for this stock.

Break-up of the Copper River was late this year and river water levels are average 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: Friday, September 18, 2026

The 2026 pink salmon total run forecast for PWS is 21.31 million fish, with a potential commercial harvest of 14.03 million fish. This pink salmon total run forecast includes 4.73 million wild stock fish, 10.18 million Valdez Fisheries Development Association (VFDA) fish, and 6.40 million Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation (PWSAC) hatchery fish. This ranks as one of the lowest forecasts for hatchery returns in recent history. The department will manage for each district’s aerial index escapement goal for a cumulative SEG of 575,000–992,000 pink salmon.

The 2026 chum salmon forecast is 3.62 million fish. Most fish, 3.04 million (84%), are from PWSAC hatchery production, with 330,000 fish returning to the Armin F. Koernig hatchery (AFK), and 840,000 fish returning to Port Chalmers. Based on the department’s wild chum salmon forecast of 586,000 fish and subtracting the 10-year average escapement (173,000) there is a potential harvestable surplus of 413,000 wild chum salmon.

PWSAC completed its 2026 pink salmon egg take on Thursday, September 10. PWSAC completed its 2026 pink salmon cost recovery goal on August 10.

VFDA completed its pink salmon egg take on Thursday, September 10 collecting 92% of the pink salmon egg take goal.

The preliminary purse seine harvest, common property and cost recovery, of pink salmon was 3.6 million fish which is below the 10-even-year average of 17.9 million fish.

In the Eastern District no harvest has been reported since September 9.

In the Northern District no harvest has been reported since September 10.

In the Northwestern District no harvest has been reported since August 18.

In the Southwestern District no harvest has been reported since August 31

In the Montague District no harvest has been reported since August 22.

In the Southeastern District no harvest has been reported since August 20.

The 2026 Purse seine season closed on Monday, September 14.

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, September 11, 2026

Harvest information for drift gillnet from SOA waters through September 10^th is a cumulative of, 56 Chinook, 206,110 sockeye, 20,638 coho, 19,793 pinks and 29,462 chum salmon. The last harvest period was August 24^th, which is confidential.

Commercial salmon harvest from the EEZ to date is 49 Chinook, 635,195 sockeye, 37,080 coho, 17,402 pink and 56,870 chum salmon. The EEZ last harvest period was August 3.

Commercial salmon harvest from the Upper Subdistrict dip net fishery to date is 60,063 sockeye salmon. The last harvest period was July 31^st.

Commercial salmon harvest from the Northern District set net fishery to date is 6 Chinook, 30,070 sockeye, 10,201 coho, 1,927 pink, and 1,018 chum salmon. The last harvest period was August 3^rd.

Commercial salmon harvest from the UCI west side set gillnet fishery to date is 0 Chinook, 1,764 sockeye, 1,131coho, 5 pink, and 63 chum salmon. The last harvest period was August 13^th, which is confidential.

Commercial salmon harvest from the Kalgin Island Subdistrict set net fishery to date is 0 Chinook, 1,170 sockeye, 1,083 coho, 487 pink, and 35 chum salmon. The last harvest period was August 13^th, which is confidential.

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Upper Cook Inlet Management Area.

Lower Cook Inlet

Last updated: Friday, September 04, 2026

The Outer, Eastern, Southern, and Kamishak Bay districts closed to purse seine harvest for the 2026 season at 10:00 PM on Tuesday, September 1. The commercial set gillnet fishery in the Southern District closed on August 15. There have been no commercial salmon deliveries reported since July 30 for purse seine, and August 12 for set gillnet.

The 2026 Lower Cook Inlet Area commercial salmon preliminary harvest estimate was 353,726 fish. The harvest was composed of 282 Chinook, 341,686 sockeye, 438 coho, 9,064 pink, and 2,256 chum salmon of which 192,745 (55%) were commercial harvest and 160,782 (45%) were hatchery cost recovery.

Southern District

The 2026 preseason commercial harvest forecast for purse seine in the Southern District was 103,800 sockeye and 38,900 pink salmon with an additional 30,500 hatchery-produced sockeye salmon available in special harvest areas (SHAs). The purse seine preliminary harvest estimate was 148 Chinook, 114,186 sockeye, 122 coho, 2,804 pink, and 824 chum salmon with 19 permit holders reporting deliveries. This compares to previous 10-year average harvests of 94 Chinook, 85,557 sockeye, 1,150 coho, 161,996 pink, and 830 chum salmon with an average of 15 permit holders reporting deliveries.

