The coho run to the Nushagak River is coming in stronger than anticipated resulting in liberalized fishing time for commercial fishermen and an increased bag limit for sport fishermen.
The escapement goal for coho to the Nushagak River is between 60-thousand to 120-thousand fish. That goal has been exceeded with 169-thousand coho counted as escapement through Sunday. The strong coho run has been the target of some commercial fishing pressure based on Togiak Seafood’s decision to send tenders to the Nushagak District to buy silvers. The amount of the coho harvest is kept confidential since just one processor is buying but Matt Jones says catches have been strong. Jones is the Assistant Area Management Biologist for ADF&G’s Division of Commercial Fisheries.
“I would characterize it as above average for the small number of those participating, which is maybe between 20 to 30 drift boats and a smaller number of setnetters. Fishing has been very good.”
On Friday the Division of Sportfish increased the bag limit for coho in the Nushagak River from 5 to 10 and on Monday the Division of Commercial Fisheries extended commercial fishing in the Nushagak District until further notice. Commercial fishermen are reminded to make sure they have a market before fishing. The only market available for Nushagak District coho is Togiak Seafood’s.