PETERSBURG — The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is predicting a return of about 34,000 king salmon to the Stikine River next year in Southeast Alaska.
The estimated return is large enough to allow commercial fishing in the area and a catch of up to 1,000 Chinook. Catches of Stikine kings are managed under the Pacific Salmon Treaty between the U.S. and Canada, KFSK-FM reported.
The department’s announcement means trollers and gillnetters could have the opportunity to fish for the kings in early May, which would be a first since 2012, although fishing was shut down that year due to low catches. The forecast could also expand bag limits for sport fishermen.
However, the outlook for the Taku River near Juneau is not as favorable. Fish and Game expects just over 29,000 kings to return to the river, which is not enough to support commercial fishing in early May. Commercial openings could happen later that month if the run comes in higher than expected.
Meanwhile, trolling for king salmon remains open this winter. The catch had reached 26,000 Chinook as of late December, with more than 200 trollers making landings in the first week of the season.
