Saltery Cove Drainage Sockeye Salmon Limits Increased

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

(Kodiak) – In support of increasing harvest opportunities, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon to 10 fish in the Saltery Cove drainage. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 24 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, December 31, 2021.

Through July 21, 2021, a total of 19,430 sockeye salmon have passed the Saltery River weir, which is above average for this date. The escapement goal for sockeye salmon into Saltery Lake is 15,000 to 35,000 fish and typically, 50% of the run has occurred by this date. It is now expected that the escapement goal will be exceeded this season and additional harvest opportunities are possible.

“Sockeye salmon numbers have improved substantially in the Saltery Cove drainage compared to the previous three years and the escapement goal is expected to be exceeded this season,” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum. “As of July 21, the weir count was nearly 20,000 sockeye salmon. Increasing the bag limit to 10 sockeye salmon per day will provide anglers an additional sport fishing and harvest opportunity.”

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