Chignik River Closing King Salmon Fishery
The following is courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:
Chignik River Closed to King Salmon Fishing
(Kodiak) – In favor of protecting returning king salmon and ensuring fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is closing sport fishing for king salmon in the Chignik River drainage downstream to Mensis Point, effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 18 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 9, 2020. This closure prohibits sport fishing for king salmon including catch-and-release. During the closure, king salmon may not be targeted, possessed, or retained; king salmon that are caught incidentally while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. In addition, as an added measure to reduce incidental hooking of king salmon, the use of bait is prohibited and only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure may be used in the Chignik River drainage.
“The Chignik River king salmon run has seen low returns over the last several years,” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum. “With the low counts so far this year and other recent years in mind, ADF&G is closing this king salmon sport fishery until it is apparent escapement goals will be achieved”
King salmon angling opportunities may be restored in the Chignik River by a subsequent emergency order if inseason assessment indicates the king salmon run is stronger than anticipated. ADF&G staff will continue to closely monitor this fishery at the Chignik River salmon counting weir.
For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum at (907) 486-1880.