2021 Yukon River Salmon Summer Fishery Announcement #2 Coastal District, Districts 1 and 2 Subsistence Fishing Schedule

In accordance with the preseason management strategy to take a conservative approach this season, subsistence fishing will be closed during the trickle and first pulse of the Chinook salmon run. This is intended to protect Chinook salmon while more information about the timing and strength of the run is collected. Based on historical data, Chinook salmon are typically caught in the Lower Yukon Test Fishery at Emmonak by June 1 in most years. Therefore, salmon fishing will close June 2 in the Coastal District and District 1. Salmon fishing will close on June 4 in District 2 to account for run timing between districts.

Gillnets of 4-inch or smaller mesh may be used during salmon fishing closures to target non-salmon. However, due to the conservation concern for Chinook salmon, 4-inch or smaller mesh gillnets will be restricted to a maximum length of 60-feet. Fishermen are reminded to set this gear in areas where non-salmon species are abundant to avoid incidentally harvesting Chinook salmon. While any salmon caught in this gear may be kept, if it appears salmon are being targeted with this gear, it could be further restricted.

The Emmonak office will be open to the public June 3; Mondays to Fridays 8 am to 5 pm, and Saturdays 1 pm to 5 pm. Closed on Sundays. ADF&G Emmonak office: (907) 949-1320.

Subsistence Management Actions

South Coastal District (from the Naskonat Peninsula north to 62 degrees North latitude which includes Hooper Bay and Scammon Bay):

Subsistence fishing is currently open 24 hours a day, seven days per week with 7.5-inch or smaller mesh gillnets.

Effective 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, salmon fishing is closed. Gillnets larger than 4-inch are not allowed. Gillnets of 4-inch or less mesh may be used to target non-salmon and are restricted in length to 60-feet or less.

District 1 and the North Coastal Area (from 62 degrees North latitude north to Point Romanof, including the Black River, and communities of Emmonak, Nunam Iqua, Alakanuk, and Kotlik):

Subsistence fishing is currently open 24 hours a day, seven days per week with 7.5-inch or smaller mesh gillnets.

Effective 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, salmon fishing is closed. Gillnets larger than 4-inch are not allowed. Gillnets of 4-inch or less mesh may be used to target non-salmon and are restricted in length to 60-feet or less.