Alaska Department of Fish and Game Sport Fish Division

2009 MANAGEMENT OUTLOOK - Excerpt

(click above text for link to ADF&G web page and full document)

The Bristol Bay Area

This outlook covers the Bristol Bay Sport Fish Management Area (BBMA), including all waters and drainages flowing into Bristol Bay between Cape Newenham to the northwest and Cape Menshikof to the southeast. The Bristol Bay Management Area contains some of the world’s most productive waters for all five species of Pacific salmon as well as rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, Arctic char, and Dolly Varden. Anglers can also find northern pike, lake trout, burbot, and several species of whitefish. Popular major drainages include the Nushagak/ Mulchatna rivers, the Wood River lakes system, the Kvichak River and Lake Iliamna, the Naknek River and the Togiak River. The major rivers and lakes, as well as the many smaller tributaries, provide unparalleled angling opportunities. This outlook addresses the major Bristol Bay sport fisheries by species.

General

This is a preseason advisory only. Anglers are advised to carefully consult a regulation summary before putting a line in the water. Daily and annual bag limits, size limits and permitted gear vary from place to place in Bristol Bay so please take the time to become familiar with the regulations. The 2009 Bristol Bay regulation summary booklet is available now.

Bristol Bay salmon sport fisheries are generally influenced by the conduct of the area’s commercial fisheries and any meaningful discussion of Bristol Bay sport fisheries must therefore include commercial fisheries information as well.

2009 Regulation Changes

There are no regulatory changes for BBMA sport fisheries for 2009.

Inseason Regulation Changes

Sport fishing regulations are subject to inseason changes by Emergency Order. Recorded Bristol Bay Emergency Orders can be reached at 907-842-REGS (7347) or by checking our Emergency Order and News Release website. Anglers are encouraged to check this recording or our website before heading to Bristol Bay. The department generally tries to avoid disrupting sport fisheries as much as possible but the seasonal variability of fish stocks mandates of regulatory management plans, and priorities established by state law require us to issue Emergency Orders nearly every year. Please understand that these inseason restrictions are imposed only after extensive internal review, and only with the goal of conserving fisheries for the future.

KING (CHINOOK) SALMON

The king salmon sport fishery is one of the most popular in Bristol Bay. The most visited waters include the lower reaches of the Naknek, Nushagak/Mulchatna, Alagnak and Togiak rivers, as well as several smaller waters.

General Run Timing

The opening date for king salmon angling varies by drainage. Some waters open May 1 and others open June 8. All Bristol Bay drainages have king salmon spawning season closures of either July 25 or July 31, depending upon location. Most anglers targeting king salmon must purchase a valid 2009 king salmon stamp (please see the regulations summary or contact ADF&G for exceptions). Also note that in all waters of the BBMA a king salmon may not be removed from the water before releasing it. Please check your regulation summary before fishing for Bristol Bay king salmon.

Naknek River Drainage King Salmon Outlook

ADF&G projects an average to above average return for Naknek River king salmon in 2009. This season’s Naknek River king salmon return will be the offspring of the 2002-2005 escapements. With the exception of 2005 when a count was not available, all of the parent year escapements exceeded the goal of 5,000 fish. Based on the parent year escapements and normal survival, we would anticipate an average to above average return in 2009.

Commercial fishery management actions to protect Kvichak River sockeye in 2009 may result in a Naknek River Special Harvest Area inriver commercial fishery for some of the season. When commercial harvesting is restricted to an inriver fishery, the upper range of the Naknek sockeye escapement goal is raised, allowing the department to manage for quality of the sockeye and king salmon escapements.

