ADFG Increases Sockeye Limits On Coghill River

Sockeye photo by Katrina Mueller/USFWS

The following press release is courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

(Prince William Sound) – In an effort to harvest surplus sockeye salmon returning to the Coghill River drainage, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing regulation liberalization by increasing limits of sockeye salmon to 12 fish per day and 24 fish n possession effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 7, 2018. In conjunction with the regulation liberalization, the closed area adjacent to the Coghill River weir has been reduced to 50 feet upstream and downstream of the weir, as indicated by ADF&G regulatory markers.

The sockeye salmon escapement goal for the Coghill River is 20,000 – 60,000 fish. As of July 5, 2018, an estimated 25,436 sockeye salmon have passed through the Coghill River weir on. An estimated 4,000 sockeye are holding just below the weir. The run is approximately at the 50% point.

“Based on the number of sockeye salmon that have passed through the weir and the number of sockeye salmon holding up below the weir, it is reasonable to increase the limits and allow anglers an opportunity to harvest 12 sockeye salmon per day in the Coghill River drainage,” stated Assistant Area Management Biologist Brittany Blain-Roth.

Anglers should note that the commercial fishery will also be continuing to fish on the surplus sockeye salmon. Anglers should expect to see ongoing commercial fishing activity throughout the remainder of the fishery and expect catch rates to be variable.