State Shutting Down Chignik River King Salmon Fishery

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

Chignik River Closed to Sport Fishing for King Salmon

(Kodiak) – In favor of protecting returning king salmon and ensure 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, including Chignik and Black lakes and their tributaries, effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 13 through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2022. 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 three years,” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum. “Counts so far this year are similar to 2020 and 2021 where the escapement goal was not achieved and well below historical averages with just 218 counted through July 10. ADF&G is closing this king salmon sport fishery until we are confident 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.

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