(Fairbanks) – Due to a preseason projection for a below-average king salmon run, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is closing the Yukon River drainage (excluding the Tanana River drainage) to sport fishing for king salmon, effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, March 21. This closure prohibits all sport fishing for king salmon, including catch-and-release fishing. In addition, when fishing for other species anglers may not use bait in Yukon River tributaries. All king salmon caught incidentally while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. These restrictions remain effective until 11:59 p.m. Monday, September.

King salmon in the Yukon River drainage continue to experience historically low productivity for both Canadian and Alaskan stocks. The 2024 king salmon run is anticipated to not meet Canadian treaty obligations, is not expected to meet Alaskan escapement goals, nor provide for Alaskan subsistence opportunity. Given the projections for another below-average king salmon run, a preseason closure of sport fishing for king salmon in the Yukon River drainage is needed to help protect these fish.

For additional information contact Lisa Stuby, Yukon Area Management Biologist at 907-459-7202 or lisa.stuby@alaska.gov.

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