(Kodiak) - In favor of protecting returning king salmon and ensuring fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is closing sport fishing for king salmon in the Chignik River drainage upstream of the markers located at the mouth of the Chignik Lagoon at a line from 56° 20.38’ N. lat., 158° 29.14’ W. long. to 56° 20.27’ N. lat., 158° 28.20’ W. long. This also includes Chignik and Black lakes and their tributaries. This emergency order is effective Monday, June 1, at 12:01 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 9, 2026. Any king salmon hooked incidentally while fishing for other species may not be retained or possessed, may not be removed from the water, and must be released immediately. In addition, the use of bait is prohibited and only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used in the Chignik River drainage including the Chignik Lagoon downstream to the markers.

“The Chignik River king salmon run was designated as a stock of concern by the Board of Fisheries in 2023,” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum. “While the 2024 and 2025 runs were improvements over many recent returns in the last 10 years, escapement goals have not been achieved in most of the last 10 years. The record low of just 267 king salmon counted at the Chignik River weir was seen in 2023. ADF&G is closing the king salmon sport fishery until we are confident escapement goals will be achieved and a harvestable surplus is available.”

King salmon fishing opportunities may be restored in the Chignik River by a subsequent emergency order if inseason assessment indicates the king salmon run will achieve its escapement goal.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum at
(907) 486-1880.

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