The 2026 preseason commercial harvest forecast for set gillnet was 130 Chinook, 27,000 sockeye, 170 coho, 8,600 pink, and 1,900 chum salmon. The set gillnet preliminary harvest estimate was 132 Chinook, 20,126 sockeye, 249 coho, 2,566 pink, and 637 chum salmon with 17 permit holders reporting deliveries. The previous 10-year average harvests for this gear type were 294 Chinook, 22,914 sockeye, 2,132 coho, 18,458 pink, and 3,273 chum salmon with an average of 17 permit holders reporting deliveries.

Escapement surveys are scheduled to continue through mid-September, however the current projected escapement for Southern District pink salmon is within the sustainable escapement goal (SEG) of 50,000–110,000. The current chum salmon escapement projection for the Southern District is within the SEG range of 1,500 – 5,000 fish.

Outer District

The 2026 preseason commercial harvest forecast for the Outer District was 25,000 sockeye, 134,500 pink, and 17,700 chum salmon. Harvest from this district is confidential as fewer than three permit holders reported deliveries. The most recent previous 10-year average harvest is 35 Chinook, 12,311 sockeye, 451 coho, 716,166 pink, and 40,065 chum salmon with an average of 12 permit holders reporting deliveries.

The current projected escapement of pink salmon to Outer District index streams is which is within the Outer District SEG of 105,000 – 235,000 fish. The current chum salmon escapement projection for the Outer District is within the 17,500–32,000 fish SEG range. The current Desire Lake sockeye salmon peak count of 8,800 was within the 4,800 – 11,900 fish SEG range, whereas the current Delight Lake sockeye peak count of 1,550 fish was below the 5,100 – 10,600 SEG range. Sockeye salmon escapement surveys are also ongoing.

Kamishak Bay District

The 2026 preseason commercial harvest forecast for the Kamishak Bay District was 46,200 sockeye, 1,000 pink, and 1,800 chum salmon. Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association (CIAA) forecasted a run of 21,400 sockeye salmon to the Kirschner Lake remote release site. The preliminary harvest estimate from the 8 permit holders that delivered was 50,000 sockeye, and 3 chum salmon. In addition, 30,203 sockeye salmon were harvested by CIAA from the Kirschner Lake SHA for cost recovery. This year’s Kamishak District harvest compares to previous 10-year average harvests of 47,319 sockeye, 1,330 coho, 49,153 pink, and 9,982 chum salmon with an average of 4 permit holders reporting deliveries.

The current projected escapement of pink salmon to index streams in this district is below the 35,000 – 150,000 SEG range. The current chum salmon escapement projection for the Kamishak District is below the 50,000 – 115,000 SEG range. Sockeye salmon escapement to Chenik Lake was over 9,000 fish, and within the 2,900 – 13,700 SEG range. Sockeye salmon escapement to Mifik Lake was over 6,000 fish which is within the 3,400 – 11,000 SEG.

Eastern District

Due to few commercial common property deliveries in the last 10 years, no wild stock sockeye or pink salmon were forecasted from the Eastern District in 2026. CIAA forecasted a total run of 84,000 sockeye salmon to Resurrection Bay release sites with 76,800 fish needed for broodstock and cost recovery. Total cost recovery harvest from this district was 32,603 sockeye salmon. Harvest from this district is confidential as fewer than three permit holders reporting deliveries. The previous 10-year commercial harvest average for sockeye salmon in this district is 3,784 fish with all of those fish harvested in Resurrection Bay. CIAA passed 12,000 sockeye salmon through the Bear Creek weir in 2026. However, 1,578 sockeye salmon were subsequently removed from Bear Lake for broodstock, leaving a final spawning escapement of 10,635 fish, which is above the SEG of 700–8,300 fish. Hatchery returns of sockeye salmon to this district were below preseason anticipated levels. The only other index stock in the Eastern District is Aialik Lake sockeye salmon where the current peak count of over 7,000 fish is above the 3,200 – 5,200 fish SEG.

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, September 18, 2026

The Outer Karluk Section of the Southwest Kodiak District and the Central and North Cape Sections of the Northwest Kodiak District are open until further notice.

The majority of the Afognak District, the Uyak Bay, Zachar Bay, Spiridon Bay, Terror Bay, Kizhuyak Bay, and Sharatin Bay Sections of the Northwest Kodiak District, the Outer Ayakulik Section of the Southwest Kodiak District, The Humpy-Deadman Section of the Alitak District, and the Seven Rivers, Two-Headed, and Sitkalidak Sections of the Eastside Kodiak District are currently open until 6:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19.

