(Kodiak) - In favor of protecting returning sockeye salmon and ensuring fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is reducing the bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon to two per day and two in possession in the Saltery River drainage. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 25 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2020.

Through July 21, 2020, only 5,773 sockeye salmon have passed the Saltery Creek weir, which is well below average for this time of year. The escapement goal for sockeye salmon into the Saltery River drainage is 15,000 to 30,000 fish and typically, about 54% of the run has occurred by this date and harvest restrictions are necessary to achieve the escapement goal.

“The Saltery sockeye salmon fishery is one of Kodiak’s most popular sport fisheries and the largest sport fishery on the island for harvest for a single river,” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum. “With the warm temperatures and low water conditions we’re seeing, the fish just aren’t moving into the river. Even considering late run timing we need to slow down harvest and get more sockeye to the lake for escapement.”

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

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