The Division of Sport Fish is closing the Tanana River drainage to sport fishing for chum salmon, effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2020. All chum salmon caught incidentally while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

The current 2020 fall chum salmon projection is for a run size of less than 300,000 fish. Estimated passage of fall chum salmon through the Pilot Station sonar for August 10, 2020 was 148,799 fish, and the projected abundance is below the level needed to meet the drainage wide escapement goal of 300,000-600,000 fall chum salmon. Fall chum salmon are typically dominated by age-4 fish. However, the 2016 parent year that produced that age class has shown extremely poor survival in chum salmon runs throughout the state. Consistent with the 5 AAC 01.249. Yukon River Drainage Fall Chum Salmon Management Plan (2)(A), when the projected run size is 300,000 fish or less, the commercial, personal use and sport fish-directed chum salmon fisheries will be closed.

If inseason stock assessment information indicates that the chum salmon escapement goals will be met, restrictions may be relaxed.

For additional information, please contact Heather Scannell, Tanana River Area Management Biologist, 907-459-7357.

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