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Yukon River Fishing Closure Extends Along Coast

Katie Basile

Managers are imposing more measures to try to conserve Yukon River king salmon. Until now, restrictions on fishing have been limited to the Yukon River system. But this week, opportunities for subsistence fishing along the coast near the river are also being reduced because king salmon have not appeared in expected numbers. Instead of being open every day all week, fishing in the South Coastal District is being cut in half, to three-and-a-half days a week.

At noon on Thursday, June 25, Alaska Department of Fish and Game managers are closing 24/7 subsistence fishing in the South Coastal District, including Hooper Bay and Scammon Bay. 

Starting Friday, June 26, fishing in that district will open at 10 a.m. on Friday mornings, and remain open until 10 p.m. on Mondays. This 82-hour-per-week fishing schedule will continue until further notice. Gillnets used in the opening must have 6-inch or smaller mesh.

The number of kings in the Yukon River this summer indicates that there will not be enough of them to harvest. Chums are beginning to show up, and the fishing openings are designed to allow for some harvest of Chums, while letting the kings swim to spawning grounds.