(Kodiak) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag limit for sockeye salmon to 10 fish in the Ayakulik River drainage. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 26 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2026. The possession limit remains at 10 in the Ayakulik River and all sport fishing for king salmon remains closed. King salmon may not be retained or possessed and must immediately be returned to the water if caught incidentally.

Through June 22, a total of 304,580 sockeye salmon have passed the Ayakulik River weir. The escapement goal for sockeye salmon is 200,000 to 400,000 fish and typically 41% of the run has occurred by this date. Based on the current weir counts and recent historical timing of this run, it is projected to exceed the escapement goal.

“Despite missing several weeks of counting due to flooding, the Ayakulik River sockeye salmon escapement is likely to exceed the goal. Given this is likely prior to the mid-point of the run, the lower range of the escapement goal has been achieved, and the run is projected to exceed the upper range of the goal, it is warranted to increase the limit in the sport fishery” stated Assistant Area Management Biologist Mark Witteveen.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Mark Witteveen at (907) 486-1880.

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