Inseason Alaska Commercial Salmon Summary

This summary provides management, harvest, and escapement information for the Alaska commercial salmon fishing season. This summary will be updated each Friday between mid-May and September. Please note, inseason harvest data published in this summary are preliminary and subject to change. For more information on the Blue Sheet, inseason summaries, and harvest timing charts, please see our Blue Sheet, Inseason Summary, and Harvest Timing Charts Overview page.

Statewide Summary

Last updated: Thursday, May 16

The 2024 commercial salmon harvest forecast is 69.0 million pink salmon, 39.5 million sockeye salmon, 24.3 million chum salmon, and 2.6 million coho salmon. If realized, the forecasted 2024 total Alaska commercial salmon harvest will be approximately 135.7 million fish.

Area-specific fishery announcements, harvest, and escapement data can be found on the Commercial Fisheries homepage.

Inseason fish counts are posted on the Fish Count Data Search homepage.

Inseason harvest timing can be tracked here: Inseason Commercial Salmon Harvest Timing.

Southeast Alaska & Yakutat

Troll Fishery

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The first Chinook salmon opening of the general summer troll season began on July 1 to target approximately 66,700 fish. Landing reports indicate a reduced number of vessels are fishing compared with the previous 2 years. The fishery was open for Chinook salmon retention for 8 days.

Preliminary fish ticket data reported through July 25 indicates a total of 467 troll permits have landed 82,900 Chinook salmon in the traditional summer troll fishery. Harvest reported on fish tickets for traditional and terminal fisheries for other species include 59,300 coho and 131,400 chum salmon. Average prices are $6.05/lb for Chinook, $1.44/lb for coho and $0.53 /lb for chum salmon. Current average landed weights are 10.6 lb for Chinook, 5.0 lb for coho, and 7.8 lb for chum salmon. Chinook salmon average weight is above the 2023 average by 0.2 lb but below the 5-year average by 0.4 lb, while coho salmon average weight is above the 2023 and 5-year averages by 0.6 lb and 0.2 lb. Chum salmon average weight is below the 2023 and 5-year averages by 1.2 lb and 0.1 lb.

The current regional power troll coho salmon catch rate for this week (statistical week 30) is 112 coho salmon/boat/day, with the highest catch rate in the Southern Outside area at 140 fish/boat/day, followed by Central Inside (111 fish/boat/day), Southern Inside (79 fish/boat/day), and Central Outside (56 fish/boat/day).

Directed chum salmon landings reported on fish tickets since July 1 in West Behm Canal and Neets Bay indicate 55 vessels have taken 73,000 chum salmon from 330 landings at a rate of 221 fish per landing. A total of 58 vessels targeting chum salmon in Sitka Sound report 52,600 fish from 162 landings at a rate of 324 fish per landing. A total of 7 vessels have reported 1,300 chum salmon from 10 landings in District 14 (Icy Strait) at a rate of 133 fish per landing. 

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Purse Seine Fishery

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The 2024 forecast of 19.2 million pink salmon indicates an average pink salmon run throughout Southeast Alaska (SEAK) and a conservative fishing regime is expected. The first traditional common property pink salmon openings occurred July 4 and have occurred every Sunday and Thursday since. Pink salmon harvests have been poor in most areas of the Region. The pink salmon run is shifting from the early run to the middle run and there are indications that the middle run is coming in better, especially in southern Southeast. Pink salmon harvest from the two 15-hour openings this week may top 2 million fish. The estimated pink salmon harvest for season is 2.5–3 million fish. Early inseason indications are for a total pink salmon harvest in the 20 million fish range. The next pink salmon opening is scheduled for July 28 and open area is expected to expand. Subsequent openings will be based on aerial observations and fishery performance data. The department will carefully monitor inseason information and will manage the fishery to ensure escapement goals are met, obtain district and stock group escapement targets, and distribute escapements throughout the run while providing maximum fishing opportunity. The department is prepared to provide additional fishing opportunity as run strength and fleet distribution allows by potentially expanding the fishing schedule from one to two 15-hour periods per week, to 39-hour periods, to 2-day on/2-day off, or a more continuous fishing schedule. The department may have to reduce fishing opportunities after initially expanding opportunity depending on how runs develop and fleet distribution. Specific areas may warrant more, or less fishing time than the regional schedule depending on run strength and effort in those areas.

Terminal harvest areas (THA) opened for common property harvest to target hatchery-produced chum salmon starting June 16. Chum salmon harvest in THAs throughout the region have been good to date. The reported harvest through July 13 is 2.4 million chum salmon.

The size of the purse seine fleet will have some impact on management decisions as the season progresses. Purse seine effort in 2023 was 210 permits fished, 2022 was 194 permits fished, in 2021, 208 permits were fished, and in 2020, 200 permits fished. Effort levels are generally higher in odd years and lower in even years reflecting the current odd-year cycle of stronger pink salmon runs. Effort in 2024 is anticipated to be similar to 2022. Since 2007, the number of total permits has decreased from 415 to 279 permits due to permit buyback programs. The average effort in the purse seine fishery is 242 permits fished. Through July 22, 181 purse seine vessels have made landings. Effort is expected to increase as the pink salmon run progresses.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Drift Gillnet Fishery

Last updated: Friday, June 28

There are 5 traditional drift gillnet fishing areas in Southeast Alaska (SEAK): Tree Point and Portland Canal (District 1); Prince of Wales (District 6); Stikine (District 8); Taku/Snettisham (District 11); and Lynn Canal (District 15). In addition, drift gillnet fisheries occur in several terminal harvest areas (THA) adjacent to hatchery facilities and at remote release sites throughout the region. The drift gillnet fishery primarily targets sockeye, pink, and chum salmon during the summer season and coho and chum salmon during the fall season. In the last 10 years, the species composition of the drift gillnet harvest has been 63% chum, 22% pink, 9% sockeye, 6% coho, and <1% Chinook salmon. Of the total commercial salmon harvest in SEAK, the average drift gillnet fishery harvests have included 33% sockeye, 27% chum, 11% coho, 9% Chinook, and 4% pink salmon. Drift gillnet harvests have averaged 4.2 million salmon annually over the recent 10-year period and averaged 3.2 million salmon annually since statehood (1960–2023).

An average of 473 SEAK drift gillnet limited entry permits were issued annually, of which an average of 87% were actively fished each year. In 2023, 474 permits were issued, of which 367 permits (77%) were actively fished. A historical low of 348 permits were fished in 2004.

