To allow anglers additional harvest opportunity of Kasilof River sockeye salmon, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon, 16 inches or greater in length, to six fish per day and twelve fish in possession; however, no more than two salmon per day and two in possession may be coho salmon, in all portions of the Kasilof River open to salmon fishing. These provisions are effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 30 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 31, 2023.
The biological escapement goal on the Kasilof River is 140,000-320,000 sockeye salmon. Through June 26, 2023, a total of 73,074 sockeye salmon have passed the Kasilof River sonar site. The current escapement of sockeye salmon into the Kasilof River is proceeding at a rate that is projected to exceed the biological escapement goal.
“Increasing the bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon allows anglers an opportunity to harvest additional fish on the Kasilof River and another great area to go fishing for sockeye salmon” stated Acting Area Management Biologist Jenny Gates.
In addition to increasing the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon, ADF&G issued emergency order 2-RS-1-28-23 expanding the area open to dipnetting on the Kasilof River effective 12:01 a.m. Sunday, June 25 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, August 7, 2023.