(Fairbanks) – To protect chum salmon during periods of low abundance, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is closing the Yukon River drainage (excluding the Tanana River drainage) to sport fishing for chum salmon, effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 16 through Tuesday, December 31, 2024. This closure prohibits all sport fishing for chum salmon, including catch-and-release fishing. All chum salmon caught incidentally while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. As a reminder, an earlier management action closing sport fishing for king salmon and prohibiting the use of bait in all Yukon River tributaries remains in effect through September 30, 2024.

The number of fall chum salmon counted by the Pilot Station sonar is well-below the historical median and is projected to fall below the lower end of the escapement goal of 300,000. As of August 12, an estimated 123,524 fall chum salmon were counted past the Pilot Station sonar, compared to the historical median of 347,698. In accordance with the Yukon River Drainage Fall Chum Salmon Management Plan (5 AAC 01.249) when the projected run size of fall chum salmon is 300,000 fish or less, the commercial, personal use, and sport fish directed chum fisheries will be closed. Also, approximately 15-20% of Yukon River fall chum salmon spawn in Canada and these fish are managed through the Yukon River Salmon Agreement under the Pacific Salmon Treaty, which requires a minimum number of fish to cross into Canada and the 2024 run is anticipated to fall below treaty obligations. If inseason stock assessment information indicates that chum salmon escapement goals and subsistence needs in the Yukon River drainage will be met, sport fishing restrictions may be relaxed commensurate with run strength.

For additional information contact Lisa Stuby, Yukon Area Management Biologist at 907-459-7202 or lisa.stuby@alaska.gov.

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