SEAK Chinook salmon stocks are currently experiencing low abundance. Over the past 5 years (2019–2023), the 11 monitored Chinook salmon index systems did not meet escapement goals 44% of the time. In 2023, 5 of the 11 monitored Chinook salmon index systems were below their escapement goal ranges. Of the 11 monitored stocks, ADF&G has a more detailed stock assessment that allows for annual run forecasts for 5 of those stocks to be produced. In 2024, ADF&G forecasted 2 of these 5 stock's total runs to be within their respective escapement goal ranges, 2 below their respective escapement goal ranges, and 1 stock had insufficient data available to produce a forecast but is expected to be below its escapement goal ranges. Three of these systems —Stikine, Taku, and Chilkat Rivers— are within the Districts 8, 11, and 15 drift gillnet fishing areas. Commercial, sport, personal use, and subsistence fisheries will be restricted throughout SEAK to conserve Chinook salmon. More information on Chinook salmon management actions in specific fisheries are discuss in specific gillnet fishing areas.

Current information is provided in the specific gillnet fishery area sections below. 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Tree Point/Section 1-B

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The Tree Point drift gillnet fishery opened at 12:01 p.m., on Sunday, July 21, for a 4-day fishing period. In comparison to the 10-year average, the harvest of Chinook, coho, pink and chum salmon were below average, and sockeye salmon harvest was above average. Chum salmon catch per unit effort (CPUE) during statistical week 30 was above the 10-year average. The effort level of 30 vessels was below the 10-year average of 40 vessels. The estimated weekly harvest for statistical week 30 was 20 Chinook salmon, 3,300 sockeye salmon, 300 coho salmon, 7,300 pink salmon, and 31,000 chum salmon. The preseason forecast for the Nass River run is 469,000 sockeye salmon, allowing the Section 1-B drift gillnet fishery to harvest approximately 37,100 sockeye salmon. Statistical week 31 is the second week of the District 1 Pink Salmon Management Plan. Under the management plan, since the District 1 purse seine fleet is expected to receive two days of fishing time in statistical week 31, Tree Point will receive four days of fishing time, beginning at 12:01 p.m., Sunday, July 28.

For updates on SSRAA contributions visit their website at http://www.ssraa.org/.  

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Stikine and Prince of Wales/Districts 6 and 8

Last updated: Friday, July 26

District 6, and two small areas in District 8 opened to commercial fishing for 48 hours beginning Sunday, July 14. On-the-grounds surveys indicated above average sockeye salmon abundance for the time of year. As such, District 8 was opened for a 48 hour mid-week opening with expanded area. The number of participants was well below average and resulted in well below average salmon harvests for all five species. Harvest rates of sockeye salmon were well above average for the gillnetters targeting sockeye salmon. Both districts will open on July 28 for 48 hours. Management personnel will be on the grounds assessing sockeye salmon run strength for possible adjustments to fishing periods in District 8. District 6 will be limited to 48 hours next week as per the McDonald Lake Management Plan.  

The 2024 preseason forecast for Stikine River sockeye salmon is 130,000 fish, which is above the average of 102,000 fish. This forecast includes 99,000 Tahltan Lake and 30,000 mainstem sockeye salmon. Inseason indicators point toward a run larger than the forecast. For 2024, harvest shares will be 57.5% U.S./42.5% Canada. Based on the forecast, this results in a U.S. allowable catch of 49,100 Stikine River sockeye salmon and is comprised of approximately 43,900 Tahltan Lake fish and 5,200 mainstem bound sockeye salmon. To date, approximately 19,500 Stikine sockeye salmon have been harvested. This estimate was generated using average historical stock proportions from the past ten years and in-season genetic proportions.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Taku-Snettisham/Section 11-B

Last updated: Friday, July 26

Salmon harvest and catch per unit effort (CPUE) were estimated at or above the recent 10-year average for all species except for pink salmon in this week’s opening of the District 11 drift gillnet fishery.  Participation in the opener was 66% of the 10-year average, with an estimated 65 boats recording landings. Beginning on the third day of the opening, a 6” minimum mesh-size restriction was implemented south of Circle Point in effort to conserve wild sockeye salmon stocks returning to Port Snettisham area streams. A 48-hour extension was issued for the district to allow additional opportunity to the commercial fleet following good catches and CPUE of sockeye salmon in Taku Inlet, and indications of a strong escapement in Taku River.

Sockeye salmon harvest was strong this week and fishermen targeting them were rewarded with very good catches. The estimated harvest of 20,000 sockeye salmon is 109% of the recent 10-year average and 117% of the CPUE. Otolith samples gathered from fish harvested on the grounds this week showed 10% were Snettisham Hatchery sockeye salmon and 4% were Tatsamenie Lake enhanced fish. In Speel Lake around 110 sockeye salmon have passed the Speel Lake weir (operated by Douglas Island Pink and Chum Inc.) for the season which is a good start for this early in the run.

The first Taku River bilateral sockeye salmon terminal run estimate was produced this week. Bayesian Time Stratified Population Analysis Software (BTSPAS) was used to generate a run estimate of 72,000 fish currently inriver, which projects out to a final inriver run of 168,000 fish and a terminal run of 220,000 fish. The Taku River sockeye salmon escapement goal range is 40,000 to 75,000 fish, with a management objective of 58,0000 fish. The preseason terminal run estimate was 207,000 fish and the 10-year average terminal run is 177,000 fish.

Chum salmon catches remained very good this week in the District, with an estimated 150,000 fish harvested, which was 175% of average and twice the CPUE average for the statistical week. The average chum salmon size remained at 6.4-pounds this week and males were approximately 54%.

Coho salmon harvest and CPUE was about average. Pink salmon are still very sparse and CPUE about 10% of average.

District 11 will open for three days in statistical week 31 to harvest wild sockeye and hatchery chum salmon. In effort to conserve wild sockeye salmon returning to Port Snettisham streams, Stephens Passage, south of Circle Point, will utilize a 6” minimum mesh size restriction on day-three. Limestone Inlet will open to the inside markers on day-three to allow additional opportunity to harvest returning hatchery chum salmon.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Lynn Canal/District 15

Last updated: Friday, July 26

District 15 opened to commercial fishing for 48 hours in the traditional areas and 72 hours in the outside waters of the Boat Harbor terminal harvest area (THA) beginning Sunday, July 21. Inside waters of the Boat Harbor THA remain open 7 days a week until further notice. Restrictions for Chilkat River Chinook salmon conservation were lifted this week. Effort levels were below average in District 15 but were similar to last week with 90 vessels participating, 72% of average for the fifth opener of the season. Chilkoot River sockeye salmon escapement is well below average for this time period, so conservation efforts were implemented to protect these stocks. In Section 15-A, the eastern portion of Lynn Canal closed to commercial fishing. Inseason indicators for Chilkat River sockeye salmon show an early and a robust run strength, and escapement to Chilkat Lake is tracking well above average. In order to shift effort to target Chilkat River sockeye salmon stocks, and minimize interception of Chilkoot River sockeye salmon, commercial fishing was open on the western half of Section 15-A from Ayiklutu (Seduction) Point, to 2 nautical miles offshore of the section boundary (latitude of Sherman Rock). The expanded area of the Postage Stamp was reduced to the normal Postage Stamp area lines. Outside waters of the Boat Harbor THA was extended 48-hours for a total fishing period of 5 days. On-the-grounds survey this week indicated an increase in sockeye salmon abundance compared to last week, however the total harvest of 7,000 fish is still well below the weekly average harvest of 22,000 fish. Total harvest and catch per unit effort (CPUE) for Douglas Island Pink and Chum Inc.'s (DIPAC) hatchery chum salmon in the district continues to be above average with an estimated harvest of just under 300,000 fish for the week, 222% of the 10-year average. Pink salmon are starting to make an appearance in the fishery, and the total harvest of 1,500 fish was only 6% of the even year 10-year average. Next week (statistical week 31), conservation efforts for Chilkoot River sockeye salmon will continue and only waters on the western shoreline of Section 15-A will open, however more area will open up to Glacier Point to Twin coves. Other open areas remain the same as last week, which include the Postage Stamp area and the Boat Harbor THA.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Yakutat Area Set Gillnet Fishery

