(Fairbanks) - Due to a preseason forecast for a below-average Yukon River king salmon run, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is closing the Tanana River drainage to sport fishing for king salmon, effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, February 19. This closure prohibits sport fishing for king salmon, including catch-and-release fishing, in all waters of the Tanana River drainage, including the Chena, Goodpaster and Salcha Rivers. King salmon caught incidentally while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. These restrictions remain effective until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

King salmon stocks in the Yukon River drainage, including the Tanana River drainage, continue to experience historically low productivity for both Canadian and Alaskan stocks. The 2026 king salmon run is not expected to meet escapement goals in the Tanana River drainage. Within the Tanana River drainage, the Chena and Salcha Rivers are the two largest producers of king salmon. The spawning escapement goal for the Salcha River is 3,300 – 6,500 king salmon and for the Chena River it is 3,300 – 5,700 king salmon. In 2025, the Salcha River had an estimated escapement of 1,832 king salmon and the Chena River had an estimated escapement of 1,247 king salmon. King salmon escapement goals for both rivers have not been achieved for the past 6 years. Therefore, a preseason closure of sport fishing for king salmon in the Tanana River drainage is warranted.

For additional information contact Andrew Gryska, Tanana Area Management Biologist, (907) 459-7339, or Brandy Baker, Assistant Area Management Biologist, 907-895-4637.

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