The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced today that anglers sport fishing in the Chilkoot River below the weir, will be allowed to keep six sockeye salmon per day, effective 12:01 am Saturday, July 21st. The limit in this area is being increased to allow additional harvest of late return sockeye salmon.

The early return of sockeye salmon to the Chilkoot Lake and River (13,544) was below the escapement goal (16,500-31,500). As a result, the sport fishery in Chilkoot Lake and River above the weir was closed to retention of sockeye salmon, and the bag and possession limit in Chilkoot River below the weir was decreased to one sockeye salmon on July 3rd. However, the late run of sockeye salmon is now projected to exceed the lower end of the escapement goal (34,000-60,000). Therefore, an increase in the bag and possession limit below the weir is warranted. Chilkoot Lake and the river above the weir will remain closed to retention of sockeye salmon to protect early return fish already in the drainage. These restrictions will remain in effect through October 15th, unless superseded by subsequent emergency order.

Courtesy: Randy Ericksen, Division of Sport Fish