Chignik River Closes to King Sport Fishing

Jay Barrett/KMXT
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has closed sport fishing for king salmon in the Chignik River in an attempt to boost escapement. The closure goes into effect tomorrow (Friday) and lasts through August 9th.
Fishing had earlier been restricted on the Chignik, but additional measures are necessary to reduce chinook mortality.
According to an emergency order from Donn Tracy, the Kodiak Sport Fish Management Biologist, there have only been 921 kings past the weir as of Tuesday, and the minimum biological escapement goal is 1,300.
Sportsfishermen angling for other species in the river may only use one unbaited single hook artificial lure.