The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has announced the closure of all fresh waters in Northwest Alaska for sport fishing for king salmon due to a below-average preseason forecast for the fish run. The closure will be in effect from April 14, 2025, through August 15, 2025, or until there is a harvestable surplus of king salmon above escapement objectives. The decision was made in order to protect the returning king salmon and ensure they meet escapement goals.
The closure includes rivers such as the Unalakleet, Shaktoolik, Koyuk, Ungalik, Inglutalik, and Golsovia River drainages. Only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used in these areas to minimize catch-and-release mortality. Incidentally caught king salmon must be released immediately and cannot be removed from the water.
The closure is based on the 2025 preseason outlook for the Unalakleet River drainage king salmon run, which is projected to be low. The closure of the Unalakleet River subsistence fishery will also take effect on June 15, 2025, in order to protect the returning king salmon population. Other nearby river drainages are closed as well due to similar king salmon run trends.
For more information, individuals can contact Brendan Scanlon, the Northwest and North Slope Area Management Biologist, at 907-459-7268 or brendan.scanlon@alaska.gov. The closure is part of efforts to sustain and protect the king salmon population in Northwest Alaska.
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Photo credit aksportingjournal.com
