(Yakutat) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fish announced today an extension of the fishing closure adjacent to the Nine Mile Bridge in the Situk River. The area between department markers located 50 yards upstream and 50 yards downstream of the Nine Mile Bridge has been closed to all fishing since June 15th and was going to reopen by regulation on August 16. However, to continue to protect king salmon holding in this area, the closure to all fishing is being extended through August 31. Sport fishing for any species is prohibited in this section of river.

In 2026 only 219 large king salmon migrated past the weir, falling short of the lower bound of the escapement goal of 450 fish. Staff have conducted multiple surveys of the river near the Nine Mile Bridge in the last week and concluded that the majority of king salmon in the river are holding in the current closure area. Current water levels in the Situk River are near record lows and there is no significant precipitation forecast that would prompt fish to migrate upstream. In order to protect holding king salmon, an extension of the 9-mile Bridge closure is warranted.

While the section of river within 50 yards of the Nine Mile Bridge will remain closed to all fishing through August 31st, anglers are reminded that fishing for king salmon is also prohibited anywhere in the Situk River drainage in 2026.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist, Jason Pawluk at (907) 465-4224.

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