Saltery River Opening Back Up For Sockeye Fishing
The following is courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:
Saltery River Open to Sport Fishing for Sockeye Salmon
(Kodiak) – In support of restoring fishing opportunities, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is opening sport fishing for sockeye salmon in the Saltery River drainage. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, August 11 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2020.
Through August 9, 2020, a total of 20,546 sockeye salmon have passed the Saltery River weir, which is within the escapement goal. The escapement goal for sockeye salmon into Saltery Lake is 15,000 to 30,000 fish and typically, 99% of the run has occurred by this date. It is now apparent that the run was exceptionally late this season and escapement goals will still be achieved with harvest in the sport fishery.
“Sockeye salmon numbers have improved substantially in the Saltery River drainage and the lower end of the escapement goal for the drainage has been achieved,” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum. “As of August 9, the weir count was just over 20,000 sockeye salmon. Restoring a bag limit to five fish 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.