Preparing for the 2021 King Salmon Season

It is likely that the king (Chinook) salmon runs will be weak in 2021, as they have been for at least the past decade. The Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s forecast for Kuskokwim king salmon this year is 94,000-155,000 fish. Even though these forecasts are often off, based on the trend of low king returns to our river, we are expecting another year with few fish in our river.

Because of this, KRITFC is seeking to federalize management of the Kuskokwim with our U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service collaborative management partners at the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. Our joint management and harvest strategies (to be released to the public soon) will help our Kuskokwim communities protect declined king salmon populations and provide some opportunities for subsistence fishing.

More information about federal fishing closures and subsistence harvest opportunities with set and drift gill nets will be shared in the coming weeks. Please check our 2021 Fishing Information page and our Facebook page regularly for fishing news and announcements throughout May, June, and July.

In the meantime, you can prepare for weak king salmon runs in 2021 by:

• Getting your 6-inch mesh gillnet gear ready. Using smaller gear will allow bigger fish to reach headwaters and spawn.

• Planning to harvest other salmon species such as silvers (coho) and reds (sockeye).

• Trying different fish cutting and drying practices to work around moist weather and flies.

• Staying informed and sharing what you know with friends and family.

See the posters below for ways you can stay connected with KRITFC and YDNWR as we get closer to the fishing season!