Nushagak / Mulchatna River Drainages King Salmon Outlook

The 2009 Nushagak king salmon forecast anticipates a total return of 145,000 fish. The range of the forecast estimate is 77,000 to 213,000 fish. If the run comes in as forecast, sport, subsistence, and commercial king salmon fisheries will proceed normally. While forecasted returns in 1999, 2000, 2003, 2007, and 2008 were not realized, the 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006 forecasted returns of 118,000, 130,000, 145,000, 243,000 and 221,000 fish (total run) are considered to have been relatively accurate. The "Nushagak-Mulchatna King Salmon Management Plan" directs the department to manage the commercial fishery to achieve a 75,000 king salmon inriver goal, which is designed to provide for a spawning escapement of 65,000 king salmon, a reasonable subsistence harvest opportunity, and a guideline sport harvest of 5,000 fish. When the projected inseason return falls below 75,000 fish, the daily king salmon bag limit for fish 20 inches or longer will be reduced from 2 fish per day, only 1 over 28 inches, to 1 per day. When the projected inseason return falls below 55,000 fish, additional sport fishing restrictions, such as prohibition of bait, or catch-and-release fishing only, may be implemented. These actions will assure that an escapement of over 40,000 king salmon will be achieved on the spawning grounds and should help avoid complete closure of the sport fishery. To remain within the 5,000 fish guideline harvest level, the daily bag and possession limit for king salmon 20 inches or longer is two (2) king salmon per day, of which only one (1) may be longer than 28 inches. In addition, a sport angler may harvest 5 king salmon 20 inches or longer per year, but only four (4) king salmon may come from the Nushagak/Mulchatna drainage. If the king salmon are less than 20 inches in length, anglers may harvest 5 per day and these smaller fish will not count toward an angler’s 5 fish annual harvest limit or towards the 5,000 fish guideline harvest level. All harvested king salmon 20 inches or longer must be recorded on the back of the fishing license (or on the Harvest Record Card) and count toward an angler’s annual limit.

Muklung River and Wood River Drainage King Salmon Outlook

There is little biological data available to help in forecasting this very small king salmon return. Escapements in recent years have been poor to fair in the Muklung River and are anticipated to be fair in 2009. With the forecasted run strengths for Nushagak and Wood River sockeye being relatively strong, and in consideration of the modified language in the “Wood River Special Harvest Area (WRSHA) Management Plan,” we are anticipating there will be little or no commercial fishing required in the WRSHA in 2009.

Note: The daily bag limit for king salmon 20 inches or longer from the Muklung River and the rest of the Wood River drainage is one king salmon and the seasonal limit is two king salmon.

Alagnak (Branch) River Drainage King Salmon Outlook

An average Alagnak River king salmon return is projected for 2009. A majority of the 2009 return is the product of 2002-2005 escapements. The 2002 return was below the average aerial survey index of 5,000. While the 2003, 2004 and 2005 king salmon returns to the Alagnak River were above average, the lower return of 2002 supports a cautious approach in projecting no more than an average return in 2009. Angling effort on this river should be similar to recent seasons.

Togiak River King Salmon Outlook

The 2009 Togiak River king fishery should be average or slightly better than average. From 2002-2005, the total return of king salmon averaged approximately 17,000 fish. Escapements for all of the major parent years (2002-2005) exceeded the 10,000-fish goal. The 2002, 2004 and 2005 returns and spawning escapements in Togiak were average to above average; the 2003 spawning escapement survey was not complete. Given recent escapements and the strong parent year escapements, we anticipate an average to above average return in 2009.

Recent management of the commercial fishery seems to provide a good balance between commercial harvest opportunity and escapement. The sport fishery will start as normal and, as in the past, performance in the commercial, subsistence, and sport fishery, as well as aerial surveys will be used to gauge in-season run strength. In-season restrictions to the sport fishery may be necessary if run strength appears insufficient to achieve the escapement goal. If so, we will attempt to implement restrictions early enough to preserve some sport fishing opportunity throughout the season.

RED (SOCKEYE) SALMON

Bristol Bay General Outlook

Sockeye salmon are the most abundant of the Pacific salmon species to spawn in Bristol Bay, which is the world's largest producer of sockeye salmon. Keep in mind that while recent Bristol Bay sockeye returns have been low (with resultant restrictions in commercial fisheries) nearly all of the Bristol Bay drainages provide abundant opportunities for the sport angler. The most popular sport fisheries occur in the Naknek and Kvichak drainages, but very good to excellent fishing can be found in the drainages of the Wood River lakes, and the Nushagak, Togiak, Egegik, and Ugashik rivers as well.

The Division of Commercial Fisheries has forecast a total return of 33.8 million sockeye salmon for Bristol Bay in 2009. This prediction is 4% smaller than the previous 10-year mean of total runs (35.2 million). Based on the forecast, the entire season is expected to proceed under published sport fishing regulations.

