(Kodiak) – To protect returning king salmon and ensure fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is closing sport fishing for king salmon in the Chignik River drainage downstream to Mensis Point, including Chignik and Black lakes and their tributaries, beginning Wednesday, July 5 at 12:01 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Any king salmon caught incidentally while fishing for other species 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 escapement goal has not been achieved over the last several years and was designated as a Stock of Concern by the Board of Fisheries in February 2023,” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum. “While it is early in the run, only 12 fish have been counted so far and the run is well below any other weir counts observed for this date. ADF&G is closing the sport fishery until we are confident escapement goals will be achieved with surplus to allow a fishery.”

King salmon sport fishing opportunities may be restored in the Chignik River by a subsequent emergency order if weir counts improve and 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.

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