King salmon in Southeast Alaska are managed to specific quotas. Regulations are set at the beginning of the season based on an estimate of how many anglers will be on the water (effort) and how fast the fishing will be (harvest rate). We’ve enjoyed some of the fastest king fishing in recent memory this spring, generating a harvest rate of nearly double the preseason estimate, thus exhausting the quota more quickly than forecasted. The math from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game indicates “with higher-than-average harvest rates under the current regional king salmon regulations the sport fishery is expected to exceed its king salmon allocation by 3,460 to 12,650 fish.
Thus, the following adjustments for visiting anglers:
- The one king per day bag remains unchanged for now.
- The annual limit drops from four kings to three effective immediately.
- From July 1 – 7 the annual limit goes down to two.
- After July 7 the annual limit goes to one.
- Any king salmon harvested by nonresident anglers from January 1 through July 7 will apply toward the annual limit in effect at the time.
Angling Unlimited understands that downward adjustments in regulations can feel disappointing. This is beyond our control and careful management of the fishery is essential to the long-term health of the resource. We hope to see an abundance of silvers coming onshore in the coming weeks and we’ll do what we always do – work hard, fish hard, have fun, provide great service to our guests, and enjoy the saltwater wilderness of Southeast Alaska.
If you have questions, feel free to contact Captain Tom – tom@anglingunlimited.com