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: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

The 2026 commercial salmon harvest forecast is 56 million pink salmon, 49.7 million sockeye salmon, 17.2 million chum salmon, and 2.4 million coho salmon. If realized, the forecasted 2026 total Alaska commercial salmon harvest will be approximately 125.5 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, August 07, 2026

Inseason Alaskan Salmon Summary, August 7, 2026:

This weekly summary reports management, harvest, and escapement information for the Alaska commercial salmon fishing season. Note that inseason harvest data published in this summary is preliminary and is subject to change.

Southeast/Yakutat Troll Salmon Fishery:

The first Chinook salmon opening of the general summer troll season began on July 1 to target approximately 83,700 fish. The fleet is projected to reach the target harvest of 82,000 treaty Chinook salmon by 11:59pm August 8th, 2026, at which point the commercial fishery will close to the taking of all salmon for a four-day coho conservation closure. Fish ticket and aerial survey data indicate a lower but similar effort for this year’s Chinook salmon opening as last year’s.

The Southeast Alaska/Yakutat commercial troll fishery will re-open to the taking of all salmon at 12:01am, August 13, 2026. Trollers will target approximately 36,000 Chinook salmon (including a 2% Alaska hatchery component) during the second opening. Beginning 12:01 a.m., August 13, the areas of high Chinook salmon abundance will open by emergency order until further notice (5 AAC 29.100[c][2][A]). The retention period will be managed inseason with no predetermined length and will be closed by emergency order.

Preliminary fish ticket data and pending call in harvest reported through August 7th indicates a total of 470 troll permits have harvested approximately 79,000 Chinook salmon. Harvest reported on fish tickets for other species include 135,500 coho and 439,000 chum salmon. Average prices are $9.29/lb for Chinook, $2.36/lb for coho and $1.47/lb for chum salmon. Current average weights are 10.3 lbs for Chinook, 5.9 lbs for coho, and 9.5 lbs for chum salmon. Chinook salmon average weight is below the 2025 and 5-year averages by 0.5 lbs, while coho salmon average weight is above both the 2025 and 5-year averages by 0.8 lbs and 1.1 lbs, respectively. Similarly, chum salmon average weight is above both the 2025 and 5-year averages by 2.4 lbs and 2.2 lbs for the same fishing period.

The current regional power troll coho salmon catch rate for the current statistical week (SW) 32, is 53 coho/boat/day, with the highest catch rate in the Southern Outside area at 66/boat/day, followed by the Central Outside area at 44/boat/day.

Directed chum landings reported on fish tickets for the summer troll fishery in West Behm Canal and Neets Bay during SW 31 indicate 44 vessels harvested 14,700 chum salmon from 87 landings at a rate of 169 fish/landing. The seasonal total for this area indicates that 114 vessels have taken 301,408 chum salmon from 1,228 landings at a rate of 245 fish per landing.

Directed chum landings reported in Sitka Sound during SW 32 indicate that 109 vessels have taken 65,400 chum salmon from 213 landings at a rate of 307 fish per landing. The seasonal total for this area indicates that 124 vessels have taken 112,500 chum salmon from 352 landings at a rate of 320 fish per landing. Chum salmon landings in West Crawfish Inlet and Crawfish Inlet Terminal Harvest Area for SW 32 indicate 15 permits harvested 9,000 chum salmon from 30 landings at a catch rate of 302 fish per landing. With one SW of data, the seasonal totals for this area are similar to those of SW 32.





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

Purse Seine Fishery

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

Regulations allow purse seine fishing in Districts 1 (Sections 1-C, 1-D, 1-E, and 1-F only), 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (Sections 6-C, 6-D, and 6-E only), 7, 9, 10, 11 (Sections 11-A and 11-D only), 12, 13, and 14. Although the areas specified above are designated purse seine fishing areas, specific open areas and fishing times are established in season by emergency order (EO). Purse seine fishing may be allowed in hatchery terminal harvest areas (THA) at Carroll Inlet, Neets Bay, Kendrick Bay, Port Asumcion, Anita Bay, Thomas Bay, Southeast Cove, Hidden Falls, Deep Inlet, Crawfish Inlet, and Amalga Harbor. Purse seine openings in THAs are established by EO in consultation with hatchery operators.

The 2026 Southeast Alaska pink salmon harvest was expected to be near average, with a harvest forecast of 19 million fish which falls at the lower end of the average pink salmon harvest range (=19 to 33 million).

Pink salmon harvests to date have been lower than expected and well below average for the time year. However, pink salmon harvest from the most recent opening on Sunday, August 2 increased substantially with over 1.6 million pink salmon harvested. The largest harvest came from District 13 near Sitka followed by District 1, 4, and 2 in Southern Southeast. Pink salmon escapement in many areas also increased significantly. The next opening will be a 39-hour opening beginning Thursday, August 5. Open areas include area in District 1–6, 9, 12, and 13. However, not all areas will be open for the full 39 hours. The total pink salmon harvest for the season is now over 2 million fish.

The 2026 SEAK forecast of hatchery-produced summer chum salmon runs was 9.9 million fish. This forecast included 3 million fish to 5 DIPAC locations, 2.7 million fish to 6 NSRAA locations, and 3.9 million fish to 6 SSRAA locations. A portion of these runs are harvested in traditional purse seine and in terminal harvest area purse seine fisheries. Chum salmon harvests in regional purse seine fisheries have averaged 3.5 million fish over the last 10 years. Currently Kendrick Bay, Anita Bay, and Thomas Bay THAs are the only THAs open on set rotations for purse seine gear. The Neets Bay and Port Asumcion THAs will open to common property seine harvest for the first time this season on Thursday, August 5. To date, hatchery runs of chum salmon have ranged from below expectations to above expectations across the region. For the most update to information on hatchery runs, visit the hatchery organizations websites at: https://ssraa.org/; https://www.dipac.net/; and https://www.nsraa.org/.

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

Drift Gillnet Fishery

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

The 5 traditional drift gillnet fishing areas in SEAK are 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.

The 2026 SEAK forecast of hatchery-produced summer chum salmon runs was 9.9 million fish. This forecast includes 3 million fish to 5 DIPAC locations, 2.7 million fish to 6 NSRAA locations, and 3.9 million fish to 6 SSRAA locations. To date, the drift gillnet fleet has had very good harvests of chum salmon throughout the region. Most hatchery runs are at peak or just post peak. For the most update to information on hatchery runs, visit the hatchery organizations websites at: https://ssraa.org/; https://www.dipac.net/; and https://www.nsraa.org/.

Sockeye salmon runs throughout the region are generally coming in near or above expectations. All sockeye systems look to be on track to meet escapement goals.

The SEAK pink salmon harvest forecast for 2026 is 19 million fish, with an 80% prediction interval of 13 to 30 million fish. The majority of the pink salmon harvest for the region is typically taken by purse seine gear. To date, pink salmon harvest has been very low and well below expectations. Pink salmon management has begun in Districts 1, 6 and Section 11-C.

