Stikine River Federal Subsistence Chinook Salmon Fishery Closed

WRANGELL, Alaska – Wrangell District Ranger Victoria Houser, under authority delegated by the Federal Subsistence Board is closing the federal subsistence Chinook Salmon fishery in the Stikine River from May 15−June 20. This action is necessary for Chinook Salmon conservation in the Stikine River and to meet obligations of the Pacific Salmon Treaty.

The 2026 preseason forecast for the Stikine River is 16,704 large Chinook Salmon (greater than 28 inches total length). This forecast is above the lower bound of the escapement goal range (14,000 – 28,000 large fish) but below the management objective (17,400) and does not allow for directed Chinook salmon fisheries in District 8.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game also took actions in the state-managed fisheries to reduce the harvest of Stikine River Chinook Salmon. The closure of the Chinook Salmon fishery does not affect other Stikine River federal subsistence fisheries beginning June 21.

For additional information, please contact Tongass Subsistence Program Manager Robert Cross at 907-723-8653. 

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.

For interviews and information to be used for publication, contact Tongass Public Affairs Officer Paul Robbins at 907-617-2063.

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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