Upper Cook Inlet (UCI) Commercial Fishing Announcement No. 36 opens commercial fishing with drift gillnets in the Expanded Kenai, Expanded Kasilof, and Anchor Point sections of the Central District from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021, and from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 7, 2021.
No Upper Subdistrict set gillnet fishing periods will be opened unless the Kenai River late-run king salmon abundance improves.
As of August 4, Kasilof River sockeye salmon escapement is approximately 468,137 fish and 91% complete based on average run timing. The biological escapement goal for Kasilof River sockeye salmon of 140,000 to 320,000 has been exceeded, and the current count projects a final escapement of 515,000 fish. In the Kenai River, average sockeye salmon passage into the Kenai River is 72% complete through August 4, projecting an in river run of 1.9 to 2.1 million sockeye salmon based on average to 3 day late run timings.
ALSO –
Upper Cook Inlet Commercial Fishing Announcement No. 37 opens commercial salmon fishing with set gillnets in the Kalgin Island Subdistrict of Upper Cook Inlet on Saturday, August 7, 2021, from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
The sustainable escapement goal (SEG) for Packer’s Creek sockeye salmon is 15,000–30,000 fish. A video weir assessment of sockeye salmon escapement into Packers Lake projects the SEG will be achieved. According to 5 AAC 21.370 Packers Creek Sockeye Salmon Management Plan, for the purpose of harvesting Packers Creek sockeye salmon, extra fishing time in the Kalgin Island Subdistrict shall be limited to no more than one additional fishing period per week. This announcement is in compliance with the Packers Creek Sockeye Salmon Management Plan.