Kvichak River Drainage Sockeye Salmon Outlook, Including the Kvichak and Newhalen rivers, and lakes Iliamna and Clark

The Division of Commercial Fisheries’ forecast is for a total return of 5.3 million sockeye salmon to the Kvichak River drainage, with an escapement goal of 2.0 million fish for spawning and inriver use. Based on the forecast and in accordance with the “Kvichak River Sockeye Salmon Management Plan,” it is unlikely that restrictions will be implemented on the sockeye salmon sport fishery. However, given the recent history of poor runs to the Kvichak drainage, anglers are strongly encouraged to check the regulation hotline (907-842-REGS) or our website (see below) before heading to the Kvichak drainage. In Igiugig, the village at the outlet of Lake Iliamna, there is a public trail from the airport to a prime sockeye sport fishing spot west of the village, so look for the signs. Please stay on public lands or get permission in advance to use private lands. Villagers also request that anglers avoid fishing close to subsistence nets and cleaning tables. A little courtesy on everyone's part will go a long way to avoid conflicts and assure future access and angling opportunities in this wonderful area.

Newhalen River Sockeye Salmon Outlook

The Newhalen River sockeye salmon return should be average in 2009. Typically, about 10% of the fish that pass the counting tower at Igiugig return to the Newhalen River. Thus, based on a forecast of 5.3 million sockeye at Igiugig, about 530,000 sockeye are expected in the Newhalen River. The trail from the Iliamna airport to the river remains open to public access. ADF&G plans to provide outhouses and information signs at the trailhead. Historically, peak fishing time is July 4 until July 15. Although sockeye salmon numbers typically decline after this period, some reasonable angling opportunities may continue for a while longer.

Again, anglers are advised to check our in-season regulation hotline before making a trip to participate in any Kvichak River drainage sockeye salmon fisheries.

Bears have been a problem in this area, so be alert and smart when fishing and camping. Also, respect the private property and lands of local village residents. Stay on public lands or get permission before using private lands.

Alagnak River Sockeye Salmon Outlook

Excellent sockeye salmon abundance is expected in the Alagnak River and good to excellent angling is expected during the first three weeks of July. The 2009 total inshore return to the Alagnak River is forecast to be 2.0 million sockeye salmon. The Alagnak River is specifically excluded from the “Kvichak River Sockeye Salmon Management Plan”.

Naknek and Brooks River Sockeye Salmon Outlook

Sport fishing opportunities should be good to excellent in the Naknek River drainage, including the Brooks River. The 2009 total inshore return to the Naknek River is forecast to be 4.8 million sockeye salmon. The escapement goal range is 0.8 to 1.4 million fish. Peak sport fishing will occur during the first week of July, with the week before and after offering some good opportunities as well. Anglers visiting the Naknek River will find that there are numerous commercial services available. The Naknek River upstream from the ADF&G marker at Rapids Camp is restricted to single hook artificial lures. A single hook has only 1 point, with or without barb.

Nushagak and Wood River Sockeye Salmon Outlook

Sport fishing opportunities should be good to excellent in the Nushagak, Mulchatna, and Wood River drainages. The total run forecast for the Wood River is 5.0 million sockeye salmon, plus another 2.3 million fish to the Igushik River, and 1.7 million fish to the Nushagak River. This totals 10.4 million sockeye salmon forecasted for the major Nushagak Bay drainages. Of that total, we project a commercial harvest of 6.8 million sockeye salmon. The combined escapement goal for these drainages is 1.9 million fish. The “Wood River Special Harvest Area Management Plan” (WRSHA) directs the department to manage the Nushagak River component for a 235,000 optimum escapement goal, at least until the early July run strength assessment. However, because the preseason forecast is greater than 1 million fish for the Nushagak River, the initial management goal is 550,000 fish, with a biological escapement goal minimum of 340,000 fish. This goal will be re-evaluated during the first week of July.

The best sockeye salmon sport fishing will occur in the Wood River and rivers connecting the chain of lakes in this system. Anglers should anticipate interruptions in fish passage if commercial fishing is allowed in the WRSHA. The best angling will occur from late June until approximately July 15. If the Nushagak River component of this run meets preseason expectations, the Nuyakuk River may provide good angling opportunities in mid-July, particularly at the base of the falls. Look for fish where the river currents force them near the riverbanks and where the fish school up in lakes before moving into the spawning streams.

SILVER (COHO) SALMON

Silver salmon are a very popular species in Bristol Bay’s recreational fisheries. Silver salmon fisheries occur from late July through September, with some limited opportunities available into October. Significant fisheries occur in the Alagnak, Egegik, Mulchatna, Naknek, Nushagak, Togiak, and Ugashik rivers, as well as a host of smaller, lesser-known waters. In general, silver salmon runs are very difficult to accurately predict and are highly dependent on a single parent-year and juvenile survival for their success.

