In efforts to safeguard the chinook salmon population, state fisheries authorities have disclosed plans for imminent closures and restrictions on salmon gillnet fishing in sections of the Kuskokwim River drainage situated beyond the confines of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge.
Starting June 7th, gillnet fishing in Sections 4 and 5 of the Kuskokwim region, spanning from the refuge boundary near Aniak to the river’s source, will be temporarily halted until further notice. Similar closures will also be implemented on the Aniak River, extending from the refuge boundary near the Buckstock River to its origin.
Following June 7th, targeting chinook salmon using hook and line gear will be strictly prohibited. Subsistence fishing activities, such as fish wheels, dipnets, and beach seines, will be allowed, but all caught chinook salmon must be promptly released unharmed. Fish wheels must adhere to specific regulations, including the presence of a live box with a minimum volume of 45 cubic feet, regular checks every six hours, and diligent supervision, especially if a chute is attached.
In District 4, Quinhagak, regulations will be in effect from June 1st to July 15th, impacting gillnet fishing below the refuge boundary in the Kuskokwim region. These restrictions mandate the use of 6 inches or smaller mesh sizes, with nets not exceeding 50 fathoms (equivalent to approximately 30 feet) in length and 45 meshes in depth. Throughout this closure period, vessels will be limited to operating one net each, and subsistence fishing activities will be suspended on Sundays.