Excluding the Taku River coho salmon stock, forecasts are not typically made for wild coho salmon runs. The 2026 Taku River coho salmon terminal run forecast is 89,000 fish, just below the 91,000 fish average. General expectations for regional coho salmon runs are expected to be consistent with recent averages. Total hatchery-produced coho salmon run forecasts include 325,500 fish to SSRAA projects; 131,000 fish to NSRAA projects; 139,400 fish to Armstrong Keta Inc. (AKI), 8,000 fish to DIPAC projects, and 10,500 fish to the Sitka Sound Science Center. A portion of these runs will be harvested in traditional drift gillnet fisheries in Districts 1, 6, 8, 11, and 15, and in terminal harvest area drift gillnet fisheries in Anita Bay, Nakat Inlet, and Deep Inlet. Alaska hatchery coho salmon contributions to drift gillnet fisheries in 2025 were estimated at 45,300 fish, 43% of total drift gillnet coho salmon common harvests. The largest harvest was fish returning to Neets Bay with substantial harvest coming from Nakat Inlet, Anita Bay, and Macaulay hatchery releases. Active management for coho salmon will not begin until mid-August.

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, August 07, 2026

The Tree Point drift gillnet fishery opened at 12:01 p.m., on Sunday, August 2, for a 2-day fishing period. It was later extended to a 5-day fishing period under the District 1 Pink Salmon Management Plan. In comparison to the 10-year average, the harvest of sockeye and coho salmon were above average, Chinook salmon was below average, and pink and chum salmon were below average. The effort level of 20 vessels was below the 10-year average of 24 vessels. The estimated weekly harvest for statistical week 32 was 20 Chinook salmon, 2,800 sockeye salmon, 2,200 coho salmon, 29,500 pink salmon, and 9,500 chum salmon. The 2026 preseason forecast for the Nass River is 507,000 sockeye salmon, allowing the Section 1-B drift gillnet fishery to harvest approximately 42,400 sockeye salmon of Nass River origin. Tree Point is currently being managed under the District 1 Pink Salmon Management Plan. The management plan provides for two days of fishing time in Section 1-B for every day of fishing time the District 1 purse seine fleet receives. Section 1-B will initially open for four days beginning at 12:01 p.m., Sunday, August 9, 2026, based on the expectation that the District 1 purse seine fleet will receive two days of fishing time in SW 33.

The following information is about the Nakat Inlet, Neets Bay, Kendrick Bay and Carroll Inlet terminal harvest areas (THA). For further information and 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, August 07, 2026

The Districts 6 and 8 gillnet fishery was opened for two days for pink salmon management beginning Sunday, August 2. Effort was below the recent 10-year average in both districts and pink salmon harvest rates were well above average. Considering the jump in pink salmon harvests coupled with good parent year escapements, both districts were extended for one day. The preliminary harvest estimate for this week was 30 Chinook, 3,200 sockeye, 5,700 coho, 53,000 pink, and 9,500 chum salmon from 40 boats fishing in District 6. The preliminary District 8 harvest includes 10 Chinook, 200 sockeye, 400 coho, 1,700 pink, and 12,300 chum salmon from 22 boats. Harvests and harvest rates of Chinook, and chum salmon were below average, while pink and coho were above average in both districts. Sockeye salmon harvests were below average in both districts, but the District 6 harvest rate remained above average again this week.

Overall, this week’s pink salmon fishery performance improved greatly from being well below average for the past few weeks to catch rates over 2 times the 10yr average. Additionally, escapement to local systems is too early to assess at this time but pink salmon are showing up in good numbers to adjacent areas.

Based on well above average pink salmon fishery performance, both districts will open for four days beginning Sunday, August 9. Management emphasis will transition from pink salmon to coho salmon abundance starting in late August or early September.

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, August 07, 2026

The District 11 drift gillnet fishery saw a significant drop in activity and harvest this week. Effort declined to an estimated 40 boats, and many fishermen left the grounds early as catches fell sharply. The weekly sockeye harvest of 3,800 fish was only 29% of the 10-year average, with CPUE at 44% of average. This week typically produces strong returns of later-timed Tatsamenie Lake sockeye, making the decline especially notable.

Initial otolith sampling showed 5% marked Tatsamenie Lake enhanced sockeye, down from last week’s 11% Tatsamenie/Trapper Lakes combined marks. In contrast, the Canadian inriver fishery reported strong, above-average sockeye catches this week. It remains to be seen whether their harvest will decline next week similar to what was observed in District 11. The third bilateral Taku River sockeye estimate was completed this week. The inriver run estimate decreased slightly, placing the current inriver run at 68,000 fish and the projected inriver run at 98,000 fish. The projected terminal run is now 152,000 fish; below both the preseason forecast of 173,000 and the 10-year average of 189,000. Sockeye returns to Port Snettisham continue to lag. Speel Lake weir counts reached 669 fish, and only a few fish have entered Snettisham Hatchery.

Chum harvest and CPUE were well below average, with an estimated 8,000 fish taken (44% of average; CPUE 59%). Limestone Inlet again produced the strongest chum hauls and also the highest pink salmon catches. Pink salmon harvest was near the 10-year average with slightly above-average CPUE. Coho catches remained sporadic and below average.

Due to the Golden North Salmon Derby, the next opening will be delayed to Monday, August 10. The fishery will open for three days, with a 6-inch minimum mesh size restriction on the third day south of Circle Point.

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

Lynn Canal/District 15

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

The week marked the seventh week of commercial drift gillnet fishing in District 15. Both Sections 15-A and 15-C received three-day fishing periods. Fishing effort declined from last week, with approximately 95 boats making landings, but remained above average for this time of year. Most of the fleet continued to fish in Section 15-A, with an emphasis on targeting wild sockeye salmon returning to the Chilkoot and Chilkat rivers.

In Section 15-A, all waters were open south of Kochu Island in Chilkat Inlet and south of the White Rock line in Lutak Inlet. In Section 15-C, waters were open south of the latitude of Point Bridget. Fishing started strong on opening day but fluctuated considerably throughout the three-day fishing period.

The estimated sockeye salmon harvest of 18,000 fish was approximately half of last week's harvest and 84% of the recent 10-year weekly average. Hatchery-origin chum salmon returning to the Boat Harbor THA remain present in the district but have noticeably declined. The estimated chum salmon harvest of 12,000 fish was 82% of the recent weekly average. The pink salmon harvest of approximately 16,000 fish also declined from last week but remained above the recent weekly average. The coho salmon harvest of 400 fish more than tripled from last week and reached 237% of the recent 10-year weekly average.

Passage at the Chilkoot River weir has declined considerably over the past two days. Based on historical run timing, approximately 74% of the run has now passed the weir. Current sockeye escapement into the Chilkoot River is 59,580 fish, which is within the sustainable escapement goal (SEG) range.

Weekly escapement estimates at Chilkat Lake have exceeded the cumulative weekly average for the past five weeks and continue to track above average this week. To date, approximately 60,000 sockeye salmon have been counted. Based on current passage and historical run timing, a substantial portion of the Chilkat Lake stock remains to pass, and the run remains on track to achieve the biological escapement goal.

Next week (SW 33), Section 15-C will have a delayed Monday opening due to the 79th annual Golden North Salmon Derby over the weekend. All waters of Section 15-C will be open for three days. Section 15-A will open on Sunday, August 9, for an initial three-day fishing period in the same areas as this week.

