Select text from Emergency Special Action 3-KS-02-21:
Emergency Special Action 3-KS-02-21 provides two distinct opportunities for federally qualified subsistence users to catch and retain salmon using gill nets.
Federally Qualified Subsistence Fishing Opportunities:
(1) Gillnet (set or drift) opportunities for Federally qualified subsistence users will be open in Federal public waters in the main stem of the Kuskokwim River during the following dates and times:
June 19, 2021 06:00 AM to 6:00 PM
During this opportunity, subsistence users will be allowed to use gillnets with 6-inch or less mesh which may not exceed 45 meshes in depth; 25 fathoms (150 feet) in length above the Johnson River; and may not exceed 50 fathoms (300 feet) in length below the Johnson River. Set gillnets need to be spaced 150 feet apart from another set gillnet. The salmon bearing tributaries listed in ESA 3-KS-01-21 will remain closed to the use of all gillnets for all salmon and all methods and means for Chinook salmon to all users during this period.
(2) Kalskag Line Opening:
June 19, 2021 06:00 AM until superseded by a subsequent ESA.
Downstream of Kalskag at the south edge of Uknavik Slough and then due east to the edge of the Kalskag bluff line and upstream to the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge boundary at Aniak. This portion of the Kuskokwim River will be open to the use of gill nets with 6” or less mesh, may not exceed 45 meshes in depth; 25 fathoms (150 feet) in length for the harvest of all salmon by Federally qualified subsistence users.
Unless amended by a subsequent ESA, all regulations, and restrictions to salmon fishing within federal waters of the Kuskokwim River are still in effect through ESA 3-KS-01-21. This includes the continued use of alternative methods of fishing with live release of Chinook Salmon (including use of hook and line, dip net, beach seine, and fish wheels with a live release wells).
Access up-to-date information on fishing opportunities by calling 907-543-3151 or visit the Refuge Facebook page or www.fws.gov/refuge/yukon_delta/. Read the full ESA 3-KS-01-21 here.