(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 reducing the bag and possession limit for king salmon, 20 inches or greater in length, to one fish and an annual limit for king salmon, 20 inches or greater in length, in all fresh and salt waters of Bristol Bay that are currently open to retention of king salmon, to one fish. These restrictions are effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, July 21 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 31, 2022. In fresh waters, the bag and possession limit for king salmon under 20 inches in length remains at 10 fish, no annual limit; and in salt water the bag and possession limit for king salmon under 20 inches in length remains at three fish, no annual limit.

Up to four king salmon, recorded before Tuesday, July 21, on the harvest portion of an Alaska sport fishing license or harvest record card do not count against the king salmon one fish, 20 inches or greater in length, annual limit that may be harvested on or after July 21.

“Indicators of abundance are signaling a poor return of king salmon to Bristol Bay drainages,” stated Area Management Biologist Lee Borden. “With the possibility of lower than desired spawning escapement, we are taking a conservative approach with this restriction to slow down sport harvest.”

Retention of king salmon of any size and the use of bait remains prohibited in the Nushagak-Mulchatna River drainage through July 31.

King salmon sport fishing opportunities may be restored or further restricted in Bristol Bay by a subsequent emergency order based on inseason run strength indicators.

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

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