Naknek and Alagnak River Drainages Silver Salmon Outlook

There is little data available to generate forecasts for the 2009 silver salmon return. The parent year for the 2009 return was 2005. The sport catches in 2005 for the Naknek River was below average and average for the Alagnak River. These catch levels suggest that the parent year run for each river was below average and average, potentially providing a below average return for the Naknek River and an average return for the Alagnak River in 2009, BUT silver returns are highly erratic and predictions are, at most, “our best guess.” Therefore, we will approach the 2009 season with caution.

Kvichak River and Lake Iliamna Drainage Silver Salmon Outlook

The silver salmon run in this drainage has never been large. Sport catches suggest the 2005 parent year run was slightly above average and we project an average run in 2009.

Nushagak and Mulchatna Drainage Silver Salmon Outlook

The 2009 return to the Nushagak drainage will be the product of the 2005 escapement. Sport and commercial catches suggest the 2005 parent year run was average to slightly above average. Based on 2005 sport and commercial catches, we cautiously predict an average run for 2009. If in season restrictions become necessary, we will attempt to preserve some angling and harvest opportunity by acting as early as possible in the season.

Togiak River Drainage Silver Salmon Outlook

Although the 2005 Togiak River silver salmon escapement (parent year for the 2009 return) is unknown, the sport catch was average. As a result, we cautiously predict an average return in 2009.

RAINBOW TROUT

For over 60 years, the abundant wild rainbow trout stocks of the Bristol Bay area have been providing one of the most highly regarded recreational fisheries in the world. Sport fishing occurs during the ice-free season (generally from June through October), with August through freeze-up being the prime fishing time. Although rainbow trout are found throughout the area, the most popular waters are in the Kvichak River drainage, the Naknek River drainage, and portions of the Nushagak/Mulchatna River drainages, as well as streams of the Wood River Lakes system.

Kvichak River

Good rainbow trout fishing in the Kvichak is expected from the June 8 season opening date through the third week of June. A lull will follow until mid-August, when trout return to feed on salmon eggs and carcasses. Fishing usually peaks in September and can remain good into October.

Lower Talarik Creek

Slow sport fishing at Lower Talarik Creek is expected for June, but good to excellent fishing is expected beginning late August and lasting through freeze-up in early October. The number of large fish (in excess of 8 pounds) caught each season appears stable.

The lower reaches of Lower Talarik Creek are a “Special Use Area.” Regulations are intended to maintain the August through October historic use patterns. Guides and their clients are allowed day-use only. There is no overnight guided camping allowed. The camping area to the northeast of the Fish and Game cabin is for private, unguided anglers and campers. Camping in this area is limited to five consecutive nights. A pamphlet on this Special Use Area is available from the Dillingham office of the Division of Sport Fish, the Anchorage Sport Fish Information Center, and on the web.

Naknek River

Good to excellent sport fishing for rainbow trout is expected all season. In mid-June through July, when trout are feeding on outmigrating salmon smolt, the outlet of the lake and the Rapids area can provide especially good opportunities for anglers. After a lull in late July and early August, fishing should improve as the trout move into salmon spawning areas to feed on eggs and salmon carcasses. The best fishing for large trout generally occurs from early September until freeze-up in October.

Alagnak (Branch) River

Rainbow trout fishing in this drainage has been very good in recent years. Spring angling at the outlets of Kukaklek and Nonvianuk lakes should be very good in 2009. Fall fishing in the braids and along salmon spawning areas is likely to be very good as well.

Agulowak River

Angling for Agulowak River rainbow trout should be good to excellent all season. The best fishing opportunities occur after the spring runoff has passed and water levels begin to drop. Low water and the presence of spawning salmon in August make for very good fishing opportunities.

Agulukpak River

Angling for rainbow trout on the Agulukpak River has been good to excellent. Angler success is usually moderate from spring until mid-autumn, when salmon begin to spawn. Fall fishing is best, after the peak of the salmon spawning until freeze-up. Recent fishery data indicate that present regulations adequately balance angling opportunity with stock conservation.

OTHER SPECIES

Northern pike are native to Bristol Bay waters, and an important subsistence and sport species. Note that in Bristol Bay there are size and bag limits for northern pike. The Alaska Board of Fish adopted new pike bag limits for Lake Kulik of the Wood River drainage and the Chulitna River drainage during the winter of 2006-2007 to conserve trophy pike in these drainages. The bag limit is 5 fish, none of which may be over 30 inches; all fish greater than 30 inches must be released.

