(Dillingham) - In favor of protecting returning king salmon and ensuring fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing restriction in all waters of the Nushagak-Mulchatna River drainage excluding the Wood River drainage. The use of bait is prohibited effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, June 24 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2026. Only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used during this time.

“This year’s run is behind on the projection curve, with 5,512 fish past the Portage Creek sonar through June 21,” stated Area Management Biologist Lee Borden. “We are taking a conservative approach with this restriction to slow down inriver catch rates”.

King salmon sport fishing opportunities may be restored or further restricted in the Nushagak-Mulchatna Drainage by a subsequent emergency order based on ADF&G sonar counts and other run strength indicators.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Lee Borden at
(907) 842-2427.

#26-4053