In the Southwest Kodiak District, the Karluk River late-run sockeye salmon escapement was 226,694 fish, which is Within the target escapement range. The pink salmon escapement was 1,433,161 fish which is within the desired escapement range. The weir was removed on September 5.

The Ayakulik River early-run sockeye salmon escapement was 494,776 fish. This is well above the target escapement range for the early-run. Only 544 Chinook salmon had been counted, which is well below the target escapement range. High water forced the removal of the weir on July 14.

In the Alitak District, the Upper Station late-run sockeye salmon escapement was 145,078 fish, which is within the target escapement range. The weir was removed on September 10. The cumulative Dog Salmon sockeye salmon escapement was 97,697 fish which is within the target escapement range.

In the Afognak District, the cumulative Afognak Lake (Litnik) sockeye salmon escapement was 38,233 fish, which is within the target escapement range.

In the Eastside Kodiak District, the Saltery River weir has passed 23,034 sockeye salmon, which is within the desired escapement range. The Pasagshak River weir counted 3,484 sockeye salmon to date, which is within desired escapement range.

Effort is well below average with 128 seiners and 118 set gillnetters currently participating in the fishery.

As of August 31, approximately 1,547,000 sockeye salmon, 170,000 coho salmon, and 242,000 chum salmon have been harvested which are below average for this date. Approximately 12,800,000 pink salmon have been harvested, which is average for this date on an even year.

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

North Peninsula

Last updated: Monday, August 17, 2026

While many areas along the North Peninsula are open to commercial salmon fishing, no fishermen or processors are currently operating in the area. The cumulative Northern District sockeye harvest now stands at 2,170,000 fish, below the 10-year average of 2,392,000.

Nelson River Section:

The Nelson River weir was removed on July 27. Cumulative sockeye escapement stands at 481,525 fish, well above the upper end of the escapement goal range (219,000) and above both the 5-year average (332,000) and 10-year average (274,000). Cumulative king salmon escapement at the weir stands at 2,459 fish, above the lower bound of the escapement goal (2,400), but below both the 5-year (3,800) and 10-year (4,350) averages.

No harvest has been reported in the Nelson Lagoon Section since August 8, bringing the total Nelson River sockeye run to approximately 821,000 fish (harvest + escapement). The 2026 Nelson sockeye run is on track to be the second-largest harvest and second-largest total run in the Nelson Lagoon Section over the last 20 years, and the third-largest escapement over that same period.

Bear River Section:

Bear River early-run sockeye escapement totaled 210,678 fish, above the lower bound escapement goal (176,000), but below both the 5-year average (291,400) and 10-year average (325,400). The early run was fairly weak, and no commercial fishing opportunities occurred in the Bear River Section in June or July.

On August 1, the area shifted to Bear River late-run sockeye management, and the Bear River, Three Hills, and Ilnik Sections closed to allow the late run to develop. As of August 13, cumulative late-run sockeye escapement at the Bear River weir stands at 61,307 fish, the lowest for this date in the past 10 years. That total is tracking just above the lower end of the escapement goal range, but below both the 5-year (85,200) and 10-year (95,500) averages. Historically, about 60% of the run has passed the weir by this point in the season.

Commercial fishing reopened across the Ilnik, Three Hills, Port Moller Bight, and Bear River sections on August 8. However, harvests were below average, and both processors and fishermen departed the area on August 10 for the 2026 season.

Ilnik River Section: The Ilnik River weir was removed on July 18, and the cumulative sockeye escapement stands at 75,936 fish, above the upper end of the escapement goal range of 75,000 fish, but below the 5-year average (89,000) and 10-year average (97,000).

Outer Port Heiden Section: A survey of the Meshik and Cinder Rivers on August 6 confirmed the sockeye escapement goal was met in both systems.

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

South Peninsula

Last updated: Friday, September 04, 2026

The final commercial fishing period for all gear types for the season began at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2 until 9:00 p.m. Sunday, September 6.

Aerial surveys have concluded for the season. The final pink escapement is approximately 2.46 million fish, which is within the escapement goal of 1.75 to 4.0 million fish. Current chum salmon escapement is approximately 371,000 fish, which is within the escapement goal of 330,400 to 660,800 fish.

One processor has concluded buying salmon for the season after the previous fishing period and one processor is still buying salmon and will also conclude buying salmon for the season after this current fishing period.

