Bulletin: Chignik River Chinook Salmon Closure

The Chignik in-season Fisheries Manager issued a Temporary Special Action closing the Federal public waters in Chignik River drainage to fishing for Chinook Salmon by all users. This closure prohibits all directed fishing for Chinook Salmon. This action is necessary to ensure the continued viability of the Chignik River Chinook Salmon population. This action prohibits all fishing for Chinook Salmon and they may not be retained or possessed. Chinook Salmon accidentally caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

The biological escapement goal for Chinook Salmon in the Chignik River drainage is 1,300 to 2,700 fish. The biological escapement goal has not been achieved in 7 of the last 9 years. With the 2023 weir count being the lowest on record, 267 fish, it is assumed that the 2026 Chinook Salmon escapement goal will not be reached unless restrictions are in place similar to 2025 fishing season. 

Dates of the closure:

Effective Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 12:01 am 

Expiration Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 11:59 pm. unless superseded by subsequent special action

The temporary special action, 8-KS-01-26, can be found online at https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/fisheries-special-actions.

Information about the Federal Subsistence Management Program may be found on the web at www.doi.gov/subsistence or by visiting www.facebook.com/subsistencealaska. 

Missing out on the latest federal subsistence issues? To receive email updates on Federal Subsistence Management Program activities, send a request to subsistence@ios.doi.gov. 

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