The Alaska Department of Fish & Game manages the state waters of the Kuskokwim River when the Federal manager has taken management action of the Federal waters for conservation reasons.

On Wednesday, June 9, subsistence fishing with gill nets closed in Section 4 of the Kusko. Communities in Section 4 are Aniak, Chuathbaluk, Napaimute, Crooked Creek, Red Devil, Georgetown, and Sleetmute.

On Friday, June 11, subsistence fishing with gill nets closed in Section 5 of the river. Communities in Section 5 are Stony River, Lime Village, Takotna, McGrath, Nikolai, and Telida.

During these gill net closures, fishers can use hook and line, fish wheels, dip nets, and beach seines to harvest non-king salmon species. Any king caught must be returned to the river alive.

On Saturday, June 12, fishing opens in Sections 4 and 5 to fishers with a subsistence king salmon permit. Each household can get one permit, and each permit has a harvest limit of 10 king salmon. Fishers with a permit can use 6-inch gill net gear that is max 25 fathoms in length and 45 meshes in depth, as well as non-gillnet fishing methods (fish wheels, rod and reel, dip nets, and beach seines). Information on where you can get a household permit can be found here.

For questions about permits and fishing in state waters this year, call ADF&G at 907-543-2331. Full information about ADF&G management action can be found on their website here. Follow along with ADF&G’s Facebook for regular Kuskokwim fishing updates.