Sockeye salmon harvest of 2,083,943 fish is below the recent 10-year average of 2,335,201 fish and the 5-year average of 2,733,416.

Pink salmon harvest of 3,558,449 fish is above the recent 10-even year average of 3,199,331 fish.

Chum salmon harvest of 766,831 fish is below the recent 10-year average of 1,129,340 fish and 5-year average of 1,182,520.

Chinook salmon harvest of 4,558 fish is below the recent 10-year average of 14,676 fish and 5-year average of 12,558 fish.

Coho salmon harvest of 74,594 fish is below the recent 10-year average of 226,713 fish and 5-year average of 167,968 fish.

No significant developments at this time.

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

Chignik

Last updated: Friday, September 18, 2026

The Chignik River weir was operational from May 31 through August 27, with 709,964 sockeye salmon counted through the weir. The 2026 Chignik River sockeye salmon total run strength was below average, but the total run was above the recent 10-year average but below the 2023 and 2025 runs. The early run was relatively strong, with 395,939 sockeye salmon escaping into the Chignik River, just below the upper bound of the Optimal Escapement Goal (OEG) range of 300,000–400,000 fish. The late run was 314,026 fish, which is within the OEG range of 240,000–360,000 fish but below the strong late run escapements observed in 2023–2025. The interim escapement objectives were met throughout the season for both runs and tended to trend along or above the upper goals throughout the season. Chinook salmon escapement was 1,923 fish, which is within the Biological Escapement Goal (BEG) range of 1,300–2,700 fish and the highest escapement since 2015. A total of 2,536 pink salmon, 6 chum salmon, and 2,991 coho salmon also passed through the weir. Post-weir estimates of sockeye salmon escapement will be provided in the fall. Pink and chum salmon escapements observed on aerial surveys across the Chignik Management Area were both late to develop and below average this season.

Harvest opportunity was provided starting June 17, following an escapement of more than 40,000 sockeye salmon past the Chignik River weir. Early-run escapement remained above the projected upper bound of the escapement goal range, allowing the fishery to be extended multiple times. The Eastern, Western, and Perryville Districts were open throughout most of July. Chinook salmon conservation measures began July 1 in the Central and Chignik Bay Districts, and included extensive area closures, a fishing schedule based on Chinook salmon abundance, and harvest caps. Once Chinook salmon escapement exceeded 1,300 fish on July 24, the required closure following the 48-hour openings for Central and Chignik Bay District fishing periods was reduced from 72 to 48 hours. Beginning August 1, the Chignik Bay, Central, and Inner Castle Cape subsection of the Western District opened weekly based on sockeye salmon escapement, while the Eastern, Western, and Perryville districts were largely closed due to low local pink and chum salmon abundance. Processors ceased operation in the Chignik Management Area on August 21. Following September 1, one additional 48-hour opening occurred in the Western, Perryville, and Central Districts.

Non-confidential harvest through September 18 included approximately 629,000 sockeye salmon, 501,000 pink salmon, 166,000 chum salmon, 32,000 coho salmon, and 1,000 Chinook salmon. The 2026 Chignik sockeye salmon harvest was forecast to be in the average category, with a projected Chignik Management Area harvest of approximately 1.14 million sockeye salmon.

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, September 18, 2026

The Pilot Station sonar project concluded operations on September 7, has a preliminary estimated fall chum salmon passage of approximately 1,028,904 fish, which is well above the drainagewide escapement goal range of 300,000–600,000 fish. The current inseason projection is for a run that is likely near 1 million fish. Subsistence fishing opportunity for all species with all legal gear is now open in the all waters of the Yukon River drainage from the Coastal District to Subdistricts 5-A and 5-B. Chum salmon subsistence fishing opportunity is open with all legal gears in the Teedriinjik drainage and both chum and coho salmon subsistence/personal use opportunity is open on the regulatory schedule in the Tanana River drainage. The Porcupine River drainage remains closed for fall chum salmon to protect the fall chum salmon bound for the Fishing Branch River in Canada. Based on genetic mixed stock analysis of the chum salmon passage at the Pilot Station sonar project, the mainstem Canadian treaty goal is now projected to be at or above the upper end of the border passage objective of 104,000 fall chum salmon and directed subsistence fishing opportunity in the mainstem Yukon River is now open in the lower river and restrictions in the upper river districts may be removed earlier in the fall than anticipated. As of September 7, the Pilot Station sonar project has estimated coho salmon passage at approximately 102,412 fish, which is well below average for the date but enough to allow subsistence harvest opportunity. Using a precautionary approach, subsistence fishing for fall chum and coho salmon was closed at the start of the fall season in every district but as more inseason assessment information showing that US tributary escapement goals as well as Canadian Treaty objectives are likely to be met, directed subsistence fishing opportunity for fall chum salmon in all areas could be opened.

