Contact:
Mark Somerville
UCUS Area Management Biologist
Phone: 907-822-3309

Effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, June 25, all waters in the upper Copper River drainage, upstream of the Haley Creek, will be closed to sport fishing for king salmon for the remainder of the season, this includes catch-and-release fishing. In all flowing waters of the Copper River drainage, only unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures may be used.

The king salmon run to the Copper River appears to be weaker than the preseason forecast of 64,000 king salmon and the run timing appears earlier than average. The cumulative commercial harvest, as of June 19, is approximately 11,062 king salmon. This is below the expected level, and is the 6th lowest cumulative harvest through this date since 1980. For comparison, cumulative harvest through June 19, 2015 was 21,531 king salmon.

Catch rates in the Native Village of Eyak research fish wheels through June 20 have been low with a cumulative catch less than the average for this date. Additionally, recapture rates of king salmon have been exceptionally high and indicate a potential inriver return at least 30% below the Copper River drainage escapement goal of 24,000 king salmon.

A cumulative of 204 king salmon have been counted at the Gulkana River king salmon counting tower through June 20. These counts are 52% below the average for this date and with the king salmon run into the Copper River running approximately 5 days early the Gulkana River tower counts should be significantly higher than currently observed. Given the uncertainty associated with all of the indicators of Copper River king salmon abundance, a precautionary and conservative management approach in the upper Copper River fisheries is warranted.

The Copper River King Salmon Fishery Management Plan directs the department to manage the Copper River fisheries to achieve a sustainable escapement goal in the upper Copper River of 24,000 or more king salmon. From 2002–2008, Copper River king salmon escapement averaged 33,316 fish. From 2009–2015 spawning escapement averaged 24,820 king salmon and fell below 24,000 in 2 of those 7 years. Inseason run strength indicators through June 20, and the generally poor stock performance trend over the last 7 years, justify prohibiting the taking of king salmon in the upper Copper River drainage sport fisheries to ensure the maximum possible king salmon escapement.

The department will continue to evaluate inseason run strength and take appropriate management actions to ensure that escapement requirements are met.