(Fairbanks) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is closing the Yukon River drainage (excluding the Tanana River drainage) to sport fishing for king salmon, effective 12:01 a.m. Sunday, May 1, 2022. All king salmon caught incidentally while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

The 2022 preseason forecast is for a drainagewide run size of 99,000–150,000 king salmon. A run of this size will result in reduced subsistence fishing opportunity and potentially result in a failure to achieve treaty obligations for Canadian-origin king salmon. The 2021 king salmon run preseason forecast was larger, and drainagewide escapement goals were not met despite harvest restrictions or closures in all Yukon River fisheries. Therefore, a preseason closure of sport fishing for king salmon in the Yukon River drainage is warranted. If inseason stock assessment information indicates that king salmon escapement goals and subsistence needs in the Yukon River drainage will be met, sport fishing restrictions may be relaxed commensurate with run strength.

For additional information contact Lisa Stuby, Yukon Area Management Biologist, 907-459-7202.

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