As of September 17, the Eagle sonar project has estimated fall chum salmon passage at 15,127 fish. This is well below the median of 31,485 fish for the date, however the vast majority of mainstem-Canada bound fall chum salmon passed Pilot Station sonar between 8/24 and 8/26 and aren't anticipated to make it to the U.S./Canada border until early October. The last day of operations at the Eagle sonar project will be October 6. As of September 17, the Teedriinjik sonar project has an estimated fall chum salmon passage of 147,000 fish, within the escapement goal of 85,000-234,000 fish. Additionally, the Porcupine River sonar project has an estimated fall chum salmon passage of 12,509 fish as of September 16. The Fishing Branch River Weir has been inoperable since September 5 due to high water.

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

Kuskokwim River

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

The 2026 Kuskokwim River Chinook salmon has ended, and the chum salmon and sockeye salmon are at the end of their runs. The coho salmon run passage at the Kuskokwim River sonar is well below average. There is no large scale commercial processor registered for the Lower Kuskokwim River. The department will continue to assess the coho run through the end of the season to determine the likelihood of escapement being met and any harvestable surplus. The 2026 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.

Kuskokwim Bay

The 2026 Kuskokwim Bay commercial season is closed effective August 1, 2026. There was one registered buyer for Districts W4 and W5, and the fishery targeted sockeye salmon. The first commercial openers for Districts W4 and W5 were on Tuesday, July 7 and the last periods were Friday, July 31. There were 20 openers for W4 and 21 openers for W5, though some periods were not fished due to weather.

The combined cumulative season sockeye salmon harvest was 57,569 fish for both districts. 2026 harvest was below the combined cumulative average harvest of 83,673 sockeye salmon. The fishery intercepted 277 Chinook salmon and 21,515 chum salmon.

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

Norton Sound

Last updated: Monday, September 21, 2026

2026 Norton Sound

Commercial

Commercial salmon fishing periods were scheduled in Norton Sound between July 7 and August 28 in Norton Sound with Subdistricts 2 through 4 having an initial 24-hour period followed by two 48-hour periods per week through August 7 targeting chum salmon and four 24-hour and one 48-hour period coho directed openings. Coho salmon harvest were average to below average and catch rates weakened as the season progressed. Lack luster commercial catch rates, combined with uncertainty with escapement counts, caused the department to manage the fishery conservatively by primarily only allowing 24-hour periods during the coho directed fishery. Catch rates continued to decline throughout the coho directed portion of the fishery and the department did not schedule any additional coho directed commercial fisheries after August 29.

Subdistricts 5 and 6 did not have any directed chum salmon fisheries as the limited escapement data indicated that the runs were below average, concerns over potential king salmon incidental harvest, and recent trends of poor chum salmon runs in these subdistricts. Commercial fishing targeting coho salmon began on July 24 with a 24-hour period to assess coho salmon abundance in marine waters of Subdistricts 5 and 6. There were a total of eight 24-hour periods scheduled and one 48-hour period targeting coho salmon. Initial catch rates were promising; however, catch rates waned as the season progressed and most escapement projects were inoperable for extended periods of time rendering the data unreliable. Due to the decline in catch rates and unreliable escapement counts the department ceased scheduling additional commercial fisheries after August 29.

Commercial harvest for Norton Sound:

Golovin Subdistrict 2: 11 permits harvested 1,054 sockeye, 11,490 chum, and 1,676 coho salmon. All harvests were near the most recent 10-year average with the exception of sockeye salmon, which was well above average.

Elim Subdistrict 3: 13 permits harvested 979 sockeye, 2,335 coho, 5,646 pinks, and 5,852 chum salmon. Harvests in Subdistrict 3 were generally below the recent 10-year average but above the most recent 5-year average.

Norton Bay Subdistrict 4: 4 permits harvested 139 sockeye, 466 coho, 446 pink, and 1,770 chum salmon. Effort in Subdistrict 4 was minimal in 2026 and within historical harvest ranges.

Shaktoolik Subdistrict 5: 7 permits harvested 421 sockeye, 2,428 coho, 253 pinks, and 2,016 chum salmon. Effort was below historical levels in 2026 with below average harvests.

