Chignik River Federal Subsistence Fishery for Chinook Salmon

This action is necessary to ensure the continued viability of the Chignik River Chinook Salmon population. This action prohibits all subsistence 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 weir count as of July 21 was 726 Chinook Salmon. Based on historical run timing, approximately 75% of the escapement has occurred by July 21, and the current projected total escapement is approximately 900 fish. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game fishery managers have implemented restrictions to sport, commercial, and subsistence fisheries.

Effective July 14, the Chignik River sport fishery was restricted to catch and release for Chinook Salmon; effective July 16, the Chignik Bay District commercial fishery was restricted to non- retention of Chinook Salmon greater than 28 inches; effective July 23, the Chignik River sport fishery for Chinook Salmon will be closed; effective July 23, the Chignik River state subsistence fishery for Chinook Salmon fishery will be closed.

For additional information, contact Federal Inseason Manager Jonathon Gerken at (907) 271- 2776. Additional information about the Federal Subsistence Management Program can be found on the Web at http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/index.cfml.

View News Release

View Joint ADF&G, USFWS News Release

View Special Action

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