(Kodiak) - In favor of protecting returning king salmon and ensure fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is prohibiting retention of king salmon (catch-and-release only) in the Chignik River drainage downstream to Mensis Point, including Chignik and Black lakes and their tributaries, starting Monday, April 3, at 12:01 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, August 9, 2023. King salmon may not be retained or possessed; king salmon may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. In addition, the use of bait is prohibited and only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used in the Chignik River drainage.

“The Chignik River king salmon run has seen low returns over the last several years and was designated as a Stock of Concern by the Board of Fisheries in 2023,” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum. “The escapement goal has only been achieved in 4 of the last 6 years and recent escapements have been some of the lowest on record. ADF&G is prohibiting harvest in the king salmon sport fishery until we are confident escapement goals will be achieved with enough surplus to allow harvest.­­”

King salmon harvest opportunities may be restored in the Chignik River by a subsequent emergency order if inseason assessment indicates the king salmon run is stronger than anticipated.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum at
(907) 486-1880.

#23-3472