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, August 07, 2026

The SEAK, Transboundary Rivers Chinook salmon stocks are experiencing unprecedented levels of poor production. In an effort to bolster spawning escapements, Alaska and Canada are coordinating fisheries management per treaty obligations to minimize harvest of depressed Chinook salmon and sockeye salmon stocks. Management actions to conserve Alsek River Chinook salmon stocks during the early part of the season and adjusting fishing time as needed to reduce harvest. The Akwe River and the Italio River systems will open by emergency order when adequate levels of escapement have been observed.

Sockeye salmon returns to the Yakutat Area in 2026 are expected to be average to above average. The 2026 preseason projection of a total return of 900 large Chinook salmon to the Situk River. Due to the uncertainty in recent forecasts and environmental variables, any harvest of this stock could result in the escapement goal not being achieved. The subsistence, sport, and commercial fisheries will be closed for Situk River Chinook salmon. These fisheries will reopen when Situk River weir counts indicate the BEG will be attained and in accordance with the Situk-Ahrnklin Inlet and Lost River King Salmon Fisheries Management Plan. The coho salmon return this year is also expected to be average to above average.

The East Alsek River set gillnet fishery opened on August 2, for 36-hours. A total of 3 permits were fished and there was a harvest of 926 sockeye salmon. Fleet participation was average and sockeye harvest was below average for this statistical week.

The Alsek River set gillnet fishery opened on August 2, for 48-hours, but was not fished.

The Dangerous River set gillnet fishery opened on August 2, for 3 days. Less than 3 permits were fished, and harvest information is confidential. Fleet participation was average, and sockeye harvest were near average for this statistical week.

The Situk River Estuary set gillnet fishery opened on August 2, for 3 days. There were 17 permits fished and harvested 407 sockeye salmon, 286 coho salmon, 2,076 pink salmon and 7 chum salmon. Fleet participation was average, and sockeye harvest were below average for this statistical week.

The Yakutat Bay set gillnet fishery opened on August 2, for 3 days. There were 4 permits fished and harvested 21 sockeye salmon, 5 coho salmon, 216 pink salmon and 1 chum salmon. Fleet participation was above average, and sockeye harvest were average for this statistical week.

The Manby Shore Outside Waters set gillnet fishery opened on August 2, for 3 days, but was not fished.

The Yakataga District was open along with the Tsiu and Kaliakh Rivers, but the area was not fished.

The interpolation for the missed days 6/14/2026 through 6/17/2026 is being worked on. Currently as of 8/5/2026, 219 large, 179 medium and 205 small Chinook salmon, 51,985 sockeye salmon, 7 coho salmon, 13 chum salmon and 8,736 pink salmon have been observed through the Situk River weir to date. The Chinook salmon run is complete on the Situk River and the sockeye salmon run is coming to a close. The weir will be removed next week.

An aerial survey was conducted on the East Alsek River on 8/22/2026. There were 12,480 sockeye salmon observed on the East Alsek River.

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

Terminal Harvest Area (THA) Fisheries

Last updated: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Terminal Harvest Area (THA) drift gillnet fisheries can occur in Nakat Inlet, Carroll Inlet, Anita Bay, Southeast Cove, Deep Inlet, and Boat Harbor. THA seine fisheries can occur in Carroll Inlet, Neets Bay, 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, August 07, 2026

For 2026, SSRAA is forecasting total hatchery returns of 494,000 summer chum, 29,700 coho, and 20,000 fall chum salmon with anticipated terminal runs of 220,000 summer chum, 7,400 coho, and 9,000 fall chum salmon to the Nakat Inlet THA. Peak chum salmon harvests from these releases are expected between mid to late July for summer chum and between late August and mid-September for fall chum and coho salmon. The current estimated Nakat Inlet THA harvest is 340,000 chum salmon.

The Nakat Inlet THA opens by regulation (5 AAC 33.372) from June 1 through November 10 concurrently to drift gillnet and troll gear. The 500-yard stream closure regulation (5 AAC 39.290) will remain in effect.

For inseason updates go to 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.

Neets Bay THA

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

In 2026, SSRAA is forecasting total runs of 1,375,000 summer chum and 95,500 coho salmon with anticipated terminal runs of 894,000 summer chum and 38,200 coho salmon for the Neets Bay THA.

The initial fishing schedule and area for Neets Bay THA for the 2026 season were announced in an ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 15. The Neets Bay THA opened for a rotational fishery between purse seine and drift gillnet on August 7 through August 29, 2026, as announced in an ADF&G advisory announcement released on August 4. Additional common property fisheries, if warranted, will be announced by advisory announcement, and opened by EO in consultation with SSRAA.

For inseason updates go to 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, August 07, 2026

For 2026, SSRAA is expecting a total run of 810,000 summer chum salmon with an anticipated terminal run of 358,000 summer chum salmon for the Kendrick Bay THA. Due to budgetary shortfalls and the need for additional cost recovery, the Kendrick Bay THA did not open by regulation on June 15. The Kendrick Bay THA remained closed to common property harvest until approximately 1.5 million pounds of chum salmon are harvested for cost recovery. The Kendrick Bay THA opened to common property purse seine and troll fishing on July 16, 2026, and will close by regulation on September 30, 2026.

Details of the 2026 fishing schedule for the Kendrick Bay THA were announced in separate ADF&G advisory announcements released on April 17 and July 14. The current estimated Kendrick Bay THA common property harvest is 80,000 chum salmon.

For inseason updates go to 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.

Carroll Inlet THA

Last updated: Friday, July 17, 2026

For 2026, SSRAA had forecasted a total run of 6,100 Carroll Inlet Chinook salmon with an anticipated terminal run of 4,400 Chinook. By regulation, Carroll Inlet THA opened June 1 through June 30 to provide harvest for hatchery-produced Chinook salmon.

Details of the 2026 season fishing schedule and area for the Carroll Inlet THA were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 17. The current estimated harvest is 1,200 Chinook salmon by purse seine gear and 160 Chinook salmon by drift gillnet gear.

The fishery is now closed for the season.

For inseason updates go to 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.

Anita Bay THA

Last updated: Friday, May 15, 2026

For 2026, SSRAA is forecasting total runs of 397,000 summer chum, 6,800 Chinook, and 14,700 coho salmon to the Anita Bay release site. It is anticipated that 148,000 summer chum, 6,100 Chinook, and 6,600 coho salmon will be available for common property harvest in the Anita Bay THA. Details of the 2026 Anita Bay THA fishing schedule and area were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 14.

The Anita Bay THA will be open continuously to harvest salmon with troll gear from 12:01 am, Monday, June 1, through 11:59 pm, Tuesday, November 10. The Anita Bay THA will be open to harvest salmon with drift gillnet and purse seine gear concurrently from 5:00 am, Monday, June 1, through 12:00 noon, Friday, June 12. From 12:00 noon, Saturday, June 13, through 12:00 noon, Monday, August 31, it will be open for drift gillnet and purse seine gear on a rotational basis. From 12:01 am, Tuesday, September 1, through 11:59 pm, Tuesday, November 10, the Anita Bay THA will return to concurrent fishing for both drift gillnet and purse seine gear. The Anita Bay THA will close for the season at 11:59 pm, Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

For inseason updates go to the SSRAA website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

Deep Inlet THA

Last updated: Friday, July 24, 2026

The Deep Inlet THA closed to all common property commercial harvest on June 28 and will remain closed until cost-recovery operations are complete. For updates on cost-recovery progress, contact the NSRAA office or visit https://www.nsraa.org/.

