Federal public waters of the Kuskokwim River will be opened for 12 Hours on June 15 to the use of gillnets for the Harvest of Chinook Salmon by Federally Qualified Subsistence Users

Salmon tributaries of the Kuskokwim within the boundaries of the Refuge, including the Eek, Kwethluk (starting at its confluence with the Kuskokuak Slough), Kasigluk, Kisaralik, Tuluksak, and Aniak rivers will remain closed to fishing for Chinook Salmon, as will the Aniak Box and the Old Kuskokuak Slough where the Kisaralik and Kasigluk drain (to protect Chinook bound for the Kasigluk and Kisaralik Rivers).

When using gillnets, the following restrictions apply:

• 6-inch or less mesh;
• May not exceed 45 meshes in depth;
• May not exceed 25 fathoms (150 feet) in length above the Johnson River to the boundary of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge at Aniak;
• May not exceed 50 fathoms (300 feet) in length below the Johnson River to the mouth of the Kuskokwim River.

This harvest opportunity is to provide for the continuation of subsistence uses of Chinook Salmon that are critical to cultural and traditional needs. While the Chinook Salmon run is expected to be smaller than average, it is strong enough to allow this limited opportunity for a directed harvest for Federally qualified subsistence users.

This limited opportunity has been implemented by Federal Emergency Special Action (3-KS-06-19) under the delegated authority of the Federal Subsistence Board.

Access up-to-date information on fishing opportunities by calling 907-543-1008 or visit the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge Facebook page or www.fws.gov/refuge/yukon_delta/.