(Anchorage) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon in the Coghill River drainage to 12 fish per day and 24 in possession effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, July 15 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, December 31, 2021. The limit for other salmon, except king, coho, and sockeye salmon, remains at six per day and 12 in possession.

The sockeye salmon escapement goal for the Coghill River is 20,000 - 60,000 fish. As of July 13, 2021, an estimated 56,197 sockeye salmon have passed through the weir on the Coghill River with approximately 1,000 fish holding downstream of the weir. It is currently estimated that approximately 71% of the run has passed the weir. In addition to liberalizing the bag and possession limits, the closed area adjacent to the Coghill River weir operated by ADF&G has been reduced to 50 feet upstream and downstream of the weir, as indicated by ADF&G markers.

“The Coghill River is not easily accessible but with a surplus of fish it provides a good sockeye salmon fishing opportunity for those anglers wanting to put the effort in,” stated Assistant Area Management Biologist Brittany Blain-Roth. “The commercial fishery is also continuing to target the surplus sockeye salmon. Anglers should expect to see ongoing commercial fishing activity throughout the remainder of the fishery and expect catch rates to be variable.”

For additional information please contact Area Management Biologist Jay Baumer in Anchorage at (907) 267-2265 or Assistant Area Management Biologist Brittany Blain-Roth at (907) 267-2186.

#21-3194