Pursuant to authority delegated by the Federal Subsistence Board, the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge In-Season Manager announces additional fishing opportunities for federally qualified subsistence users only.
FEDERAL FISHING ANNOUNCEMENT #1: SET AND DRIFTNET OPPORTUNITIES
Public Hearing Announcement on 2026 Kuskokwim River Salmon Management
Federal Management Rescinds on August 7, 2025, at Noon
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.
Victory for Subsistence Fishing Rights: US v. Alaska ruling
On Friday, March 29, 2024, the Federal District Court for the District Court of Alaska took an important step forward in protecting Alaska Native and rural Alaskan subsistence rights by ruling in favor of the United States, KRITFC, and other Alaska Native subsistence rights advocates by rejecting the State of Alaska’s attack on federally-protected subsistence rights. The federal court permanently enjoined the State of Alaska from repeating its recent unlawful actions on the Kuskokwim River.
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.
Kuskokwim River 2022 Post-Season Summary
Federal Management Ends July 21, 2022
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.