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The Alsek River, Dangerous River, Situk-Ahrnklin Inlet, Yakutat Bay, Manby Outside Waters, Manby Inside Waters and the remainder of the district were opened for commercial fishing during statistical week 30.

In the Yakutat District, the Alsek River was open for 2 days with 3 permits fished and a harvest of 285 sockeye salmon. Participation and harvest was below average for this statistical week. The Situk-Ahrnklin Inlet was open for 3.5 days with 22 permits fished and a harvest of 6,517 sockeye, 6 coho, 652 pink and 3 chum salmon. Participation was average and harvest was above average for this statistical week. Yakutat Bay was open for 3.5 days with 3 permits fished and a harvest of 79 sockeye, 2 coho, 31 pink and 2 chum salmon. Participation was  below average for this week and harvest was below average for this statistical week. The Manby Outside Waters were open for 3.5 days and 8 permits were fished with a total harvest of 2,500 sockeye, 2 pink and 1 chum salmon. Participation and harvest were average for this statistical week. Manby Inside Waters were fished, however harvest information is confidential. 

The Situk River weir became operational on June 10. To date we have observed: 439 large Chinook salmon, 679 medium Chinook salmon, 321 small Chinook salmon, 52,806 sockeye salmon, 2 coho salmon and 664 pink salmon through the weir.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Terminal Harvest Area (THA) Fisheries

Last updated: Thursday, May 16

Terminal Harvest Area (THA) drift gillnet fisheries occur in Nakat Inlet, Carroll Inlet, Anita Bay, Southeast Cove, Deep Inlet, and Boat Harbor. THA seine fisheries occur in Carroll Inlet, Kendrick Bay, Anita Bay, Thomas Bay, Southeast Cove, Hidden Falls, Crawfish Inlet, and Deep Inlet. 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Nakat Inlet THA

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The forecasted Nakat Inlet return is 415,000 summer chum, 20,000 fall chum, and 24,500 coho salmon. The Nakat Inlet THA is open by regulation to the harvest of salmon by drift gillnet gear from Saturday, June 1, through Sunday, November 10. The current estimated harvest is 187,000 chum salmon.

For updates on SSRAA contributions visit their website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Neets Bay THA

Last updated: Friday, July 19

The forecasted Neets Bay return is 1,540,000 summer chum salmon, 40,000 fall chum salmon, 100 Chinook salmon, and 109,700 coho salmon. The Neets Bay THA opened to the harvest of salmon by troll gear on Thursday, June 27. The Neets Bay THA expands to Chin Point on July 1, and Chinook salmon may not be retained west of the easternmost tip of Bug Island. The rotational fishery between drift gillnet and purse seine began on Saturday, June 29, in those waters east of the easternmost tip of Bug Island. Neets Bay closed to the harvest of salmon by the net gear groups at 12:00 noon, Saturday, July 6, to allow for Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (SSRAA) cost recovery operations. The current estimated harvest is 40 Chinook and 1,900 chum salmon by the drift gillnet fleet, and 180 Chinook and 245,000 chum salmon by the purse seine fleet.

For further information please refer to the April 19, 2024, ADF&G announcement for Neets Bay THA and for updates on the SSRAA website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Kendrick Bay THA

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The forecasted return for Kendrick Bay is 1,238,000 summer chum salmon. The Kendrick Bay THA is open by regulation to the harvest of salmon by purse seine gear from Saturday, June 15, through Monday, September 30. The current estimated harvest is 451,000 chum salmon.

For updates on SSRAA contribution visit their website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Caroll Inlet THA

Last updated: Friday, July 12

The forecasted return for Carroll Inlet is 6,200 Chinook salmon. The Carroll Inlet THA will be open to troll gear from Saturday, June 1, through Sunday, June 30. The Carroll Inlet THA opened to the harvest of salmon by net gear groups from Saturday, June 1, through Wednesday June 12. Reopened for a rotational fishery between purse seine and drift gillnet on Saturday, June 15, and closed to all gear groups on Sunday, June 30. The current estimated harvest is 1,900 Chinook salmon by the purse seine fleet, and 1,700 Chinook salmon by the drift gillnet fleet.

For further information please refer to the April 19, 2024, ADF&G announcement for Carroll Inlet and for updates on SSRAA contributions visit their website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Anita Bay THA

Last updated: Friday, July 26

For 2024, the Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (SSRAA) is forecasting total runs of 7,700 Chinook, 458,000 summer chum, and 14,300 coho salmon from releases at Anita Bay. A total of 5,400 Chinook, 118,200 summer chum, and 5,700 coho salmon are expected to be available for harvest in the THA. The Anita Bay common property fishery is managed as described in the District 7: Anita Bay Terminal Harvest Area Salmon Management Plan (5 AAC 33.383). A rotational fishery began for the drift gillnet and purse seine fleets on June 13. The total reported gillnet harvest to date is 3,300 Chinook salmon and 20,700 chum salmon. The total reported seine harvest to date is 2,500 Chinook and 67,000 chum salmon. The total reported troll harvest to date is 120 Chinook salmon. Details of the 2024 Anita Bay THA fishing schedule and area were announced in a separate advisory announcement released on April 18.

 

For further information and updates on Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (SSRAA) contributions and updates visit the SSRAA website.

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Deep Inlet THA

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The Deep Inlet Terminal Harvest Area (THA) has been closed to all common property harvest since Thursday, July 11 to facilitate cost recovery operations. The Northern Southeast Alaska Aquaculture Association (NSRAA) will attempt to complete cost recovery operations as quickly as possible and it is anticipated that rotational commercial fisheries will resume, beginning with a troll opening, on Wednesday, July 31. However, if cost recovery operations perform poorly, additional closure time may be necessary past July 31. NSRAA will provide updates daily to ADF&G on the progress of their cost recovery operations in this area.