NSRAA is projecting a total run of 13,900 Chinook, 37,000 coho, and 1,763,000 chum salmon for Medvejie Hatchery and the Deep Inlet THA.

Harvest to date from the purse seine openings is 1,900 Chinook and 27,400 chum.

Harvest to date from the drift gillnet openings is 1,900 Chinook and 13,900 chum.

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

Hidden Falls THA

Last updated: Friday, July 24, 2026

The Hidden Falls Hatchery, operated by the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA), expects a total run of 409,000 chum salmon. An estimated 200,000 chum salmon will be needed for broodstock. NSRAA will not be conducting cost recovery operations within the Hidden Falls THA this year; however, time and area restrictions may be necessary to conserve chum salmon for broodstock.

The Hidden Falls THA has remained closed following the July 12 purse seine opening to achieve broodstock goals. Harvest from the Hidden Falls THA purse seine openings through July 12 totaled 450 Chinook and 160,000 chum salmon.

The Hidden Falls Hatchery Terminal Harvest Area Salmon Management Plan (5 AAC 33.374) provides guidelines for allocation of hatchery-produced chum and Chinook salmon in the Hidden Falls THA. The management plan describes several approaches to achieve broodstock and cost- recovery goals through June 30. Purse seine openings will be limited to a maximum of 2 fishing days per week in the terminal harvest area in order to harvest surplus chum salmon. If Sunday and midweek seine openings have not occurred and further action is needed to achieve broodstock and cost-recovery goals, the troll fishery will be closed to the retention of chum salmon inside the THA as long as at least 7 days remain until July 1. Beginning July 1, areas within the THA may be closed to protect chum or Chinook salmon broodstock and trollers may only retain chum salmon in numbers not exceeding the total number of Chinook salmon on board. For the latest Hidden Falls Hatchery boundaries, refer to the salmon purse seine fishery announcements issued each Tuesday and Friday.

For inseason updates please go to the NSRAA website at http://www.nsraa.org/.

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

Crawfish Inlet THA

Last updated: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

The District 13: Crawfish Inlet Terminal Harvest Area Salmon Management Plan (5 AAC 33.380) states that the department, in consultation with NSRAA, shall, by EO, open and close the Crawfish Inlet THA to provide for the harvest of hatchery-produced Chinook and chum salmon by purse seine, drift gillnet, and troll gear. The runs of Chinook and chum salmon to Crawfish Inlet are managed with a troll priority. There are no scheduled purse seine openings for the Crawfish Inlet THA in 2026.

NSRAA expects a run of 281,000 chum and 500 Chinook salmon for 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 expected to be needed for broodstock in Crawfish Inlet.

For inseason updates go to the NSRAA website at http://www.nsraa.org/.

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

Thomas Bay THA

Last updated: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

NSRAA is forecasting a total run of 115,000 chum salmon for the Thomas Bay THA. A portion of the run will be harvested in common property fisheries in Chatham Strait and Frederick Sound. No cost recovery is planned in 2026. The Thomas Bay THA will be open to common property purse seine and troll fisheries from Sunday, June 21, through Saturday, August 8, 2026. Purse seine openings will occur on Sundays and Thursdays, and troll openings will occur on days closed to purse seining.

Further details of the 2026 Thomas Bay THA fishing schedule and area were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 10.

For inseason updates go to the NSRAA website at http://www.nsraa.org/.

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

Southeast Cove THA

Last updated: Friday, May 15, 2026

The Southeast Cove THA will be managed in accordance with the District 9: Southeast Cove Terminal Harvest Area Management Plan (5 AAC 33.387). In 2026, NSRAA is forecasting a run of 105,000 summer chum and 860 Chinook salmon for the Southeast Cove THA. In 2026, it is anticipated that the Southeast Cove THA will be cost recovery only and common property purse seine opportunity will not be provided. However, if significant numbers of fish remain after cost recovery operations are completed, common property opportunity may be provided via EO, dependent on the presence of wild salmon stocks in the area. If closures or openings are warranted, they will be announced by advisory announcement.

Further details of the 2026 Southeast Cove THA fishing schedule and area were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 15.

For inseason updates go to the NSRAA website at http://www.nsraa.org/.

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

Port Asumcion THA

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

For 2026, SSRAA has forecasted a total run of 354,000 summer chum salmon with an anticipated terminal run of 248,000 summer chum salmon. The Port Asumcion summer chum return is intercepted in District 3 and 4 fisheries, and terminal harvest in this area is primarily designated for cost recovery. The Port Asumcion THA opened to common property purse seine fishing on August 6 and will close on September 15, 2026, as announced in an ADF&G advisory announcement released on August 4. Additional common property fisheries, if warranted, will be announced by advisory announcement, and opened by EO in consultation with SSRAA.

For inseason updates go to the SSRAA website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

For inseason updates go to the SSRAA website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

Burnett Inlet THA

Last updated: Friday, May 15, 2026

The Burnett Inlet Terminal Harvest Area (THA) commercial salmon troll fishery will open for the harvest of chum, coho, sockeye, and pink salmon from 12:01 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2026, until closed by emergency order. The Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association is forecasting a total return of approximately 426,000 hatchery-produced summer chum salmon and 11,600 hatchery-produced fall chum salmon to the Burnett Inlet THA.

Further details of the 2026 Burnett Inlet THA fishing schedule and area were announced in a separate ADF&G advisory announcement released on April 15.

For inseason updates go to the SSRAA website at http://www.ssraa.org/.

Speel Arm THA

Last updated: Thursday, May 14, 2026

The 2026 total run forecast for Snettisham Hatchery sockeye salmon is 83,000 fish, below the 144,000 fish average. These fish will be principally harvested in the traditional District 11 commercial drift gillnet fishery. Common property fishery openings may occur during August in the Speel Arm THA (waters of Speel Arm north of Sharp Point). Timing of openings in the THA will depend on sockeye salmon escapement into Speel Lake and DIPAC’s progress toward broodstock goals. DIPAC cost-recovery efforts in the special harvest area during July will be limited to waters in the immediate vicinity of the hatchery where wild and hatchery stocks are well segregated. Fishery management decisions for the Speel Arm THA will be made in consultation with DIPAC.

For inseason updates go to the DIPAC website at https://www.dipac.net/

Amalga Harbor THA

Last updated: Thursday, May 14, 2026

Common property purse seine opportunities in the Amalga Harbor THA will be based on run strength of hatchery-produced chum salmon, progress toward DIPAC cost-recovery goals, expected effort levels, and considerations for nontarget species. Openings may occur in Section 11-A and will be limited to a portion of the Amalga Harbor THA, Subdistrict 111-55. These openings may occur in July, will only be on Thursdays, and will be limited to 9 hours (9:00 am–6:00 pm). If there are conservation concerns for non-target species in nearby systems, the open area or time may be reduced. Details of the open area and times will be included in the normal purse seine advisory announcement at the appropriate time.

