ADF&G-Announced Subsistence Fishery Sections 4 and 5 Front-End Closure

Photo: Terese Vicente/KRITFC

Advisory Announcement  CONTACT: Sam Decker, Madison Hardwig For Immediate Release. June 4, 2025 Kuskokwim Area Management Biologists Time: 6:30 p.m. (907) 543-2709, (907) 543-2433

 Kuskokwim River Fishery Announcement #2 

Kuskokwim River Subsistence Fishery Front-End Closure Emergency Order #3-S-WR-02-25 

This is an announcement from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) for subsistence fishermen in the Kuskokwim River Drainage.

Based on the Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Plan (5 AAC 07.365) and the 2025 Chinook salmon forecast, the department’s early season management strategy is to put in place the regulatory front-end closure in Subsistence Sections 4 and 5. This is intended to provide Chinook salmon stocks the opportunity to reach their spawning grounds in the headwaters. Subsistence salmon fishing opportunities could begin as early as June 12. The department will continue inseason assessments of the run strength and timing through subsistence harvest reports, Kuskokwim River Sonar, and the Aniak Test Fishery.

Subsistence fishing with gillnets (drift or set) in the Kuskokwim River will be closed under state regulations during the following times and areas until further notice:

  • Sections 4 & 5: Beginning Monday, June 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m., from the Yukon Delta Refuge boundary near Aniak to the headwaters of the Kuskokwim River.

The following tributary gillnet fishing closures under state regulations go into effect beginning Monday, June 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m., until further notice:

  • In the state waters of the Aniak River from the confluence of the Aniak River with the Kuskokwim River and from Yukon Delta Refuge boundary near the Buckstock River to the headwaters of the Aniak River.

In addition, the following subsistence fishing restrictions will go into effect beginning Monday, June 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. until further notice:

  • Sections 4 & 5: On the mainstem Kuskokwim River from the Yukon Delta Refuge boundary near Aniak to the headwaters.

    • Subsistence fishing with hook and line for Chinook salmon will close until further notice. Any Chinook salmon caught must be returned alive to the water.

    • Subsistence fishing with fish wheels will be allowed until further notice. Fish wheels are required to have a live box with no less than 45 cubic feet of water, must be checked at least every 6 hours. Fish wheels may be equipped with a chute and must be closely attended while in operation. All Chinook salmon must be returned alive to the water.

    • Subsistence fishing with dip nets and beach seines will be allowed until further notice. Any Chinook salmon caught in a dip net or beach seine must be returned immediately to the water alive.

  • In the Aniak River: From the confluence of the Aniak River and the Kuskokwim River and from the Yukon Delta Refuge boundary near the Buckstock River to the headwaters of the Aniak River.

    • Subsistence fishing with hook and line for Chinook salmon will close until further notice. Any Chinook salmon caught must be returned alive to the water.

    • Subsistence fishing with fish wheels will be allowed until further notice. Fish wheels are required to have a live box with no less than 45 cubic feet of water, must be checked at least every 6 hours. Fish wheels may be equipped with a chute and must be closely attended while in operation. All Chinook salmon must be returned alive to the water.

    • Subsistence fishing with dip nets and beach seines will be allowed until further notice. Any Chinook salmon caught in a dip net or beach seine must be returned immediately to the water alive.

Further announcements will be made from the Bethel Fish and Game office, on the State of Alaska website, local radio stations, and Kuskokwim River Facebook Page. Advisory Announcements will be faxed to area villages.

For information regarding federal subsistence fishing regulations and any announcements, please contact the Yukon Delta NWR at (907) 543-3151 or (907) 543-1021.

The next Working Group meeting will be held Wednesday, June 11 at 10 a.m., at the Bethel Fish and Game Office to review in-season assessment information and to determine subsistence fishing periods after the frontend closure.

For additional information concerning this advisory announcement: ADF&G:

Sam Decker 907-543-2709