Both Naknek-Kvichak and Nushagak fleets nearly hit a million for their daily catch on Saturday, and yesterday’s Port Moller indices report a puzzling low number for the Nushagak River.

It’s easy to throw a can or bottle in the bin and never think about it again, but for fishing net recyclers in Bristol Bay, drop-off is just the first step in the recycling process. In Dillingham, a backlog of used fishing nets poses a challenge for local recycling programs.

On June 28, Alaska Wildlife Troopers responded to a report of an overturned commercial fishing boat in the Ugashik district, near Pilot Point. All three of the people onboard were rescued, as reported by KDLG. That same week, deckhands fell overboard in the Naknek River and in the Egegik district. Both were rescued by nearby crews.

The salmon run continues its steady push into all districts, while crews persist in their fishing and await this year’s season peak. Port Moller makes predictions on when that peak could be, and how long the run will be substantial.

Nushagak’s catch yesterday surpassed a million, as all other districts carry on with their hauls, still pulling in a steady load while the bay-wide run surpasses 20 million.

Eastside catch numbers steadily increase as crews are facing more and more fish coming their way, and Port Moller makes predictions on when the Kvichak will see a huge increase. More sockeye continue their flood into the Nushagak, but king numbers appear worryingly low.

Ecologist Curry Cunningham says the run will include a higher percentage of older, larger fish.

The Nushagak region opened to commercial fishing last week, with fleets bringing in almost 3 million fish so far. Baywide, the total catch is 4.6 million. Bristol Bay saw a record low average weight for sockeye last year, but researchers predict that this season, the average fish will be bigger and heavier. We hear from ecologist Curry Cunningham about why he’s expecting larger sockeye.

A wild, record-breaking catch index over at Port Moller adds to the peculiar 2025 fishing season; further testimony that the salmon are going to continue running strong. Yesterday’s catch in the Nushagak well surpassed a million, as crews attacked this crazy first week of openings.

Total catch in the Nushagak breaks a million, as fleets brought in half of that on Tuesday. Escapement in the Nushagak and Wood continues to decrease after that huge spike over the weekend, and Port Moller crews note that it shouldn't be too long before we know whether the sockeye run is indeed as early as it seems.