Aniak River closed to all king salmon fishing, including catch-and-release

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game closed the Aniak River drainage to all sport fishing for king salmon, including catch-and-release, effective June 5 through July 25. The closure reflects persistently low spawning numbers in the tributary despite drainagewide Kuskokwim escapement of 105,983 fish in 2025, above the 65,000–120,000 goal range.

The restriction also covers state waters of the Kuskokwim River within the Aniak Box at the mouth of the Aniak River. Anglers who incidentally hook a king salmon while fishing for other species must release it immediately without removing it from the water.

Subsistence restrictions are also in place in the Aniak River and adjacent Aniak Box area to improve spawning escapement. John Chythlook, ADF&G Sport Fish Area Management Biologist for the Kuskokwim-Goodnews area, said the closure may be lifted inseason if harvestable surplus emerges above escapement and subsistence needs.

Multiple king salmon stocks across Alaska have experienced low productivity and reduced returns in recent decades, prompting increasingly frequent closures. In 2026, ADF&G closed king salmon fishing, including catch-and-release, in Upper Cook Inlet salt waters north of Bluff Point from May 1 through August 15 to conserve Chinook stocks.