Chitina dipnet fishery opens 48 hours July 31–Aug. 2 as salmon counts fall short

The Chitina Subdistrict personal use dipnet fishery will open for a 48-hour window beginning noon Friday, July 31, and closing noon Sunday, August 2, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced Tuesday, July 22.

Miles Lake sonar counted 20,634 salmon during July 13–19 against a preseason projection of 46,748, a deficit of roughly 26,000 fish. Cumulatively, 556,351 salmon had been counted past Miles Lake sonar through July 19, compared to a preseason projection of 562,227. ADF&G said Copper River sockeye migratory timing and the previous three-year average harvest and participation rates indicate sufficient numbers of salmon are available to support only 48 hours of fishing during the week of July 27 through August 2.

King salmon retention is banned for the remainder of the season; any king or steelhead caught must be released immediately. ADF&G's Interior Region sport fish program noted: "The king salmon run to the Copper River this season is also weak. An Emergency Order was issued prohibiting king salmon retention in the Personal Use fishery for the remainder of the season."

What Participants Need to Know

Participants must carry both a Chitina Personal Use Salmon Fishery Permit ($15) and a valid Alaska resident sport fishing license. The $15 permit fee supports sanitation services at the fishery and trail maintenance from O'Brien Creek to Haley Creek. The household limit is 25 salmon for the permit holder and 10 per additional household member. Both tail-fin tips must be clipped immediately upon landing, and harvest must be reported online by October 15 or the permit holder loses eligibility the following year. For land access across private holdings, contact Chitina Native Corporation at (907) 823-2223 or Ahtna, Inc. at (907) 822-3476. Current schedule updates are available on the Chitina Fishery information line at (907) 822-5224.

ADF&G also urges dipnetters to follow signs and detours along the O'Brien Creek to Haley Creek section of the Copper River Highway right of way. The detours were built in 2024 to avoid disturbing cultural sites within and along the route, and any violation or disturbance to protected cultural sites could result in immediate closure of the access road.