From June 1 through July 26, the cumulative gillnet harvest in the Deep Inlet THA is 2,500 Chinook salmon and 190,000 chum salmon; the cumulative purse seine harvest in the Deep Inlet THA is 2,500 Chinook salmon and 348,000 chum salmon.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Hidden Falls THA

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The common property purse seine fishery at Hidden Falls first opened on June 16 and has been open on Sundays and Thursdays. The most recent opening was July 18. The cumulative purse seine harvest to date at Hidden Falls Terminal Harvest Area (THA) is 1,200 Chinook and 815,000 chum salmon. The next opening for the common property purse seine fishery at Hidden Falls will occur on July 28. Following the fishing period on July 28, future openings will be dependent on inseason assessments of run strength and timely harvest reporting. A contraction of the offshore boundary of the Hidden Falls THA to within 1.0 nautical miles off the Baranof Island shoreline is in effect to conserve weak Chinook and pink salmon runs destined for systems farther inland.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Crawfish Inlet THA

Last updated: Thursday, May 16

The Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA) expects a run of 1,336,000 chum salmon to the Crawfish Inlet remote release site. NSRAA plans on conducting a cost recovery fishery this season in Crawfish Inlet. The number of chum salmon available for common property harvest will depend entirely on the progress of the cost recovery fishery. No chum salmon are needed for broodstock in Crawfish Inlet.

Purse seine openings at Crawfish Inlet will be conducted as needed following the cost recovery fishery to maintain fish quality and prevent large buildups of fish. Seine openings may occur inside the boundaries of the SHA depending on abundance of fish and balancing the troll priority. Should they occur, the purse seine openings will happen on Sundays and Thursdays. Purse seiners are advised that openings at Crawfish Inlet during the 2024 season may be announced with a minimum 24-hour notice, if necessary, to maximize fish quality.  

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Thomas Bay THA

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA) is forecasting a total run of 381,000 chum salmon to the Thomas Bay Terminal Harvest Area (THA). A portion of the run will be harvested in common property fisheries in Chatham Strait and Frederick Sound. No cost recovery is planned for 2024. The Thomas Bay THA is open to common property purse seine and troll fisheries from Sunday, June 16, through Saturday, August 3. Purse seine openings occur on Sundays and Thursdays, and troll openings occur on days closed to purse seining. Purse seine harvests through Friday, July 26, are 280,000 chum salmon. Details of the 2024 Thomas Bay THA fishing schedule and area were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 18.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

Southeast Cove THA

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA) is forecasting a total run of 215,000 summer chum salmon to the Southeast Cove Terminal Harvest Area (THA). The THA opened to common property fishing starting Sunday, June 16. Total reported purse seine harvests through Friday, July 19, are 215,000 chum salmon. The gillnet harvests through Friday, July 19 are confidential. Details of the 2024 Southeast Cove THA fishing schedule and area were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 23.

NSRAA has requested to close the Southeast Cove THA to all common property commercial salmon fisheries beginning on Friday, July 19, to facilitate summer chum salmon cost recovery operations. NSRAA will attempt to complete cost recovery operations as quickly as possible.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Management Area.

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Southeast Alaska & Yakutat | Central Region | Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Region | Westward Region

Central Region

Bristol Bay

The commercial salmon season in Bristol Bay opens June 1 by regulation. Fishing in eastside districts and the Togiak District will be allowed using a weekly schedule that varies by section. The schedules are in place to balance fishing opportunity with escapement in the early part of the season, particularly for king salmon. As each run develops and sockeye salmon run characteristics become defined within individual districts, fishing time will be adjusted accordingly. In the Nushagak District, management will focus on king salmon in the early part of the season, and switch to sockeye salmon management as abundance dictates.

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Bristol Bay Management Area

Togiak District

Last updated: Friday, July 26

Total harvest in the Togiak District is approximately 353,000 fish; harvest for July 25 was 12,000 fish. Escapement enumeration began July 5 and the cumulative escapement is 208,000 sockeye salmon. This is above the mid-range of the escapement goal, so effective at noon on July 25 the restriction on transfers in and out of the Togiak District were waived. It does sound like additional fleet will go to Togiak now that the restriction has been waived. Once again, we have extended the opening for the Togiak River Section from Friday morning (7/26) until Sunday morning (7/28), the maximum allowable extension.

 

Nushagak District

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The Nushagak District total run through July 25 is 18.6 million sockeye salmon; the run is essentially over for the season. The Wood River Tower and Nushagak Sonar projects have ceased counting operations. Escapement past the Igushik Tower has slowed considerably and that project will cease operations early next week (week of July 29). There are only a few processors still buying in the Nushagak District and the daily harvest on July 24 was 15,000 fish. The cumulative harvest is 11.8 million fish making it the 7th largest harvest by number of fish on record.

Fishing will continue as pink and coho salmon numbers increase, however as the Department doesn't produce forecasts for these species we cannot predict how much effort there will be.

 

Naknek-Kvichak District

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The Naknek River tower operated through July 21 with a total escapement of 926,122 sockeye salmon, which is within the escapement goal. The Alagnak River tower operated through July 25 with a total escapement of 2,356,560 sockeye salmon, which is above the lower bound escapement goal. The Kvichak River tower will operate through July 26. Total escapement through July 25 was 6,633,714 sockeye salmon, which is within the escapement goal range. Harvest through July 25 was 9,120,705 fish, which above the preseason forecast of 8.1 million fish. The Naknek-Kvichak District is open with the fall fishing schedule of 9:00 a.m. Monday to 9:00 a.m. Sunday until September 30.

 

Egegik District

Last updated: Friday, July 26

Counting tower operations have concluded for the season and the Egegik River escapement for 2024 is 1.1 million sockeye salmon, which is within the established escapement goal range. Cumulative harvest through July 24 is 5.1 million sockeye salmon. Egegik District is currently closed to drift gillnet gear and will reopen Monday, July 29 at 9:00 a.m. Commercial fishing with set gillnet gear is currently open until July 28 at 9:00 a.m. and then will reopen Monday, July 29 at 9:00 a.m.

 

Ugashik District

Last updated: Friday, July 26

Counting tower operations have concluded for the season and the Ugashik River escapement for 2024 is 1.7 million sockeye salmon, which is above the established escapement goal range. Cumulative harvest through July 24 is 4.2 million sockeye salmon. Ugashik District is currently open to commercial fishing until 9:00 a.m. August 5, at which point the fall fishing schedule of 9:00 a.m. Monday to 9:00 a.m. Sunday, will take effect.

 

Copper River and PWS Drift Gillnet

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The Copper River Delta sustainable escapement goal (SEG) range is 55,000–130,000 sockeye salmon, and the upper Copper River SEG range is 360,000–750,000 wild sockeye salmon.

