Sockeye Limits Increased On Ayakulik, Wood River Drainages

The following press releases are courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

Ayakulik River Drainage Sockeye Salmon Limits Increased

(Kodiak) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag limit for sockeye salmon to 10 fish in the Ayakulik River drainage. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 9 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The possession limit remains at 10 in the Ayakulik River and all sport fishing for king salmon remains closed. King salmon may not be retained or possessed and must immediately be returned to the water if caught incidentally. Additionally, the use of bait is prohibited in the Ayakulik River drainage through July 25, 2025.

Through July 5, a total of 323,891 sockeye salmon have passed the Ayakulik River weir. The escapement goal for sockeye salmon is 200,000 to 400,000 fish and typically 53% of the run has occurred by this date. Based on the current weir counts and recent historical timing of this run, it is projected to exceed the escapement goal.

“Despite missing several weeks of counting due to flooding, the Ayakulik sockeye salmon escapement is likely to exceed the goal. Given this is likely the mid-point of the run, the escapement goal has been achieved, and the run is projected to exceed the goal and it is warranted to increase the limit in the sport fishery.” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum.

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

Wood River Drainage Sockeye Salmon Limits Increased

(Dillingham) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon to 10 fish, with no size limit, in all waters of the Wood River drainage, effective 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, July 8 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The bag and possession limit for other salmon, except king and sockeye salmon, remains at five fish with no size limit. These limits for salmon, other than king and sockeye salmon, are in combination (chum, pink, coho salmon combined for a total bag limit of five fish) with the more liberal limits for sockeye salmon.

The escapement of sockeye salmon in the Wood River has exceeded the escapement goal of 700,000 – 1,800,000 fish. Therefore, it is warranted to increase the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon in the Wood River sport fishery.

“This year’s sockeye run on the Wood River has exceeded the upper end of the escapement goal,” stated Area Management Biologist Lee Borden. “With over two million fish passing the counting tower on the Wood River, we are increasing the opportunity to harvest sockeye salmon in the sport fishery.”

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Lee Borden at (907) 842-2427.