Saltery River Sockeye Salmon Limits Decreased; ADFG Says Use Online Resources

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

(Kodiak) – In favor of protecting returning sockeye salmon and ensuring fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is reducing the bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon to two per day and two in possession in the Saltery River drainage. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 25 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2020.

Through July 21, 2020, only 5,773 sockeye salmon have passed the Saltery Creek weir, which is well below average for this time of year. The escapement goal for sockeye salmon into the Saltery River drainage is 15,000 to 30,000 fish and typically, about 54% of the run has occurred by this date and harvest restrictions are necessary to achieve the escapement goal.

“The Saltery sockeye salmon fishery is one of Kodiak’s most popular sport fisheries and the largest sport fishery on the island for harvest for a single river,” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum. “With the warm temperatures and low water conditions we’re seeing, the fish just aren’t moving into the river. Even considering late run timing we need to slow down harvest and get more sockeye to the lake for escapement.”

Division of Sport Fish Requests People Utilize Online Resources

(Headquarters) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game – Division of Sport Fish is requesting that people utilize online resources to obtain permits or sport fishing licenses to help minimize the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). ADF&G staff are committed to continuing to serve the public while maintaining a healthy and safe working environment. A list of available online resources is provided below.

Additionally, if you have questions or need fishing information, please contact your local ADF&G office. Contact numbers can be found here: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=contacts.main .

If you need to: 

• Purchase a license or register a sport fishing guide or guide business
• Apply for a Senior or Disabled Veteran License
• Obtain a sport, personal use or subsistence permit

Please visit our online store at: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/Store/

Report your personal use or subsistence fishing permit harvest: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/Harvest/

Sport fishing guides and business operators:

• Sport fishing guide or business registration information is here: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=SFGuidesLicense.Businesslicense
• Saltwater log book information can be found here (Saltwater charter businesses should consider signing up to use eLogBook): https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=SFGuidesLicense.Logbook

For the latest updates on coronavirus (COVID-19):

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
• Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS): http://www.dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/COVID-19/default.aspx

Please practice social distancing and follow local mandates regarding the wearing of masks in public places. If you must visit an ADF&G office and your community has a mask mandate, please wear a mask.

For more information, please contact Deputy Director Tom Taube at (907) 465-6184.