The 2024 commercial harvest forecasts for the Copper River District are 1.30 million sockeye salmon and 202,000 coho salmon. The 2024 sockeye salmon harvest forecast is 46% above the 10-year (2014–2023) average of 893,000 fish. For Chinook salmon conservation, the ‘inside closure area’, as defined in 5 AAC 24.350(1)(B), was closed for the first eight weeks of the fishery; this area, a crucial part of our conservation strategy, was expanded through the first month of the fishery to include waters inside the barrier islands east of Coffee Creek West (60° 14.13' N. lat., 144° 58.31' W. long.). The Copper River Chinook salmon total run forecast (47,000 fish) is 2% below the 10-year (2014–2023) average (48,000 fish).

Waters within the standard Chinook salmon inside closure area were opened for the first time this season during the fishing period starting June 11 and are expected to remain open during future commercial fishing periods. Cumulative passage at the Miles Lake sonar station indicates that the inriver goal has been met and supports regular extended fishing opportunity in the Copper River District commercial fishery. Fishing effort is spread out between the Copper River District to other gillnet fisheries in Prince William Sound. Copper River District Chinook salmon average harvest timing (2014-2023) is 100% complete through this date. The opening of the standard Chinook salmon inside closure area is to help increase sockeye salmon harvest potential.

The cumulative sonar count through July 24 is 932,356 fish, whereas 583,489 fish are expected by this date based on historical run timing applied to the 2024 inriver goal. For the week ending July 20, the actual Copper River Delta survey count was 72,826 sockeye salmon versus an anticipated range 31,424 – 74,276 fish. Preliminary harvest estimates from the 60-hour period that started on Thursday, July 11, were 53,000 sockeye salmon and 18 Chinook salmon, with 203 deliveries reported. Preliminary harvest estimates from the 60-hour period that started on Thursday, July 18 were 31,100 sockeye and 12 Chinook salmon with 172 deliveries reported. The cumulative Copper River District harvest to date is 1.38 million sockeye, 8,850 Chinook, and 31,500 chum salmon.

The recent 10-year average commercial harvests for the Bering River District are 5,270 sockeye and 63,400 coho salmon. The western portion of the Bering River District may open concurrent with the Copper River District to alleviate enforcement concerns in the line fishery along the district boundary. For the week ending July 20, the actual Bering River District survey count was 19,560 sockeye salmon versus an anticipated range 11,004 – 24,208 fish. The cumulative Bering River District harvest to date is 58,700 sockeye salmon.

The 2024 Coghill Lake sockeye salmon total run forecast is 273,000 fish with an SEG range of 20,000–75,000 fish. The chum salmon run to Wally Noerenberg Hatchery (WNH) is forecast to be 2.82 million fish. Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation (PWSAC) anticipates utilizing 1.60 million (57%) chum salmon for cost recovery and broodstock, leaving 1.22 million (43%) fish available for harvest.

The Coghill District switched to pink salmon purse seine management on July 21, and, as long as pink salmon are predominate in the harvest, purse seine gear is allowed in the district. The gillnet fishery management strategy in 2024 will be to provide two periods per week in the Coghill District. WNH pink salmon cost recovery and broodstock needs currently necessitate extended closures of hatchery subdistricts. Hatchery cost recovery and broodstock needs continue to be regularly evaluated and management will adjusted to the extent practicable. Based on the strong Coghill Lake sockeye salmon forecast and recent trend in annual escapement near to or above the upper end of the Coghill Lake escapement goal, 60 to 84-hour fishing periods are in place for waters of north Port Wells and College Fiord. Coghill River weir counts have exceed the daily weir passage objectives, and fishing area has been expanded to the mouth of Coghill River. Due to sustained weir passage above daily objectives and wild sockeye salmon harvest patterns indicating sustained strong run entry, purse seining is being allowed in the district to increase harvest potential.

The 2024 sockeye salmon run to Main Bay Hatchery (MBH) is forecast to be 864,000 fish. PWSAC anticipates utilizing 259,000 (30%) sockeye salmon for cost recovery and broodstock, leaving 605,000 (70%) fish available for harvest. The management strategy in 2024 continues to be providing two periods per week in the Eshamy District when possible. Extended closures and short-duration periods were necessary as MBH cost recovery needs increased due to the chum salmon cost recovery shortfall at WNH. The Eshamy District has been open for nine 36-hour and seven 24-hour fishing periods in 2024. Wild sockeye, chum, and pink salmon run timing overlap is increasing and area is being reduced to provide for escapement in district streams and to allow for run entry to other districts.

At the Eshamy River weir, approximately 851 sockeye salmon have passed through July 23 with a cumulative target of 1,611–3,471 fish for the date. Preliminary harvest estimates from the 36-hour period that started on Monday, July 22 were 6,900 sockeye, 600 chum, and 5,400 pink salmon with 223 deliveries reported. The cumulative Eshamy District commercial harvest to date is 1.16 million sockeye, 71,900 chum, and 70,900 pink salmon. PWSAC finished the initial sockeye salmon revenue goal Monday June 24. PWSAC initiated aggregate management and rebid sockeye salmon to sell towards the gillnet (chum/sockeye salmon) revenue goal. The 9,250 fish goal for brood was achieved July 6.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Prince William Sound and Copper River Management Area.

Prince William Sound Purse Seine

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The pink salmon total run forecast for Prince William Sound is 32.18 million fish, with a potential commercial harvest of 20.53 million fish. Valdez Fisheries Development Association (VFDA) finished cost recovery on July 18 and has shifted into brood management. An aerial survey of the Eastern District was conducted this week, and both wild chum and pink salmon escapement indices are trending within or above the expected ranges for this date.

There were two broad area fishing periods this week, and the majority of the fleet remained in Valdez Arm and Port Valdez, targeting surplus Soloman Gulch Hatchery (SGH) pink salmon. Harvest and effort for the other districts were low, with the average harvest being approximately 12,000-15,000 lbs per boat. Pink salmon otolith contributions indicate that SGH fish are still prevalent in many districts and Prince William Sound Aquaculture (PWSAC) fish are just now starting to show up in samples. Cost recovery is expected to start next week (week of July 29). It is anticipated that both time and area will be reduced in the coming weeks to facilitate PWSAC cost recovery efforts.

The overall cumulative commercial common property purse seine harvest of pink salmon through July 25 is approximately 3.79 million fish. This compares to a 10-year, even-year average (2004-2022) of 13.29 million fish for the same date.

The overall chum salmon forecast is 4.62 million fish. Most fish, 3.98 million (86%), are from PWSAC hatchery production, with 240,000 fish returning to the Armin F. Koernig (AFK) hatchery and 920,000 fish returning to Port Chalmers.

Port Chalmers has adhered to its preseason schedule, with one 48-hour period and two 36-hour periods per week. Over 23 fishing periods, approximately 674,000 chum, and 106,000 pink salmon have been harvested from 720 deliveries. Following the period that began on Thursday, July 25, the Montague District will transition to wild stock pink salmon management.

The fishing time in the AFK terminal harvest area and special harvest area has been adjusted, a proactive measure, to minimize the interception of salmon bound for other districts. Following the 16-hour period that occurred on July 20, AFK transitioned to PWSAC pink salmon management. Over 22 fishing periods, approximately 107,000 chum, 62,000 sockeye, and 145,000 pink salmon have been harvested from 246 deliveries.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Prince William Sound and Copper River Management Area.

