(Released: July 21, 2017 - Expired: August 09, 2017)

Division of Sport Fish
Tom Brookover, Director
Anchorage Headquarters Office
333 Raspberry Road
Anchorage, AK 99518


Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Sam Cotten, Commissioner
P.O. Box 115526
Juneau, AK 99811-5526
www.adfg.alaska.gov


Contact: Tyler Polum, Kodiak Sport Fish Management Biologist
(907) 486-1880

Chignik River King Salmon Sport Fishery Closed

(Kodiak) - Beginning 12:01 a.m. Sunday, July 23, 2017, and for the remainder of the 2017 season, sport fishing for king salmon in the Chignik River drainage downstream to Mensis Point is closed. King salmon that are caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. As an added measure to reduce the probability of hooking mortality, the use of bait is prohibited within the Chignik River drainage, and only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used.

The biological escapement goal (BEG) for king salmon in the Chignik River drainage is 1,300 to 2,700 fish. The weir count as of July 19, 2017, was 681 king salmon, which is well below average for this date. Based on historical run timing, the current projected total escapement indicates that the BEG may not be achieved. In order to conserve king salmon escapement, the inriver king salmon sport fishery is closed, and only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used through August 9, 2017.

For more information, contact the Kodiak Division of Sport Fish Office at (907) 486-1880.

#17-2472