Chilkat Inlet king salmon retention closed through September 30

Sport anglers fishing the marine waters of upper Chilkat Inlet north of Letnikof Cove Light must release every king salmon they catch, under an announcement the Alaska Department of Fish and Game released July 13 that runs through September 30, 2026. The closure boundary sits at 59° 10.42′ N. lat., covering the saltwater zone nearest the Chilkat River mouth. Anglers may still fish for king salmon in the affected marine waters but may not retain any fish caught there; all king salmon must be released immediately.

The restriction is a continuation of an existing closure. ADF&G announced that the area will remain closed to king salmon retention through September 30.

The Numbers Behind the Call

The numbers behind the decision are close enough to make the call uncomfortable. ADF&G's 2026 forecast for the Chilkat River puts the total run at 2,650 large king salmon, which falls inside the biological escapement goal range of 1,750 to 3,500; the drainage is also managed to an in-river run goal of 1,850 or greater. But in-season survey data suggest escapement may just reach the lower end of that range, or fall slightly short. ADF&G said it acted "in the interest of conservative management" to provide additional protection for the stock.

Additional Restrictions in Effect

Anglers should also know that the marine closure is not the only restriction in play. Freshwater sport fishing for king salmon in the Haines and Skagway area is separately prohibited; any king caught in those waters must be released immediately. Anglers operating near the river mouth are navigating both boundaries at once.

Anglers with questions can reach John Whitinger, ADF&G's Haines area management biologist, at (907) 776-3638.