Nushagak-Mulchatna King Salmon Retention Banned Starting June 28

Sport anglers fishing the Nushagak-Mulchatna drainage will not be allowed to keep king salmon starting Sunday, as the Alaska Department of Fish and Game moves to protect a run tracking well behind where it needs to be. ADF&G released the advisory on June 25, 2026.

The retention ban takes effect at 12:01 a.m. June 28 and runs through 11:59 p.m. July 31, covering all waters of the Nushagak-Mulchatna River drainage. Any king salmon caught must be released immediately without being removed from the water; possession is also prohibited. Under standard 2026 regulations, the drainage carries an annual sport limit of four kings over 20 inches, with only one allowed at 28 inches or longer. That opportunity is now suspended entirely for the duration of the king salmon season.

The Numbers Behind the Decision

The sonar count through June 24 shows the run well short of its escapement goal. "This year's run is behind on the projection curve, with 6,240 fish counted past the Portage Creek sonar through June 24," Area Management Biologist Lee Borden said. "We are taking a conservative approach with this restriction to prohibit inriver sport harvest and put more fish towards achieving the escapement goal."

The escapement goal for Nushagak River king salmon is 55,000 to 120,000 fish. The stock was designated a stock of concern in 2022 after recent runs repeatedly fell short of that range. Under the Nushagak District king salmon stock-of-concern management plan, ADF&G holds emergency-order authority to adjust restrictions inseason based on run projections and sonar counts.

What Comes Next

ADF&G said sport fishing opportunities in the drainage may be restored or further restricted through a subsequent emergency order, depending on sonar counts and other run-strength indicators.

Anglers with questions can reach Borden directly at (907) 842-2427.