(Palmer) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is announcing that the Upper Yentna subsistence salmon fishery will occur with reduced fishing periods, from 5 days per week to 3 days per week in 2026. From June 1 through June 30, the subsistence fishery will be limited to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. From July 15 through August 7, the fishery will return to its typical schedule of Monday through Friday, 4:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. unless superseded by subsequent emergency order.

This subsistence fishery is located on the mainstem of the Yentna River from Martin Creek upstream to the confluence with the Skwentna River. Subsistence users are reminded that a free permit is required to participate in this fishery.

The Yentna River has an optimal escapement goal (OEG) of 16,000 – 22,000 king salmon, which was last achieved in 2022. The Yentna River king salmon stock escapement is based on postseason aerial index counts of spawning king salmon from three major and five minor tributaries of the Yentna River drainage (Unit 4 of the Susitna River). Preseason forecasts indicate poor king salmon returns to Northern Cook Inlet streams. Due to low king salmon escapement in recent years and the poor returns expected for 2026, this action is warranted to conserve king salmon while maintaining subsistence fishing opportunity. Action to conserve king salmon is being implemented throughout the region in sport and commercial fisheries.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologists Samantha Oslund in Palmer at (907) 746-6300.

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