For inseason updates go to the DIPAC website at https://www.dipac.net/

Boat Harbor THA

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

Both the inside and outside waters of the Boat Harbor Terminal Harvest Area (THA) remain open seven days a week. Fishing effort in the THA has declined substantially, consistent with the decrease in abundance of hatchery-origin chum salmon returning to the area.

Fourteen vessels fished in the THA this week. Following the closure of the traditional fishing areas, additional vessels transitioned to the THA to continue fishing. An estimated 4,000 chum, 500 sockeye and 1,000 pink salmon were harvested in the THA.

The THA will remain open for one additional week, after which it will be managed in conjunction with the traditional Section 15-C fishery.

For inseason updates go to the DIPAC website at https://www.dipac.net/

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Central Region

Bristol Bay

Inseason Harvest Information

Bristol Bay Fisheries Collaborative (BBFC)

Togiak District

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

Escapement past the Togiak tower is 110,000 sockeye salmon through August 5. The crew will count through August 10 and we may reach the 120,000 lower end of the escapement goal range. Fishing opened for the regular weekly schedules on Monday at 9:00 a.m. The Kulukak Section opened on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. and will close Saturday at 9:00 a.m. The cumulative sockeye salmon harvest for the Togiak District is 166,000.

Nushagak District

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

The Nushagak District sockeye salmon fishery is essentially over. The cumulative sockeye salmon harvest in the Nushagak District is 9 million. Combined with the total escapement of 6.3 million we have a total Nushagak District run of 15.3 million as of July 29. This is significantly below the preseason forecast of 18.39 million inshore run. The Igushik tower crew will stop counts this weekend.

There is some effort for pink and coho salmon right now, but the last major buyer will cease operations at 12:01 a.m. August 7. That harvest is confidential.




Naknek-Kvichak District

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

The Naknek River tower finished counting on July 21 with a season total escapement of 892,326 sockeye salmon, which is in the escapement goal range of 800,000 to 2 million fish. The Kvichak River tower finished counting on July 25 with a season total escapement is 3,080,286 sockeye salmon, which is within the escapement goal range of 2 to 10 million fish. The Alagnak River tower finished counting on July 28 with a season total escapement is 1,432,782 sockeye salmon and above the lower bound escapement goal of 210,000 fish. The season total harvest through August 2 is 6.15 million sockeye salmon, close to the preseason forecast of 6.2 million. The total run to the district is 11.5 million sockeye salmon and above the preseason forecast of 11.0 million. The Naknek River total run came in below the forecast of 3.9 million fish, and the Kvichak River total run came in above the total run forecast of 3.9 million. Fishing is open on the fall fishing schedule of 9:00 a.m. Monday until 9:00 a.m. Sunday. The Commercial fishing season closes September 30.


Egegik District

Last updated: Friday, July 31, 2026

The Egegik District harvest to date is approximately 9.0 million sockeye salmon, which is above the preseason forecast of 7.5 million, but slightly below the recent 10-year average. Total escapement this season was 1.98 million, which is within the SEG bounds of 800,000 - 2.0 million. Harvest and effort has decreased significantly this week and it is likely that most companies will stop buying this week. The fall schedule of 9:00 a.m. Monday to 9:00 a.m. Sunday has been in effect since 9:00 a.m. Monday, July 20.

Ugashik District

Last updated: Friday, July 31, 2026

The Ugashik District harvest to date is approximately 5.4 million sockeye salmon, which is above the preseason forecast of 4.3 million, and above the recent 10-year average. Total escapement for the season was 1.7 million, which is above the SEG upper bound of 1.4 million. Harvest is confidential this week and it is likely few buyers will be in the district past this week. The fall schedule of 9:00 a.m. Monday to 9:00 a.m. Sunday has been in effect since 9:00 a.m. Monday, July 20.

Copper River and PWS Drift Gillnet

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

Copper River District

The Copper River District is currently close due to below anticipated sockeye and Chinook salmon runs to the Copper River. There have been 96 hours of fishing time in the Copper River District during the 2026 season. The Bering River District is being managed on the same schedule as the Copper River District. The Coghill District transitioned to pink salmon (purse seine) management as of July 21. Eshamy District was open for a 12-hour fishing period on Monday, August 3 and a 24-hour period on Thursday, August 6.

The Miles Lake field camp was deployed on Monday, May 11. Sonar monitoring of Copper River sockeye and king salmon passage at the outlet of Mile Lake ended on July 28. A total of 570,391 salmon were enumerated versus a cumulative management objective of 600,897 salmon. Based on historical precedent, cold water temps low water levels in the Copper River likely delayed early season salmon migration through the fishing district and in the river.

Based on the recent poor Chinook salmon production, a conservative management approach was implemented this season. Waters inside of the barrier islands from Steamboat through the eastern end of the district were closed for the first fishing period. During the second, third, and fourth fishing periods a new intermediate closure line, excluding more inside and near shore waters, was used to reduce Chinook salmon harvest potential. During the fifth fishing period an offshore closure line was implemented for additional Chinook and sockeye salmon conservation. The Copper River District has only opened for one fishing period since June 12 and is expected to remain closed until coho salmon season starts in mid-August.

The 2026 Copper River District sockeye salmon commercial harvest forecast is 728,000 fish, and the coho salmon commercial harvest 10-year average (2016–2025) is 184,000. The Copper River Chinook salmon total run forecast (33,000 fish) is 27% below the 10-year (2016–2025) average (45,000 fish). The 2026 sockeye salmon harvest forecast is on par with the 10-year (2016–2025) average of 733,000 fish. The 2026 sockeye salmon run to Main Bay Hatchery (MBH) is forecast to be 431,000 fish. PWSAC anticipates utilizing 142,000 (33%) sockeye salmon for cost recovery and broodstock, leaving 289,000 (67%) fish available for harvest. The 2026 Coghill Lake sockeye salmon total run forecast is 104,000 fish with an SEG of 20,000–75,000 fish. This is 53% below the 10-year (2016–2025) average of 223,000 fish. The chum salmon run to Wally Noerenberg Hatchery (WNH) is forecast to be 1.87 million fish. PWSAC anticipates utilizing 1.09 million (58%) chum salmon for cost recovery and broodstock, leaving 785,000 (42%) fish available for harvest. The wild stock sockeye salmon commercial harvest 10-year (2016–2025) average in Unakwik Inlet is 7,500 fish.

The Copper River District cumulative sockeye salmon harvest to date is 242,000 fish and, based on the forecast and recent historical run timing, the anticipated harvest so far this season is 721,800 fish. The Chinook salmon cumulative harvest to date in the Copper River District commercial fishery is 4,200 fish compared to a recent 10-year (2015-2024) average 12,300 fish over the same period. The cumulative chum salmon harvest in the Coghill District is 106,000 fish and is below levels seen last year at this time, indicating slow run entry to this point in the season. The cumulative sockeye salmon harvest in the Eshamy District is 327,000 fish and is consistent with the high variability seen in run entry for this stock.

Break-up of the Copper River was late this year and river water levels are average for this date.

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, August 07, 2026

The 2026 pink salmon total run forecast for PWS is 21.31 million fish, with a potential commercial harvest of 14.03 million fish. This pink salmon total run forecast includes 4.73 million wild stock fish, 10.18 million Valdez Fisheries Development Association (VFDA) fish, and 6.40 million Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation (PWSAC) hatchery fish. This ranks as one of the lowest forecasts for hatchery returns in recent history. The department will manage for each district’s aerial index escapement goal for a cumulative SEG of 575,000–992,000 pink salmon.

