Alaska’s best king run falling on hard times
What’s acknowledged as the best king salmon run in Alaska if not the world is running at a historic low this year, prompting state officials to limit king fishermen to catch-and-release only, and no bait, on the legendary Nushagak and all rivers in the drainage feeding Bristol Bay.
This on a river that’s legendary for 100-king days for many anglers and an annual run usually exceeding 100,000 fish–20 times that of runs on the Kenai.
Last year the king limit on the Nush was one per day and four per season.
A study on the Nushagak last year by ADF&G proved that at least 93 percent of king salmon caught and released will survive to continue on the spawning run.
It’s unclear if record heat is delaying the run or if it will continue to fall short.
Here’s the complete announcement:
(Dillingham) – In favor of protecting returning king salmon and ensuring fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing restriction. Retention of king salmon of any size and the use of bait is prohibited in all waters of the Nushagak-Mulchatna River drainage effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 10 through the remainder of the king salmon season, which closes at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2019.
King salmon may not be retained or possessed (catch-and-release only). King salmon caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.
Through July 7, 2019, an estimated 39,829 king salmon have passed the Portage Creek sonar. The sustainable escapement goal (SEG) for Nushagak River king salmon is 55,000 – 120,000 fish. Although the current projection of spawning escapement is below desired levels, unusually warm weather and water temperatures have likely delayed the upstream migration of king salmon. Therefore, a cautious approach is warranted.
“This year’s run has fallen well behind desired levels,” stated Area Management Biologist Jason Dye. “In the interest of putting as many king salmon on the spawning grounds as possible, we are limiting the Nushagak-Mulchatna River drainage king salmon fishery to catch-and-release.”
ADF&G will continue to monitor the king salmon escapement and may reopen the sport fishery as specified in the management plan.
For more information, please contact Area Management Biologist Jason Dye at (907) 842-2427.
