ADFG Removes Kvichak River/Lake Iliamna Sockeye Restrictions

(Dillingham) – With the recent increase of sockeye salmon passing through the counting tower near Igiugig, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is restoring the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon in the Kvichak River/Lake Iliamna drainage from two fish to five fish. In addition, the four areas previously closed to sport fishing for sockeye salmon are being reopened. These provisions are effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 14, 2018.

“An earlier projection indicated the lower end of the escapement goal of 2 million fish for the Kvichak River drainage would not be achieved,” stated Area Management Biologist Jason Dye. “However, as of 6:00 a.m. July 13, 2018, an estimated 1,513,848 sockeye salmon have been counted at the counting tower near Igiugig. With this increase in sockeye salmon, the escapement of will likely exceed 2 million fish; therefore, the reduction of the bag and possession limit and closed areas in place for the sport fishery are no longer warranted.”