The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has announced that commercial salmon fishing will open in Norton Sound Subdistricts 1-2 and 4-6 for a 24-hour period starting Saturday, July 20. ADF&G hopes to use the window to assess early-season Coho salmon abundance and ensure future management actions are well-informed.
Subdistrict Fishing Periods
- Nome Subdistrict 1: Opens from 9:00 p.m. on July 20 to 9:00 p.m. on July 21.
- Golovin Subdistrict 2: Opens from 6:00 p.m. on July 20 to 6:00 p.m. on July 21.
- Norton Bay Subdistrict 4: Opens from 6:00 p.m. on July 20 to 6:00 p.m. on July 21.
- Shaktoolik Subdistrict 5: Opens from 6:00 p.m. on July 20 to 6:00 p.m. on July 21. King salmon may be retained but not sold.
- Unalakleet Subdistrict 6: Opens from 6:00 p.m. on July 20 to 6:00 p.m. on July 21. King salmon may be retained but not sold.
All fishing periods are restricted to gillnet mesh sizes of six inches or smaller.
Escapement Data and Projections
- Northern Norton Sound: Initial data from the Kwiniuk River tower indicates chum salmon numbers will be below the escapement goal range, resulting in the continued closure of commercial salmon fishing in Elim (Subdistrict 3). Coho salmon are beginning to appear in escapement projects, suggesting moderate abundance.
- Southern Norton Sound: Monitoring projects show coho salmon are present, with chum salmon escapement higher than the five-year average and significantly above recent years. Additionally, 98% of the Chinook salmon run has already entered freshwater, and this opening is not expected to negatively impact escapement.
Permit holders are reminded to confirm they have a market for their catch before participating in the commercial fishing period. This opening does not alter current subsistence fisheries schedules, restrictions, or closures.
For more information, contact Norton Sound Area Manager Kevin Clark or Assistant Manager Luke Henslee at (907) 443-5167 or (800) 560-2271.