The 2026 chum salmon forecast is 3.62 million fish. Most fish, 3.04 million (84%), are from PWSAC hatchery production, with 330,000 fish returning to the Armin F. Koernig hatchery (AFK), and 840,000 fish returning to Port Chalmers. Based on the department’s wild chum salmon forecast of 586,000 fish and subtracting the 10-year average escapement (173,000) there is a potential harvestable surplus of 413,000 wild chum salmon.

On June 26th the Coghill crew started removal of the weir and finished removal on the 27th. Through July 25th, 6,897 sockeye and 1,446 pink salmon were passed.

Since July 28, seine fisheries in PWS have remained closed.

Due to heavy fog only a partial aerial survey of the Eastern district was flown, Wednesday, August 5. However, the limited survey was encouraging as wild stock escapement is showing improvement. Aerial surveys are anticipated for the rest of PWS as weather permits.

The Egg take at VFDA began Monday, August 3rd. As of August 7, VFDA has achieved 6% of its 270 million pink salmon egg take goal. VFDA estimates that it has secured its brood stock needs at the hatchery. To date, VFDA has achieved 16% of its 2026 pink salmon revenue goal. Future cost recovery harvests will be conducted if a surplus becomes available.

PWSAC began its cost recovery sales program on Friday, July 31, and to date has collected approximately 39% of the assigned pink salmon revenue goal. Sampling of cost recovery pink salmon at AFK on August 6, resulted in an average weight of 3.5 pounds per fish and 25% female ratio. Sampling of cost recovery pink salmon at WNH on August 6, resulted in an average weight of 3.2 pounds per fish and a 27% female ratio. Sampling of cost recovery pink salmon at CCH on August 6, resulted in an average weight of 2.9 pounds per fish and 20% female ratio.

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, August 07, 2026

Harvest information for drift gillnet from SOA waters through August 7th is a cumulative of, 56 Chinook, 205,613 sockeye, 17,423 coho, 19,675 pink and 29,241 chum salmon. Average 10-year harvest information for the SOA waters to this date are 69 Chinook, 672,454 sockeye, 19,050 coho, 56,899 pink and 33,883 chum salmon with 1,648 deliveries on average.

Commercial salmon harvest from the EEZ to date is 49 Chinook, 635,195 sockeye, 37,080 coho, 17,402 pink and 56,870 chum salmon. The EEZ harvest data began in 2024, and since then the 2-year average harvest for this date is 33 Chinook, 353,051 sockeye, 9,340 coho, 5,550 pink, and 27,550 chum salmon with 892 deliveries on average.

Commercial salmon harvest from the Upper Subdistrict dip net fishery to date is 60,063 sockeye salmon. This fishery harvest data began in 2024, and since then the 2-year average harvest for this date is 80,878 sockeye salmon with 178 permits making deliveries on average.

Commercial salmon harvest from the Northern District set net fishery to date is 6 Chinook, 29,517 sockeye, 9,985 coho, 1,868 pink, and 1,040 chum salmon. Average 10-year harvest information for the Northern District to this date are 990 chinook, 46,851 sockeye, 23,934 coho, 8,622 pink and 3,576 chum salmon with 70 deliveries on average.

Commercial salmon harvest from the UCI west side (Kustatan and Western subdistricts) set gillnet fishery to date is 0 Chinook, 1,625 sockeye, 536 coho, 64 pink, and 4 chum salmon. Average 10-year harvest information for the west side set gillnet to this date are 154 Chinook, 42,651 sockeye, 6,792 coho, 851 pink and 2,463 chum salmon with 31 deliveries on average.

Commercial salmon fishing with set gill net gear in the Kalgin Island Subdistrict of the Central District began on Thursday, June 25. The 2026 harvest information is confidential.

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

Lower Cook Inlet

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

Southern District

The preliminary cumulative harvest from the first seventeen set gillnet fishing periods was 130 Chinook, 19,643 sockeye, and 662 chum salmon with 16 set gillnet permit holders reporting deliveries. Cumulative harvest last year from the first seventeen fishing periods was 118 Chinook, 32,198 sockeye, and 3,684 chum salmon. The previous 5-year harvest average from these seventeen periods combined was 171 Chinook, 22,517 sockeye, and 2,467 chum salmon. The Southern District commercial set gillnet fishery will close for the 2026 season at 6:00 AM on Saturday, August 15.

The Southern District closed to commercial common property purse seine harvest at 10:00 PM on Friday, July 31. Preliminary commercial seine harvest to date is approximately 109,000 sockeye, 67 Chinook, 780 chum, 2,720 pink, and 119 coho salmon with 22 permit holders reporting deliveries.

Eastern District

The Aialik Subdistrict opened to commercial salmon purse seine harvest on Monday, July 13 on a schedule of daily 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM fishing periods. An aerial survey on July 29 documented 7,000 sockeye salmon in the lake. This is above the 3,200 – 5,400 sustainable escapement goal for this system and species. There has been no harvest to date reported from this area.

Outer District

Portions of the Outer District opened to commercial harvest on Monday, July 27. Harvest from this area is confidential due to fewer than three processors reporting deliveries.

Kamishak District

Portions of the Kamishak District opened 7-days per week on Tuesday, July 7. An aerial survey flown on July 1 documented over 30 thousand sockeye salmon in Chenik Lagoon. The Chenik Subdistrict including Chenik Lagoon opened for regular fishing periods during the first 3-weeks of July before transitioning to a 7-day per week 24-hour per day schedule on July 27. Harvest from this area is 47,000 sockeye salmon with three processors buying fish and 7 permit holders reporting deliveries.

The department is monitoring the Chenik run using satellite streamed video from the lake. Daily counts into Chenik Lake are available here: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyarealci.salmon#fishcounts

Inseason modifications to harvest projections, season opening dates, and strategies for weekly fishing periods may occur as fisheries develop. Fishery announcements from the Homer office may occur on Fridays at 2:00 p.m., and at other times as required. Interested individuals may sign up to receive email announcements here: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=cfnews.main. Recorded commercial fisheries announcements will be available at 907-235-7307. Harvest information and fisheries announcements are located on the ADF&G web site: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyarealci.salmon.

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, August 07, 2026

The Spiridon Bay Special Harvest Area remains open until further notice.

The Outer Karluk, Outer Ayakulik, and Halibut Bay Sections of the Southwest Kodiak District, The Central, North Cape, Inner Uganik, and Uyak Bay Sections of the Northwest Kodiak District, and the Southwest Afognak Section of the Afognak District remain open until 9:00 p.m. Monday, August 10.

The Cape Alitak, Alitak Bay, Moser Bay, and Olga Bay Sections of the Alitak District will close at 9:00 p.m. Friday, August 7.

In the Southwest Kodiak District, the Karluk River late-run sockeye salmon escapement is 24,304 fish, which is Within the target escapement range. The pink salmon escapement is 344,894 fish which is above the desired escapement for this date.

