Division of Sport Fish |
Alaska Department of Fish and Game |
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Advisory Announcement |
CONTACT: John Chythlook |
(Fairbanks) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is extending the closure to sport fishing for king salmon in the entire Kuskokwim River drainage (including all tributaries) through 11:59 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2022. This does not include Kuskokwim Bay drainages. All king salmon caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. In addition, anglers may use only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure in the Kuskokwim River drainage.
The preseason forecast of 99,000–161,000 king salmon suggests that the Kuskokwim River king salmon run in 2022 may be similar to 2021 when the Kuskokwim River experienced an estimated total run of approximately 129,751 and spawning escapement of approximately 101,000 fish. In 2021, the drainagewide escapement goal (65,000–120,000 king salmon) was attained, however, there were substantial closures of the subsistence fishery. Similar to 2021, restrictions to the subsistence king salmon fishery have been enacted in 2022. Neither the Bethel Test Fish project and the Kuskokwim River Sonar have recorded a large number of king salmon at this time, though it is early in the season.
The current restrictions of the subsistence salmon fishery on the Kuskokwim River warrant continuing the closure of sport fishing for king salmon in the Kuskokwim River drainage and the prohibition of bait and multiple hooks during the king salmon run. If inseason stock assessment information indicates that a majority of the king salmon escapement goals and subsistence needs in the Kuskokwim River drainage will be met, restrictions may be relaxed.
For additional information contact John Chythlook, Kuskokwim-Goodnews Area Management Biologist, 907-459-7361.
#22-3340