(Kodiak) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is reopening the Buskin River drainage to sport fishing for coho salmon effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, October 4 through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2019. Sport fishing for coho salmon on the Buskin River is open and anglers are allowed one coho salmon, 20 inches or greater in length, per day and in possession under general regulation.

“The Buskin River coho salmon stock has seen several years of lower returns than expected and was closed due to low escapement for much of the season to be conservative,” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum. “with recent rainfall, the Buskin has seen significant coho salmon passage and has achieved its escapement goal.”

As of October 1, 2019, 5,037 coho salmon have passed the Buskin River weir. The escapement goal for coho salmon into the Buskin River is 4,700 to 9,600 fish. Typically, the run is over by now, but exceptionally late run timing, likely due to dry conditions has meant that the majority of the run is only now entering the drainage. Therefore, it is warranted to open the sport fishery to allow opportunity for anglers to fish the Buskin River for coho salmon.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum at (907) 486-1880.

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