Unalakleet Subdistrict 6: 17 permits harvested 403 sockeye, 6,802 coho, 1,253 pink, and 4,148 chum salmon. Pink salmon harvest was well below average in 2026; however, commercial harvest being delayed to targeting coho salmon and no directed pink salmon fisheries heavily impacts the number of pink salmon caught in 2026 versus previous years. All other salmon harvests were within their historical harvest ranges.

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

Escapement

Most escapement projects started on time in 2026 and ran consistently through the early portions of the season. Inclement weather in late July and through August curtailed operations of many of the projects in Norton Sound resulting in unreliable escapement estimates during the later part of the salmon returns. Returns in Subdistrict 1 had mixed results with the Snake and Nome River meeting escapement goals for chum salmon and continued low runs in the Eldorado River not meeting its escapement goal for chum salmon. Pink and coho salmon returns were weak in Subdistrict 1.

Subdistricts 2 and 3 had chum salmon runs that met the escapement goal on the Kwiniuk River and stronger returns to the Niukluk River than in resent years indicating a harvestable surplus for commercial harvest in those two subdistricts. Pink runs were strong with over 1 million escaped passed the Niukluk River tower. Coho escapement into the Kwiniuk River met its escapement goal but high-water events on the Kwiniuk River caused several periods of missed counts and make any estimate of coho escapement a minimum.

Subdistricts 5 and 6 salmon escapements where lackluster and high-water events at counting projects for extended periods of time make the data inconclusive. King salmon returns to the North River did not met escapement goals in 2026.

Escapement projects

Pilgrim River Weir: counts began on June 26 and became inoperable August 4 through August 6 and ceased operations on August 23 with 21 king, 13,538 chum, 3,044 pink, 168 coho, and 34,232 sockeye salmon recorded for the season.

Snake River Weir: counts began on June 30 and became inoperable August 2 through August 16 with operations stopping again on August 23 with 1 king, 2,104 chum, 1,716 pink, 16 sockeye, and 89 coho salmon recorded.

Nome River Weir: counts began on June 25 and became inoperable August 3 through August 6 with 1 king, 1,675 chum, 6,300 pink, and 53 sockeye, and 109 coho salmon recorded.

Eldorado River Weir: counts began on June 16 and ceased operations on August 3 for the season with 1 king, 879 chum, and 1,797 pink salmon.

Niukluk River Tower: counts began on June 24 and became inoperable August 3 through August 13 and ceased operations on August 21 with 174 kings, 41,326 chum, 1.7 million pink, 523 coho, and 558 sockeye salmon estimated for the season.

Kwiniuk River Tower: counts began on June 26 with and became inoperable August 3 through August 7 with 63 king, 16,809 chum, 746,600 pink, 300 sockeye, and 5,286 coho salmon recorded.

Ungalik River Tower: counting began on June 23 and became inoperable on July 10 and operated from July 28 through August 1. There have been 36 kings, 8,853 chum, 445,798 pink, and 201 coho salmon counted while the tower was operational.

Shaktoolik River Tower: counts began on June 26 and the tower has operated intermittently since that time. There have been 411 king, 8,067 chum, 349,974 pink, 1,701 coho, and 159 sockeye salmon.

North River Tower: counting began on June 17 and became inoperable August 3 through August 12 and became inoperable again on August 22 with 393 kings, 2,787 chum, 469,591 pink, 321 coho, and 9 sockeye salmon.

Some Norton Sound escapement projects continue to operate; however, escapement numbers and current trends in escapement are not expected to deviate from current numbers significantly.

Subsistence

Subdistrict 1 all waters are open to gillnet fishing continuously. Additionally, starting on August 15, beach seine gear can no longer be used for subsistence fishing in Subdistrict 1.

All waters of Subdistricts 5 and 6 opened to subsistence gillnet fishing with gillnets restricted to 6-inches or less on July 22. Additionally, Subdistricts 5 and 6 are closed to beach seines for subsistence fishing starting on August 10.

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 districts 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, September 04, 2026

The Kotzebue District opened for commercial salmon fishing on July 10 and closed by regulation on August 31. There have been 43 8-hour commercial fishing periods scheduled in the Kotzebue District and the harvest is confidential. Catch rates were above the 10-year average and commercial harvest was near the upper end of the preseason forecast of 50,000 to 150,000 chum salmon.

Click the link for more information: 2026 Kotzebue Salmon Outlook

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

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