This weekend, gillnets were allowed back into the Yukon River to target non-salmon species. The nets can only be used during fishing closures in sloughs and tributaries. They may not be used in the main stem of the river.
Gillnets must not exceed 60 feet in length, and must be set from shore in places where salmon are not abundant. They must have 4-inch or smaller mesh.
The 24-hour commercial fishing opening in District 2 of the Yukon starts Monday, June 29 at 8 p.m. Gear is limited to dip nets and beach seines. All kings caught must be released live.
Subsistence fishing is currently closed on the Yukon River. Subsistence fishing will reopen with dip nets and beach seines at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, and close at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 3. Again, the gear is limited to beach seines and dip nets, and all kings must be released live.
The number of king salmon returning to the Yukon this season is below predicted and is not expected to meet the minimum range of the escapement goal.