The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has announced the closure of the Yukon River drainage to sport fishing for chum salmon, effective from August 16 through December 31, 2024. This decision is made in order to protect the chum salmon population during a period of low abundance. The closure includes all sport fishing for chum salmon, including catch-and-release fishing. Chum salmon caught incidentally while fishing for other species must be released immediately.
The decision to close the fishery was made due to the number of fall chum salmon being well below historical levels, with only 123,524 counted past the Pilot Station sonar as of August 12, compared to the historical median of 347,698. This closure is in accordance with the Yukon River Drainage Fall Chum Salmon Management Plan, which mandates closure of fisheries when the projected run size is 300,000 fish or less.
Approximately 15-20% of Yukon River fall chum salmon spawn in Canada, and the 2024 run is anticipated to fall below treaty obligations set forth in the Yukon River Salmon Agreement under the Pacific Salmon Treaty. If in-season assessments show that chum salmon escapement goals will be met, sport fishing restrictions may be eased. For further information, individuals can contact Lisa Stuby, Yukon Area Management Biologist at 907-459-7202 or lisa.stuby@alaska.gov.
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Photo credit aksportingjournal.com
