(Dillingham) - In favor of protecting returning king salmon and ensuring fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing restrictions in all waters of the Nushagak-Mulchatna River drainage. The retention of king salmon of any size and the use of bait is prohibited effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 13 through the remainder of the king salmon season, which closes at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 31, 2022. King salmon may not be retained or possessed, this fishery is limited to catch-and-release only. King salmon incidentally caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. Only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure is allowed.

“This year’s run has fallen behind on the projection curve, with 42,772 fish past the Portage Creek sonar through July 10,” stated Area Management Biologist Lee Borden. “In the interest of putting as many king salmon on the spawning grounds as possible, we are prohibiting the retention of king salmon.”

King salmon sport fishing opportunities may be restored or further restricted in the Nushagak-Mulchatna Drainage by a subsequent emergency order based on ADF&G sonar counts and other run strength indicators.

For more information, please contact Area Management Biologist Lee Borden at (907) 842-2427.

#22-3388