Press Release ADF&G Logo
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Sam Cotten, Commissioner

DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Tom Brookover, Director

Contact:
Tyler Polum
Kodiak Sport Fish Assistant Mgmt. Biologist
Phone: (907) 486-1880

March 15, 2016

AYAKULIK RIVER CLOSED TO SPORT FISHING FOR KING SALMON

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, sport fishing for king salmon in the Ayakulik River drainage is closed. As an added measure to reduce the probability of hooking mortality on incidentally caught king salmon, the use of bait is prohibited within the Ayakulik River drainage, and only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used. 

The biological escapement goal (BEG) for the Ayakulik River king salmon is 4,000 to 7,000 fish. Despite management actions to reduce king salmon harvest in sport, commercial and subsistence fisheries, the king salmon BEG has not been achieved since 2012 and has not been met five of the last 10 years. A very low escapement in 2015 and recent trend of poor runs warrants closure of the king salmon sport fishery.

The 2016 king salmon run will be monitored daily at the department’s Ayakulik River salmon counting weir. These restrictions may be relaxed by a subsequent emergency order if the inseason assessment indicates the king salmon run is stronger than anticipated. 

For more information contact the Division of Sport Fish office in Kodiak at (907) 486-1880

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