(Dillingham) - Nushagak River king salmon were designated a stock of concern in 2022 and recent runs have continued to fall short of the 55,000 – 120,000 fish escapement goal. In favor of protecting returning king salmon, 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. The retention of king salmon of any size is prohibited effective 12:01 a.m. Sunday, June 28 through the remainder of the king salmon season, which closes at 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 31. King salmon may not be retained or possessed and any king salmon caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

“This year’s run is behind on the projection curve, with 6,240 fish counted past the Portage Creek sonar through June 24,” stated Area Management Biologist Lee Borden. “We are taking a conservative approach with this restriction to prohibit inriver sport harvest and put more fish towards achieving the escapement goal”.

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.

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