Contact:
Nicky Szarzi
Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 235-8191

All waters of the English Bay River drainage and Port Graham Subdistrict close to sport fishing for red (sockeye) salmon at 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, May 31,2006, and will remain closed through 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 31, 2006.

The 2006 preseason forecast for red salmon returning to the English Bay lakes is less than the low end of the sustainable escapement goal of 6,000 – 13,500.  As a result, all returning fish will likely be required for spawning escapement, and no harvestable surplus is expected. 

Red salmon may not be possessed or retained during the closure. 

Escapement at the English Bay River weir will be monitored to assess run strength, but reopening of the fishery is unlikely unless the actual red salmon return is stronger than projected, and escapement and brood stock requirements are met. 

The Port Graham Subdistrict includes all waters east of the longitude of Point Bede at 151º 59.40’ and south of the latitude of Point Pogibshi at 59º 25.47.