(Fairbanks) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is closing the Yukon River drainage (excluding the Tanana River drainage) to sport fishing for chum salmon, effective 12:01 a.m. Sunday, May 1, 2022. All chum salmon caught incidentally while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

The 2022 preseason forecast is for a drainagewide run size of 162,000–542,000 chum salmon with a point estimate of 330,000 fish. The 2022 run is anticipated to be below the lower bound of the inriver escapement goal of 500,000–1,200,000. Based on the Yukon River Summer Chum Salmon Management Plan (5 AAC 05.362), when the projected run size of summer chum salmon is 650,000 fish or less, the commercial, personal use, and sport fish directed summer chum fisheries will be closed. If inseason stock assessment information indicates that chum salmon escapement goals and subsistence needs in the Yukon River drainage will be met, sport fishing restrictions may be relaxed commensurate with run strength.

For additional information contact Lisa Stuby, Yukon Area Management Biologist, 907-459-7202.

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