Upper Cook Inlet

Last updated: Friday, July 19

There are five commercial salmon fisheries currently underway in Upper Cook Inlet (UCI):

  1. Western Subdistrict Set Gillnet Fishery: Monday/Thursday/Saturday –16-hour periods
  2. Kalgin Island Set Gillnet Fishery: Monday/Thursday –12-hour periods
  3. Drift Gillnet Fishery: Monday/Thursday 12–hour periods, with additional times by EO
  4. Upper Subdistrict Dip Net fishery; up to three 12–hour periods per week, by EO
  5. Northern District Set Gillnet Fishery: Monday/Thursday –12-hour periods

Total harvest from the Western Subdistrict commercial fishery is above average for sockeye salmon and below average for king salmon. Cumulative commercial harvest to date is 24,340 sockeye salmon and 36 king salmon. The 10-year average total harvest through July 18 is approximately 83 king salmon and 20,207 sockeye salmon. The 5-year average harvest is approximately 56 king salmon and 19,707 sockeye salmon.

Total harvest from the Kalgin Island Subdistrict commercial fishery is below average for sockeye and king salmon. Cumulative commercial harvest to date is 14,486 sockeye salmon and 48 king salmon. The 10-year average total harvest through July 18 is approximately 247 king salmon and 19,466 sockeye salmon. The 5-year average harvest is approximately 244 king salmon and 21,427 sockeye salmon.

Total harvest (excluding confidential harvest) from the Central District State and Federal drift gillnet commercial fishery is above average for sockeye salmon with a harvest of 799,078 fish and well below average for king salmon with a harvest of 48 fish. The 10-year average total harvest through July 18 is approximately 249 king salmon and 526,556 sockeye salmon. The 5-year average harvest is approximately 127 king salmon and 401,916 sockeye salmon.

Total harvest from Upper Subdistrict dip net commercial fishery was 5,878 sockeye salmon and zero king salmon through July 18. No historical data is available for comparison as this fishery was created in 2024.

Total harvest (excluding confidential harvest) from the Northern District commercial fishery is above average for sockeye salmon and well below average for king salmon. Cumulative commercial harvest to date is 11,429 sockeye salmon and 4 king salmon. The 10-year average total harvest through July 18 is approximately 484 king salmon and 8,323 sockeye salmon. The 5-year average harvest is approximately 244 king salmon and 7,720 sockeye salmon.

In 2024, a run of approximately 5.7 million sockeye salmon is forecast to return to UCI with an estimate of 3.7 million fish available for harvest (commercial, sport, personal use, and subsistence).

The sockeye salmon total run forecast for the Kenai River is approximately 3.3 million fish. The 2024 sockeye salmon forecast is 5000,000 fish less (14%) than the historical (1986­–2023) average run of 3.8 million fish, but 215,000 fish more than the 10-year (2014–2023) average of 3.17 million fish.

The Kasilof River sockeye salmon run forecast is approximately 1.1 million fish which is 201,000 fish greater (20%) than the historical (1986–2023) average and is 174,000 fish greater (17%) than the recent 10-year (2014–2023) average.

The Susitna River sockeye salmon run forecast is 303,400 fish, which is 127,400 fish below the historical (2002–2023) average run and 71,600 fish (21%) below the recent 10-year (2014–­2023) average run.

The Fish Creek sockeye salmon run forecast for 2024 is 86,690 fish. The 2024 forecast is 25,450 fish (26%) below the historical average but the same as the recent 10-year (2014–2023) average run size. The years 2021 and 2022 were excluded from this analysis because the weir was not operated for the entire run.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The UCI commercial fisheries information line will again be available by calling 262-9611.  The most recent Emergency Order (EO) announcement is always available on the recorded message line; catch, escapement and test fishing information is included whenever possible.  The same recording may be accessed at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareauci.main and clicking on the UCI Commercial Fisheries Information Recording player.

All EO announcements are also faxed or emailed to processors as quickly as possible and posted online at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareauci.salmon.

For very general information, we invite you to visit the Commercial Fisheries page on the department website at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishingCommercial.main.

Please see the 2022 Upper Cook Inlet Salmon Fishing Outlook (PDF 589 kB) for more information on fishing strategies.

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Upper Cook Inlet Management Area.

Lower Cook Inlet

Last updated: Friday, July 26

Southern District

Cumulative harvest from the first fifteen set gillnet fishing periods was 94 Chinook, 20,618 sockeye, and 956 chum salmon. Cumulative harvest last year from the first fifteen fishing periods was 182 Chinook, 16,425 sockeye, and 1,819 chum salmon. The previous 5-year harvest average from these fifteen periods combined was 267 Chinook, 16,663 sockeye, and 2,044 chum salmon.

Portions of the Southern District opened to commercial purse seine salmon harvest on Monday, June 10 on a schedule of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 16-hour fishing periods beginning at 6:00 AM on those days. Through Wednesday, July 24 preliminary cumulative commercial common property seine harvest is estimated at 61,476 sockeye, 244 chum, 219 pink, 25 coho, and 4 Chinook salmon. Preliminary cumulative hatchery cost recovery from this district is 59,000 sockeye salmon.

Kamishak District

Beginning Monday, July 15, portions of the Kamishak District opened to commercial salmon fishing. On Tuesday, July 16 waters of the Chenik Subdistrict including a portion of Chenik Lagoon opened to commercial fishing as well. Video monitoring of sockeye salmon escapement into Chenik Lake began on May 30. Prior to 11:20 AM, Saturday, July 21 a total of 2,987 fish have been counted entering this lake. Preliminary estimates of sockeye salmon passage into Chenik Lake are posted here:https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyarealci.salmon#fishcounts The sustainable escapement goal range for Chenik Lake is 2,900 – 13,700 fish. An aerial survey flown on July 10 documented an estimated 4,000 sockeye salmon holding in Chenik Lagoon. Commercial harvest from the Kamishak District is confidential due to fewer than three permit holders reporting deliveries.

Outer District

Beginning Monday, July 15, portions of the Outer District west of Gore Point were opened to commercial common property salmon harvest on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday schedule of 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM fishing periods. On Wednesday, July 17 a portion of the East Nuka Subdistrict near Desire Lake was opened on this schedule as well. Preliminary commercial harvest from the Outer District to date is 8,000 sockeye, 110 pink, and 5 chum salmon.

Eastern District

Cost recovery harvest of returning Trail Lakes Hatchery sockeye salmon from the Bear Lake release site began on May 28 and concluded in saltwater on June 17. Cost recovery harvest at the Bear Creek weir is ongoing. Through June 24 a total of 39,369 hatchery produced sockeye salmon have been harvested. Over the past 10 years, approximately 86% of final harvest has occurred by this date. The cost recovery goal for this return in 2024 is 89,000 fish. The Bear Creek special harvest area was opened to commercial common property salmon harvest from June 24 through July 12 on a schedule of M-F fishing periods. No commercial harvest was reported.

