Pursuant to authority delegated by the Federal Subsistence Board, the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge Manager, as In-Season Manager, hereby announces additional fishing opportunities for Federally qualified subsistence users only.
Federal Fishing Announcement #2: Gillnet Fishing, Kalskag Line, and Aniak Box Rod & Reel
First Announcement for Federal Fishing Opportunities, June 2025
Federal Announcement: FSA-YD-25-01: Closures Starting June 1
On May 12, 2025, the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge (YDNWR) Manager, Spencer Rearden, issued Temporary Special Action (TSA) FSA-YD-25-01. This TSA announces closures in federal waters of the Kuskokwim River (from the mouth of the river to Aniak) starting June 1, 2025. This allows our YDNWR-KRITFC team to evaluate the Chinook, chum, and coho salmon runs as they come in and prioritize rural subsistence fishing opportunities.
Refuge Manager to Hold Public Hearing on Kuskokwim River Salmon Fishing Closure
The Refuge Manager at the at Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge (YDNWR), in coordination with the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (KRITFC), proposes to close Federal public waters of the Kuskokwim River drainage to the harvest of Chinook, Chum, and Coho Salmon by all users starting June 1, 2025.
2023 End-of-Season Summary
Public Hearing on Kuskokwim Salmon Fishing Closure
The Fisheries Management staff at the at Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge (YDNWR), in coordination with the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (KRITFC), proposes to close Federal public waters of the Kuskokwim River drainage to the harvest of Chinook, Chum, and Coho Salmon by all users starting June 1, 2023. Harvest opportunities for Federally qualified subsistence users may be announced during this closure. The public is encouraged to provide comments to the Federal Manager on the proposed closure.
Yukon Delta NWR Letter to FSB on Kuskokwim Coho Salmon Situation
On Tuesday, August 16, the Federal In-Season Manager at Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge issued the following letter to the Federal Subsistence Board explaining Yukon Delta NWR and KRITFC’s response to the State’s management action closing subsistence fishing for coho salmon throughout the Kuskokwim River drainage.
Federal Management Action: Next Subsistence Fishing Opportunities
After consultation and consensus with KRITFC’s In-Season Managers, the Yukon Delta NWR Federal In-Season Manager announced the following subsistence fishing opportunities via emergency special action (ESA) 3-KS-05-22. Ultimately, our goal is balancing salmon conservation for future generations with our current needs for fish.
