Bulletin: FEDERAL SUBSISTENCE FISHING CLOSURE IN WOMENS BAY

The Buskin River Federal in-season manager, pursuant to authority delegated by the Federal Subsistence Board, issued an Emergency Special Action closing the Federal public waters of Womens Bay to the take of Sockeye Salmon by all users. This action is necessary to ensure the continued viability of the Buskin River Salmon population. All fishing for Sockeye Salmon in the Federal public waters of Womens Bay is prohibited.  

The biological escapement goal for Buskin River Sockeye Salmon is 5,000 to 8,000 fish. Current weir counts project a 2026 escapement of approximately 1,650 fish, well below the minimum threshold. Coordinated closures of State managed commercial, subsistence and sport fisheries are also in place to protect Buskin origin Sockeye Salmon.  

Dates of the closure:

Effective Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 12:01 a.m.

Expiration Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 12:01 a.m. Unless superseded by subsequent special action

The emergency special action 9-SS-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? If you’d like to receive emails and notifications on the Federal Subsistence Management Program you may subscribe for regular updates by emailing subsistence@ios.doi.gov.

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