Federal Subsistence Board News

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Federal public waters of the Kuskokwim River will be opened for 12 Hours June 24 to the Harvest of Chinook Salmon by Federally Qualified Subsistence Users

06/22/2018

In consultation with the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Federal In-season Manager announces the opening of the Federal public waters of the Kuskokwim River main-stem within the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge boundary, including waters within 100 yards of the non-salmon spawning tributaries, to the harvest of Chinook Salmon, by Federally qualified subsistence users identified in the Section 804 subsistence user prioritization analysis, which includes residents of the Kuskokwim River drainage and the villages of Chefornak, Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, and Kongiganak, for 12 hours effective June 24, 2018 from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM.

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Chignik River Federal Subsistence Fishery for Sockeye Salmon

06/21/2018

The Federal In-season Manager, pursuant to delegated authority from the Federal Subsistence Board under ANILCA Title VIII section 815, will issue an emergency special action (8-SS-01-18) to close Federal public waters of the Chignik River drainage to the harvest of Sockeye Salmon except by Federally qualified subsistence users who are in the possession of a Social and Cultural Harvest Permit beginning June 22, 2018, through July 31, 2018.

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Federal Subsistence Rod and Reel Fishery for Early-Run Kenai River Chinook Salmon is Closed

06/21/2018

In an effort to conserve Chinook Salmon in the Kenai River, the Federal subsistence rod and reel fishery for early-run Chinook Salmon in the Kenai River downstream from the outlet of Skilak Lake will be closed beginning 12:01 a.m., Friday, June 22, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 15, 2018. This closure prohibits all subsistence rod and reel fishing for Chinook Salmon. Chinook Salmon incidentally caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately unharmed.

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2018 Yukon River Summer Salmon Fishery News Release # 19 - Summer Update # 3, Yukon Area Salmon Fishery

06/19/2018

Districts Affected: Yukon AreaEstimated Chinook salmon passage at the Pilot Station sonar is well below average. Chinook salmon run timing and abundance appear to be similar to 2015, indicating the run may be coming in toward the lower end of the preseason projection of 173,000 to 251,000 fish. However, the next several days of passage at Pilot Station sonar will continue to improve the accuracy of our run projections. While a run of this size should be large enough to meet escapement goals, some subsistence restrictions are necessary. The average first quarter point at the sonar for normal run timing is June 18 for Chinook salmon and June 23 for summer chum salmon. Summer chum abundance is above average and commercial fishing is underway in Districts 1 and 2. Selective gear is being used to target summer chum while releasing all Chinook salmon alive.

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2018 Yukon River Summer Salmon Fishery News Release # 18 - Districts 1 and 2 Commercial Fishing Schedule

06/18/2018

 Districts Affected: Lower Yukon AreaAt this time, a precautious management approach to the harvest of Chinook salmon will remain in effect as the run abundance of king salmon is being assessed. Commercial summer chum salmon fishing periods with selective gear (dip nets and beach seines) will continue between subsistence fishing periods to allow for commercial harvest of summer chum, while releasing all Chinook salmon.

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