The Ayakulik River early-run sockeye salmon escapement was 494,776 fish. This is well above the target escapement range for the early-run. Only 544 Chinook salmon had been counted, which is well below the target escapement range. High water forced the removal of the weir on July 14.

In the Alitak District, the Upper Station late-run sockeye salmon escapement is 54,742 fish, which is above the target escapement range. The cumulative Dog Salmon sockeye salmon escapement is 97,697 fish which is within the target escapement range.

In the Afognak District, the cumulative Afognak Lake (Litnik) sockeye salmon escapement through August 6 totals 38,199 fish, which is within the target escapement range for this date.

In the Eastside Kodiak District, the Saltery River weir has passed 15,072 sockeye salmon to date, which is within the desired escapement range.

The Pasagshak River weir has counted 2,050 sockeye salmon to date, which is within desired escapement range for this date.

There is currently little or no early information on sockeye 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.

Effort is well below average with approximately 90 seiners and 95 set gillnetters currently participating in the fishery.

As of August 5, approximately 1,110,000 sockeye salmon, 180,000 chum salmon, and 2,180,000 pink salmon have been harvested, all of which are below average for this date.

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

North Peninsula

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

North Peninsula salmon fisheries within the Port Moller Bight, Bear River, Three Hills, and Ilnik Sections have been closed for the past week to let the Bear River late run develop.

The cumulative Northern District harvest now stands at 2,170,000 fish, above both the 5-year average (1,835,000) and the 10-year average (2,160,000) for this date.

Nelson River Section:

The Nelson River weir was removed on July 27. Cumulative sockeye escapement stands at 481,525 fish, well above the upper end of the escapement goal range (219,000) and above both the 5-year average (332,000) and 10-year average (274,000). Cumulative king salmon escapement at the weir stands at 2,459 fish, above the lower bound of the escapement goal (2,400), but below both the 5-year (3,800) and 10-year (4,350) averages.

No harvest has been reported in the Nelson Lagoon Section since August 3, bringing the total Nelson River sockeye run to approximately 821,000 fish (harvest + escapement). The 2026 Nelson sockeye run is on track to be the second-largest harvest and second-largest total run in the Nelson Lagoon Section over the last 20 years, and the third-largest escapement over that same period.

Bear River Section:

Bear River early-run sockeye escapement totaled 210,678 fish, above the lower bound escapement goal (176,000), but below both the 5-year average (291,400) and 10-year average (325,400). The early run was fairly weak, and no commercial fishing opportunities occurred in the Bear River Section in June or July.

On August 1, the area shifted to Bear River late-run sockeye management, and the Bear River, Three Hills, and Ilnik Sections closed to allow the late run to develop. As of August 6, cumulative late-run sockeye escapement at the Bear River weir stands at 26,723 fish, the 2nd lowest for this date in the past 10 years. That total is tracking just above the lower end of the escapement goal range, but below both the 5-year (41,300) and 10-year (43,400) averages. Historically, about 28% of the run has passed the weir by this point in the season. Passage was extremely slow August 1–4, but has picked up over the last couple of days, with 10,600 fish passing on August 6 alone. If escapement continues to improve and the likelihood of a fishing opportunity increases, the Department will try to provide at least 12 hours' notice prior to any opening.

Ilnik River Section: The Ilnik River weir was removed on July 18, and the cumulative sockeye escapement stands at 75,936 fish, above the upper end of the escapement goal range of 75,000 fish, but below the 5-year average (89,000) and 10-year average (97,000).

Outer Port Heiden Section: A survey of the Meshik and Cinder Rivers on August 6 confirmed the sockeye escapement goal was met in both systems.

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

South Peninsula

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

The first commercial fishing period for all gear types for the month of August began at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5 until 9:00 p.m. Friday, August 7.

Aerial surveys have been conducted this week within the South Central, Southeastern, and Southwestern Districts. Weather continues to make surveying challenging in the remaining Districts. Current pink escapement is approximately 300,000 fish. There is one salmon enumeration weir operated in the South Alaska Peninsula Management Area, the Orzinski Weir. The Orzinski weir was removed for the season on August 3. The final escapement with a post weir estimate was 16,041 sockeye salmon. Orzinski escapement has met the lower bound of the SEG 14,000–28,000 fish.

Participation is normal for this time of year.

Sockeye salmon harvest of 2,040,689 fish is below the recent 10-year average of 2,175,373 fish and the 5-year average of 2,547,121.

Pink salmon harvest of 2,183,849 fish is above the recent 10-even year average of 2,101,426 fish.

Chum salmon harvest of 698,796 fish is below the recent 10-year average of 968,666 fish and 5-year average of 989,656.

Chinook salmon harvest of 2,905 fish is below the recent 10-year average of 10,959 fish and 5-year average of 9,352 fish.

Coho salmon harvest of 34,148 fish is below the recent 10-year average of 140,849 fish and 5-year average of 92,728 fish.

No significant developments at this time.

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

Chignik

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

The Chignik River weir became fish-tight on May 29, and fish-counting operations began on May 31. Through August 6, cumulative sockeye salmon escapement totaled 662,752 fish, including 395,939 attributed to the early run (Optimal Escapement Goal [OEG]: 300,000–400,000 fish) and 266,813 attributed to the late run (OEG: 240,000–360,000 fish). In addition to sockeye salmon, 1,745 Chinook salmon (Biological Escapement Goal 1,300–2,700 fish), 674 pink salmon, and 6 chum salmon have also passed through the weir. Daily fish counts are available through the Daily Weir Escapement Report and can be viewed live in season at Chignik Weir Fish Passage.

On August 1st a new fishing schedule went into effect based on sockeye salmon escapement at the Chignik Weir. The Chignik Bay District, Central District, and the Inner Castle Cape subsection of the Western District will open weekly from 6:00 a.m. Monday to 10:00 p.m. Friday, provided sockeye salmon escapement is being met. The Eastern, Western, and Perryville Districts will open and close based on local pink and chum stocks and are currently closed due to low numbers observed during aerial surveys. More surveys are anticipated early next week to re-evaluate local stocks. Most Chinook salmon conservation measures have been rescinded, however all Chinook salmon over 28 inches must be returned to the water unharmed. Additional details and all Advisory Announcements for the Chignik Management Area are available on the Chignik Management Area Salmon, Alaska Department of Fish and Game webpage.

The 2026 Chignik sockeye salmon harvest is forecast to be in the average category, with a projected Chignik Management Area harvest of approximately 1.138 million fish. Non-confidential harvest through August 6 includes 720 Chinook, 609,678 sockeye, 17,611 coho, 425,233 pink, and 164,122 chum salmon.

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, August 07, 2026

Lower Yukon Area districts began transitioning to fall season management on July 13. The Board of Fisheries officially designated fall chum salmon as a Stock of Management Concern and mandated that fall season start three days early in order to protect the run. As of August 5, the Pilot Station sonar project has estimated fall chum salmon passage at approximately 127,000. The preseason projection based on the relationship between summer and fall chum salmon run sizes is for a run that is likely to be greater than 400,000 fish. Even with a run size within the escapement goal range (300,000–600,000 fish), Canadian treaty goals are not anticipated to be met. Therefore, directed subsistence fishing for fall chum salmon in the mainstem Yukon River is highly unlikely to occur. The 2026 coho salmon run is also projected to be below average and potential fishing opportunities will be based on inseason run abundance. Using a precautionary approach, subsistence fishing for fall chum and coho salmon will be closed at the start of the fall season. Nonsalmon subsistence fishing with 4-inch or smaller mesh gillnets is being reduced to protect migrating salmon and will close during part of each week.

