Situk Among Yakutat-Area Rivers Closing For Sockeye Fishing

Yakutat – In order to protect sockeye salmon, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has extended the closure of the Situk, Lost, and Ahrnklin River drainages to sport fishing for sockeye salmon.

From August 16 to December 31, 2018 sockeye salmon may not be targeted, retained, or possessed in the Situk, Lost, or Ahrnklin Rivers; sockeye salmon caught incidentally while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

The Situk River drainage is managed for a biological escapement goal (BEG) of 30,000-70,000 sockeye salmon. As of August 14, 2018, 25,332 sockeye salmon have been counted through the Situk River weir. Average run timing data for sockeye salmon on the Situk River indicates that approximately 100% of the run should be in the river by August 14. Given the low numbers of sockeye salmon that returned to the Situk River, the BEG will not be achieved. This action is warranted to conserve sockeye salmon present in the Situk, Lost, and Ahrnklin Rivers.

Anglers are reminded that the entire Situk River drainage is closed to sport fishing for king salmon. King salmon may not be targeted and any incidentally caught king salmon may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

Anyone needing further information concerning this announcement please contact Matt Catterson, Yakutat Area Sport Fish Biologist at (907) 784-3222.