The Ugashik River's run is coming in weak and likely lower than forecasted, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The rivers in the Nushagak District, however, are all on their way to hitting their midpoint escapement. When that happens, ADF&G could wave the 48-hour waiting period to transfer to the district.
The total run to Bristol Bay sits at 26.5 million sockeye. Of those, 20 million have returned to the Nushagak District, which is likely to come in over forecast. Several rivers on the east side side of the bay are underperforming.
On tonight's show we hear from ADF&G area management biologist Paul Salomone about his strategy for boosting escapement on the Ugashik River. He notes that the Egegik river has met its minimum escapement goal. We also hear from fishermen in the Egegik River and Naknek River special harvest areas, and we get the on-shore perspective as people watch Naknek's crowded in-river fishery.
Catch this program nightly at 6 p.m., 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. on AM 670, and online at KDLG.org. (With early broadcasts Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m.)
Letters from home to your friends and family in the Bay this summer? Email us at avery@kdlg.org, or call 907-842-5281.
Have feedback, suggestions of something you'd like to hear? Reach Avery Lill / Izzy Ross / Austin Fast / or Mitch Borden (in Naknek).