As of August 5, the Eagle sonar project has estimated Chinook salmon passage at 28,738 fish. The Chinook run is largely complete in the lower river and exceeded preseason projections. The Canadian-origin portion of the Chinook salmon run will still need to meet the U.S./Canada border passage objective of 71,000 fish. An estimated 1,006,000 summer chum salmon passed the sonar at Pilot Station which is above the preseason forecast and within the drainagewide escapement goal range of 500,000 to 1.2 million fish. The Anvik River sonar project completed operations on June 26 and has an estimated cumulative passage of 313,973 summer chum salmon. The expanded cumulative Chinook salmon count at the Chena River counting tower is 1,480 fish. The Salcha River tower began counting on July 16 and has an expanded cumulative count of 1,925 Chinook salmon.

Closures to all gillnets began in the coastal district and lower Yukon River on June 16th and have followed the Chinook salmon as they migrate upriver to their spawning areas. Restrictions to gillnet fishing was relaxed in the lower river starting on July 3, gillnets with 4-inch or smaller mesh may be used to target nonsalmon. Announcements are currently being made as gillnet restrictions are being lifted in each consecutive district. Gillnets with 4-inch or smaller mesh will remain restricted to 60-feet or less in length and must be operated as a set net near shore.

Subsistence fishing for summer chum salmon opened with selective gear types in the lower river on June 30th. This opportunity is being allowed in each consecutive district after the majority of the Chinook salmon have migrated through each area. Selective gear types include: dip net, beach seine, manned fish wheels, as well as hook and line gear. Summer chum, sockeye, and pink salmon may be retained but any incidentally caught Chinook salmon must immediately be released alive. Fishermen are encouraged to read the most current announcement or contact the Emmonak office (907-949-1320) during regular business hours if they have any questions.


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

Kuskokwim River

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

The 2026 Kuskokwim River Chinook salmon has ended, and the chum salmon and sockeye salmon are at the end of their runs. The coho salmon run passage at the Kuskokwim River sonar is well below average. There is no large scale commercial processor registered for the Lower Kuskokwim River. The department will continue to assess the coho run through the end of the season to determine the likelihood of escapement being met and any harvestable surplus. The 2026 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.

Kuskokwim Bay

The 2026 Kuskokwim Bay commercial season is closed effective August 1, 2026. There was one registered buyer for Districts W4 and W5, and the fishery targeted sockeye salmon. The first commercial openers for Districts W4 and W5 were on Tuesday, July 7 and the last periods were Friday, July 31. There were 20 openers for W4 and 21 openers for W5, though some periods were not fished due to weather.

The combined cumulative season sockeye salmon harvest was 57,569 fish for both districts. 2026 harvest was below the combined cumulative average harvest of 83,673 sockeye salmon. The fishery intercepted 277 Chinook salmon and 21,515 chum salmon.

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

Norton Sound

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

2026 Norton Sound

Commercial

Commercial salmon fishing has been scheduled in Norton Sound in Subdistrict 2, Subdistrict 3, and Subdistrict 4 for two 48-hour periods per week since July 12. The first opening was a 24-hour period followed by the 48-hour schedule. Subdistricts 5 and 6 has had three 24-hour periods scheduled starting July 24 and one 48-hour period starting on August 4.

Golovin Subdistrict 2: 11 permits have harvested 1,016 sockeye, 11,248 chum, and 371 coho salmon to date.

Elim Subdistrict 3: 11 permits harvested 944 sockeye, 373 coho, 5,589 pinks, and 5,711 chum salmon to date.

Norton Bay Subdistrict 4: 4 permits harvested 135 sockeye, 336 coho, 446 pink, and 1,722 chum salmon to date.

Shaktoolik Subdistrict 5: 7 permits harvested 366 sockeye, 700 coho, 247 pinks, and 1,627 chum salmon to date.

Unalakleet Subdistrict 6: 16 permits harvested 343 sockeye, 1,827 coho, 1,223 pink, and 3,416 chum salmon to date.

In the Port Clarence District, the commercial fishery is expected to remain closed because of a continued lack of market interest.


Escapement projects

Pilgrim River Weir: counts began on June 26 and became inoperable on August 4 with 18 king, 6,867 chum, 2,854 pink, and 31,093 sockeye salmon recorded to date.

Snake River Weir: counts began on June 30 and became inoperable on August 2 with 1 king, 2,098 chum, 1,91 pink, 13 sockeye, and 12 coho salmon recorded to date.

Nome River Weir: counts began on June 25 and became inoperable on August 3 with 1 king, 1,487 chum, 5,798 pink, and 44 sockeye, and 4 coho salmon recorded to date.

Eldorado River Weir: counts began on June 16 and ceased operations on August 3 for the season with 1 king, 879 chum, and 1,797 pink salmon recorded to date.

Niukluk River Tower: counts began on June 24 and became inoperable on August 3 with 174 kings, 41,233 chum, 1.7 million pink, 165 coho, and 558 sockeye salmon recorded to date.

Kwiniuk River Tower: counts began on June 26 with and became inoperable on August 3 with 66 king, 16,782 chum, 743,372 pink, 297 sockeye, and 681 coho salmon recorded to date.

Ungalik River Tower: counting began on June 23 and became inoperable on July 10 and operated from July 28 through August 1. There have been 36 kings, 8,853 chum, 445,798 pink, and 201 coho salmon counted while the tower was operational.

Shaktoolik River Tower: counts began on June 26 and the tower has operated intermittently since that time. There have been 411 king, 8,067 chum, 349,974 pink, 1,701 coho, and 159 sockeye salmon estimated to date.

North River Tower: counting began on June 17 and became inoperable on August 3 with 396 kings, 2,682 chum, 469,726 pink, 99 coho, and 9 sockeye salmon estimated to date.

Subsistence

Subdistrict 1 is currently on the subsistence schedule outlined in regulation. Fresh waters and Marine waters west of Cape Nome are open from 6:00 pm on Wednesday to 6:00 pm on Monday. Marine water of Subdistrict 1 east of Cape Nome remain open 7 days per week.

All waters of Subdistricts 5 and 6 opened to subsistence gillnet fishing with gillnets restricted to 6-inches or less on July 22. Subdistricts 5 and 6 are open to gillnets, beach seines, cast nest, and dip nets.

Household annual limits on sockeye salmon in the Pilgrim River have been waived. Current escapement indicated that there is a harvestable surplus available for subsistence needs.

All other areas of the Norton Sound-Port Clarence districts are open 7 days per week with standard net requirements.

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

Kotzebue

Last updated: Friday, August 07, 2026

The Kotzebue District opened for commercial salmon fishing on July 10. There have been 22 8-hour commercial fishing periods scheduled in the Kotzebue District and the harvest remains confidential. Catch rates have improved and currently is above the long-term historical average. The commercial harvest is expected to fall within the range of 50,000 to 150,000 chum salmon.

Click the link for more information: 2026 Kotzebue Salmon Outlook

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

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