The Division of Sport Fish is opening all waters of the Unalakleet River drainage to sport fishing for king salmon effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2019. In all waters of the Unalakleet River drainage the bag and possession limit is two fish, of which only one fish may be 20 inches or greater in length. The annual harvest limit is two fish greater than 20 inches. In addition, the use of bait is allowed. Anglers are reminded to record their harvest on the back of their sport fishing license or a harvest record card for those individuals with a permanent license (PID) or resident youth under the age of 18 or nonresident youth under the age of 16.

Daily escapement counts of king salmon at the North River tower on the Unalakleet River have increased recently, and the midpoint of the Sustainable Escapement Goal (SEG) of 1,900 fish is projected to be exceeded. According to the Subdistricts 5 and 6 of the Norton Sound District and the Unalakleet River King Salmon Management Plan, when the subsistence fishery in the Unalakleet River drainage is opened to at least two 36-hour periods per week, and the subsistence fishery in the marine waters of Subdistricts 5 and 6 is opened to at least two 48-hour per week, the sport fishery may be open.

The department does not have reliable inseason stock assessment information for the Shaktoolik, Koyuk, Ungalik, Inglutalik, and Golsovia river drainages, and therefore the closure of sport fishing for king salmon and the prohibition of bait in these rivers will remain in effect. The prohibition of bait while sport fishing should minimize catch-and-release mortality for king salmon incidentally caught while sport fishing for other species.

For additional information contact Brendan Scanlon, Northwest and North Slope Area Management Biologist, 907-459-7268.

#19-2778