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Lower Cook Inlet Management Area.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Lower Cook Inlet Management Area.

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Westward Region

Kodiak

Last updated: Friday, July 19

The Inner Ugak Bay Section of the Eastside District will be extended for 72 hours from 9:00 p.m., Friday July 19 until 9:00 p.m, Monday July 22. There will be a 57-hour commercial salmon fishing period from noon, Saturday, July 20 until 9:00 p.m. Monday, July 22 in the Humpy-Deadman Section of the Alitak District, the Outer Ayakulik and Halibut Bay Sections of the Southwest Kodiak District, the Northwest Kodiak District (except the Kizhuyak Bay, Zachar Bay, and Uyak Bay Sections will remain closed), the Northeast Kodiak District, the Eastside District (except the Inner Ugak Bay Section remains open until July 22), the Afognak District (except the Duck Bay, Izhut Bay, Outer Kitoi Bay, and Inner Kitoi Bay Sections are currently open until further notice), and the Mainland District.

In the Southwest Kodiak District, the cumulative Karluk River late-run sockeye salmon escapement through July 18 is 6 fish, and the cumulative sockeye salmon escapement is 67,749 fish, which is below the desired escapement range for this date. The Karluk River Chinook salmon escapement through July 18 is 63 fish which is the lowest on record. The cumulative Ayakulik River late-run sockeye salmon escapement through July 18 is 192 fish; the cumulative sockeye salmon escapement is 221,893 fish, which within the desired escapement range for this date. The Ayakulik River Chinook salmon escapement through July 18 is 312 fish, which is the lowest on record.

In the Alitak District, the cumulative Upper Station late-run sockeye salmon escapement through July 18 is 479 fish, and the cumulative sockeye salmon escapement is 30,731 fish, which is below the desired escapement range for this date. The cumulative Dog Salmon Creek sockeye salmon escapement through July 18 is 59,494 fish, which is below the desired escapement range for this date.

In the Afognak District, the cumulative Afognak Lake (Litnik) sockeye salmon escapement through July 18 is 28,640 fish, which is within the desired escapement range for this date.

In the Northeast Kodiak District, the cumulative Buskin Lake sockeye salmon escapement through July 18 is 8,759 fish, which is above the desired escapement range for this date.

In the Eastside Kodiak District, the cumulative Pasagshak River sockeye salmon escapement through July 18 is 2,945 fish, which is within the desired escapement range for this date. The cumulative Saltery River sockeye salmon escapement through July 18 is 23,937 fish, which is above the desired escapement range for this date.

There is currently little or no early information on sockeye salmon runs at Kaflia, Swikshak, Miam, Uganik, Little River, Malina, Long Lagoon, Thorsheim, Perenosa Bay, Pauls Bay, Akalura, Horse Marine, and other minor sockeye salmon systems.

Very few permits have participated so far this season. It is anticipated that approximately 140 seiners and 150 set gillnetters will participate.  

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Kodiak Management Area.

North Peninsula

Last updated: Friday, July 19

Currently, the Nelson Lagoon and Ilnik sections are open to commercial salmon fishing. The Bear and Three Hills sections remain closed to commercial salmon fishing due to poor weir counts for the date. Nelson Lagoon Section has been open since June 17 and is open until further notice. The harvest since July 15 has averaged 7,600 sockeye salmon and 15 deliveries per day. Harvest and effort have been well below the ten- and twenty-year averages despite a robust return to the Nelson River. The Ilnik Section has been open since June 27 and extensions have been warranted due to consistent escapements at the Ilnik River weir. The harvest in the Ilnik Section since July 15 has averaged 20,000 sockeye salmon and 56 deliveries per day. The Outer Port Heiden Section opened at 6:00 a.m. on July 16 and closed at 6:00 p.m. on July 18, approximately 54,000 sockeye salmon were caught during the opener.

Currently, the Nelson, Bear, and Sandy River weirs are all operational. The Sandy River weir washed out on June 26 due to 70-80 mph sustained winds and high water but was reinstalled on July 2. As of July 19, over 684,000 sockeye salmon have escaped past the Nelson River weir, well above the ten-year average (2014-2023) of 170,000 sockeye salmon for this date and the upper end of the escapement goal (219,000 fish) was achieved on July 3. The Ilnik River weir was pulled on July 16 and approximately 98,000 sockeye salmon were passed, above the ten-year average (2014-2023) of 93,000 sockeye salmon for the date and above the upper end of the escapement goal (75,000 fish). Weir counts at the Bear and Sandy River weirs continue to below the ten-year average (2014-2023) for this date.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Alaska Peninsula Management Area webpage.

South Peninsula

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The fifth post-June fishing period closed at 6:00 p.m. Tueday, July 23. The next commercial salmon fishery will be allowed for 36 hours from 6:00 a.m. Friday, July 26 until 6:00 p.m. Saturday, July 27.

Several aerial surveys were recently flown, but as expected, it is still early in the season for pink and chum salmon, but there are several systems that have fish showing up in the bays and a few systems with fish escaped into South Alaska Peninsula area systems. The Orzinski weir has passed 10,477 sockeye salmon.

Participation in the fishery is average at this time.

The South Alaska Peninsula is still being managed on the July calendar from the Post-June Salmon Management plan. Beginning August 1, the South Alaska Peninsula will be managed based on the abundance of pink and chum salmon. Opening during the first week of August is unlikely to occur due to the current low abundance of pink and chum salmon present in the area.

Sockeye salmon harvest is below the recent 10-year average and below the 5-year average, with 1,237,460 fish harvested through July 26. The 10-year average sockeye salmon harvest to date is 2,256,046 fish and the 5-year average is 2,093,533 fish.

Pink salmon harvest of 438,454 fish is below the recent 10-year average of 3,262,108 fish and the most recent even 5-year average of 1,652,317 fish.

Th season total chum salmon harvest of 484,026 fish is below with the 10-year average of 843,231 fish and the 5-year average of 1,002,502 fish.

Chinook and coho salmon catches are relatively low, which is normal for this time of year.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Alaska Peninsula Management Area webpage.

Chignik

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The Central, Eastern, Western, and Perryville Districts are currently open for a 72 hour opener that closes at 6:00 a.m. Sunday July 28. The Chignik Bay District has been opening for 48 hours per week throughout July and is open currently closing Saturday at 6:00 a.m. this week. Fishing in all districts is likely to open again mid next week (week of July 29).

