Contact:
Audra Brase
Tanana Area Management Biologist
Phone: 907-459-7244

The Division of Sport Fish is closing all waters of the Tanana River drainage to sport fishing for king salmon effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2014. This closure prohibits all sport fishing for king salmon, including catch-and-release fishing. King salmon may not be retained or possessed. King salmon incidentally caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

The 2014 Yukon and Tanana rivers Chinook salmon run is expected to be extremely poor and could be the worst on record. Strong conservation measures are necessary to meet escapement objectives. Severe restrictions are being placed on the Yukon River subsistence fisheries. The Koyukuk, Innoko and Coastal District subsistence fisheries are all being restricted for the first time. Also for the first time, subsistence salmon fisheries will be restricted to fishing gear that will allow the live release of all king salmon.

King salmon escapement goals have not been met in the Chena River in 3 of the last 5 years. Although the Salcha River continues to meet escapement goals, it is likely due to the heavy restrictions placed upon the downriver fisheries.

Restricting the Tanana River king salmon sport fisheries is warranted in order to meet the king salmon escapement goals on the Chena and Salcha Rivers and to support the conservation measures being taken by Yukon River drainage subsistence users.

For additional information contact Audra Brase, Tanana Area Management Biologist, 907-459-7244.