(Kodiak) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon from 5 fish to 10 fish in the Buskin River drainage.

In the Buskin River drainage, the combined bag limit for salmon (other than king salmon) is 10 fish, 20 inches or greater in length. Only 5 of these may be pink or chum salmon and only two may be coho salmon through September 15 and from September 16 through December 31 one coho salmon may be harvested as part of the combined salmon bag limit and all 10 fish may be sockeye salmon. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 2 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Through June 29, a total of 7,307 sockeye salmon have passed the Buskin River weir. The escapement goal for sockeye salmon into Buskin Lake is 5,000 to 8,000 fish and typically 58% of the run has occurred by this date. Based on the current weir counts and recent history of this run, sockeye salmon are projected to exceed the upper end of escapement goal range.

“The 2025 Buskin River sockeye run continues to be strong and is well ahead of even some of the stronger recent runs. With the run just past the peak and sockeye salmon continuing to enter in good numbers, additional harvest opportunity is warranted as the run is projected to exceed the escapement goal.” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum.

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

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