Through 11:59 p.m. July 25, approximately 571,000 sockeye salmon have passed the weir. Sockeye salmon escapement is above the most recent 10-year average. Based off of historical timing, approximately 371,000 early run sockeye and 200,000 late run sockeye salmon have passed the weir. Escapement of early run sockeye salmon is within the early run goal range for the season of 300,000-400,000 fish. Late run escapement is estimated to be near the upper interim escapement objective. The July 25 interim escapement objective is 100,000-210,000 fish for the late run. Both the early and late runs have been late and weak.

Approximately 41 of the 94 registered permits in the Chignik Management Area (CMA) have actively participated in this season’s fishery.

From June 1 until July 25 sockeye salmon harvested in areas adjacent to the CMA are considered bound for Chignik. The Cape Igvak Section of the Kodiak Area did not have any fishing periods during their allocative period of June 1 through July 5. The Southeastern District Mainland (SEDM) of the Alaska Peninsula Area also did not have any fishing periods during their allocative period.

Non confidential harvest estimates through July 25 by species was: 2,388 Chinook, 178,798 sockeye, 22,131 coho, 96,634 pink and 26,188 chum salmon. Sockeye salmon harvest levels are well below average compared to historical amounts, but higher than any year between 2018 and 2022.

Low king salmon escapement has caused extra conservation efforts limiting fishing in the Chignik Bay District. In order to protect king salmon, for the month of July the Chignik Bay District has been limited to 48 hours per week when late run sockeye salmon escapement is in the upper half of objectives, increasing to 96 hours per week when above the upper interim objectives. Due to only having two processors, harvest summaries are given out weekly.

 

For Advisory Announcements detailing the specific information related to the fishery visit the Advisory Announcements webpage.

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Chignik Management Area webpage.

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Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim (AYK) Region

Yukon River

Last updated: Friday, July 26

The Lower Yukon River transitioned to fall season management starting July 16. The 2024 fall chum salmon preseason projection, based on the relationship between summer chum salmon and fall chum salmon, is for a run size of about 377,000 fish. The preseason projection does not meet the threshold of 550,000 chum salmon needed to allow any commercial fishing. While the run projection is within the drainagewide escapement goal of 300,000–600,000 fall chum salmon, there is uncertainty in the current projection due to lower than expected abundance of age-4 summer chum salmon in this year's run, indicating lower production from the parent year. Subsistence fishing is open for chum, sockeye, pink, and coho salmon to start the fall season, but Chinook salmon subsistence fishing remains closed. The department will continue to monitor runs with assessment projects during the season. Assessment projects began counting fall salmon on July 16 at the Lower Yukon Test Fishery, July 18 at the Mountain Village Test Fishery, and July 19 at the mainstem sonar near the community of Pilot Station.

The Chinook salmon run in the lower Yukon River is nearly complete and passage at the Yukon River mainstem sonar by Pilot Station was 64,000 fish. Escapement goals within the Yukon River drainage will not be achieved. Commercial and subsistence fishing were closed for Chinook salmon during the summer season. The final passage estimate of summer chum salmon at the Yukon River mainstem sonar by Pilot Station was 758,000 fish and the drainagewide escapement goal (500,000 to 1,200,000 fish) was met. Commercial fishing was closed and subsistence fishing opportunities for summer chum salmon during the summer season were limited to protect the bulk of the Chinook salmon run.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Yukon Management Area.

Kuskokwim River

Last updated: Monday, May 20

There are currently no registered commercial fishery buyers in the Kuskokwim Management Area for the 2024 season. The 2024 Kuskokwim River Chinook salmon forecast is for a range of 108,000–160,000 fish. The drainage-wide Chinook salmon escapement goal is 65,000–120,000 fish. If the run comes back as projected, the drainagewide escapement and tributary goals are expected to be achieved and a surplus above escapement needs may be available to support a limited subsistence harvest. The 2024 season will be managed in accordance with the Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Plan (5 AAC 07.365) with input from the Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Working Group. It is the intent of the department that all Kuskokwim River salmon stocks shall be managed in a conservative manner consistent with the Policy for the Management of Sustainable Salmon Fisheries under 5 AAC 39.222 to meet escapement goals and the subsistence priority.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Kuskokwim Management Area.

Norton Sound

Last updated: Friday, July 26

Commercial fishing in Subdistricts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 opened for 24-hours starting at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, July 24 in Subdistrict 2, 4, 5, and 6 and at 9:00 pm in Subdistrict 1. Effort and harvest remain below average for this time of year. Openings have been used to gauge early season coho salmon run strength and harvest data indicate that coho salmon continue to build in Norton Sound but have yet to surpass chum salmon as the predominate species harvested.

Commercial harvest estimates to date:

  • Subdistrict 1: 96 chum, 30 sockeye, 158 pink, and 6 coho salmon
  • Subdistrict 2: 1,764 chum, 28 sockeye, 716 pink, and 49 coho salmon
  • Subdistrict 3: 353 chum, 7 sockeye, and 7 pink salmon
  • Subdistrict 4: 40 chum, 1 sockeye, 112 pink, and 13 coho salmon
  • Subdistrict 5: 749 chum, 56 sockeye, 700 pink, 98 coho salmon
  • Subdistrict 6: 691 chum, 58 sockeye, 1398 pink, and 156 salmon

In the Nome Subdistrict (Nome), the subsistence fishing schedule remains in effect with marine waters east of Cape Nome open 7 days per week. Marine waters west of Cape Nome and fresh waters of the Nome Subdistrict are open to gillnet fishing from 6:00 p.m. Wednesday until 6:00 p.m. Monday each week with beach seines, dip nets, and cast net being allowable gear whenever subsistence gillnet fishing is open.  Additionally, the Sinuk River remains closed to subsistence fishing above the subsistence area (upstream from Boulder Creek) and open below Boulder Creek to beach seines only. Any sockeye salmon caught in beach seines must be returned immediately to the water unharmed.

Beach seining for salmon in Subdistricts 5 and 6 is open in freshwater only with non-retention of king salmon. Any king salmon caught in beach seines must be immediately returned to the water alive. Gillnetting in the marine waters of Subdistricts 5 and 6 opened July 15 with gear restricted to 6-inch, or less, mesh size. Additionally, set gillnets with a mesh size of 4 inches, or less, may continue to be fished in the Unalakleet River drainage upstream of the North River confluence to target non-salmon species.

The Pilgrim River opened to all net fishing effective July 15. Escapement projections indicate there will be a robust harvestable surplus of sockeye salmon, which allows subsistence fishing household limits to be waived; however, the household limit of 3 king salmon remains in place.

Port Clarence will be open to subsistence fishing 7 days per week with all legal gear types starting at 12:01 am on Monday, July 15.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Norton Sound & Kotzebue Management Area.

Kotzebue

Last updated: Friday, July 26

Commercial salmon fishing opened on July 22 with five 8-hour periods scheduled from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. each day from July 22- July 26. Total estimated harvest to date is 1,915 chum salmon from 5 permits. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) for the Kotzebue area has remained well below average for this time of year.

 

For more information, please visit the ADF&G website for the Norton Sound & Kotzebue Management Area.

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