Wood River Lakes Arctic Char

Good fishing is expected in the Agulowak River, and it may even improve over the next several years. Catch rates are highest in June and July.

Fishing Guides and Businesses Licensing

Information regarding sport fishing guides and businesses are available at ADF&G offices, or on the Guides pages online.

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION

Division of Sport Fish Offices in Dillingham and King Salmon

For additional information you may stop by the offices or call us at 907-842-2427. For in-season regulatory advisories and emergency order restrictions call our recorded message at 907-842-REGS (7347). If no Sport Fish biologist is available at the King Salmon office, use the toll-free red phone provided to reach our Dillingham staff. Additional information can be found on our websites at the addresses provided in the following attachment. The mailing address for the Division of Sport Fish in Dillingham is P.O. Box 230, Dillingham, AK, 99576-0230.

Division of Sport Fish Office in Bethel

An ADF&G Sport Fish Division biologist is stationed in Bethel/Fairbanks and is in charge of management and research of sport fisheries in the Kuskokwim River and tributaries, including the Kisaralik, Aniak, Goodnews, and Kanektok rivers. While the Dillingham office receives some information on these rivers, interested anglers are encouraged to contact the Bethel office directly or review the Kuskokwim Management Area pages.

The mailing address for the Bethel office of the Division of Sport Fish is P.O. Box 1467, Bethel, AK 99559-1467. The phone number is 907-543-1677.

Enforcement

The Division of Sport Fish and the Alaska State Troopers’ Bureau of Wildlife Enforcement will continue their successful stepped-up coordinated enforcement of Bristol Bay's sport fisheries regulations. Be familiar with the regulations before traveling to the area.

Camping and Land Use

State of Alaska: "Generally allowed" uses do not require a permit. These include: hiking, harvesting berries or wild plants for personal, non-commercial use, landing small aircraft, recreational gold panning, travel with a four-wheel-drive vehicle, snowmobile, stock pick-up truck, or all terrain vehicle (wheeled or tracked), personal use of a temporary camp that will be moved at least two (2) miles every 14 days (or more frequently if use is occurring in a "Special Use Area" in which a shorter camp term has been established), and "day use" of most state land used in conjunction with commercial recreation activities.

Commercial recreation activities do require a permit. Contact your local office of the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources for information about commercial permits.

Special Use Areas: In “Special Use Areas” (SUA), overnight camping limits are less than 14 days, and other regulations apply to all users. Three such areas are:

1. State lands adjoining Togiak Refuge: Overnight camping is limited to 3 consecutive days in the same location. On or before the 3rd day, a camp must be moved at least 1 mile. Similar restrictions apply on refuge lands as well.
2. Mulchatna and Stuyahok rivers: Public Use Site 21, located at the confluence of the Stuyahok and Mulchatna rivers, is restricted to a 7-day camping limit.
3. Lower Talarik Creek Special Use Area: This SUA includes the lands within approximately a 3/4- to 1-mile radius around the Lower Talarik Creek outlet into Lake Iliamna. Regulations in effect August 1 through October 31 allow (A) private noncommercial camping for 5 days northeast of the ADF&G cabin; and (B) “day use only” for commercial guided activities.

Private Property: Much of the land in southwest Alaska belongs to Native organizations and private individuals, particularly along waterways. Some owners charge user fees, and others do not allow trespass. Contact nearby local villages for more information. Please respect private property as if it were your own.

Federal Lands: Federal agencies (the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the Togiak, Alaska Peninsula, Becharof, and Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta national wildlife refuges, and the National Park Service, which manages the Katmai and Lake Clark national parks) regulate some public access and use of lands under their jurisdictions. Anglers, particularly commercial recreational businesses, are advised to familiarize themselves with the regulations by directly contacting these agencies.

Wood Tikchik State Park: The Alaska Department of Natural Resources recently completed the “Wood Tikchik State Park Management Plan.” This plan provides overall guidance for management and development of the park. New and/or revised regulations can be viewed on the web at: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/regstatu/index.htm

King Salmon Visitor’s Center: Stop in and see the King Salmon Visitor’s Center at the airport or call them at 907-246-4250 for additional information about the Naknek/King Salmon area.

Katmai Park and Brooks River Note: In addition to state fishing regulations, the National Park Service has regulations regarding public activities at Brooks River. Check with Katmai National Park staff in King Salmon (907-246-3305) regarding their regulations and possible in-season restrictions to public access of the Brooks River.