(Kodiak) - In support of increasing harvest opportunities, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon to 10 fish in the Saltery Cove drainage. The bag limit for chum and pink salmon remains at five fish, and two coho salmon through September 15, all species combined. From September 16 through December 31 the bag limit for coho salmon is one fish, 20 inches or greater in length. Anglers may not harvest more than 10 salmon per day or possess more than 10 total salmon, all species combined. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, July 20 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 31, 2023.

Through July 17, a total of 13,499 sockeye salmon have passed the Saltery River weir. The escapement goal for sockeye salmon into Saltery Lake is 15,000 to 35,000 fish and typically 36% of the run has occurred by this date. Based on the current weir counts and recent history of this run, it is projected that the run will exceed the escapement goal.

“Sockeye salmon have been coming in in good numbers at Saltery Cove and weir counts are tracking the 10-year average. The run has exceeded the escapement goal numerous times and is currently expected to exceed the goal this season,” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum. “Increasing the bag limit to 10 sockeye salmon per day will provide anglers additional harvest opportunity.”

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

#23-3568