Yukon District 4 federal waters open to summer chum subsistence with selective gear only

State and federal managers have issued parallel emergency actions covering Yukon River District 4 and the Koyukuk River drainage. A federal Emergency Special Action opens federal public waters of District 4 and the Koyukuk River drainage to summer chum salmon subsistence harvest for federally qualified subsistence users, coordinated with a state action under Emergency Order 3-S-FY-02-26 for state waters. Together they set the schedule and gear rules.

Harvest is allowed with selective gear only. Permitted gear is limited to dip nets, manned fish wheels, beach seines, and hook and line. All gillnets remain prohibited. The federal bulletin said gillnets "were previously closed to protect the migrating Chinook salmon run," adding that "the Chinook run cannot support incidental harvest of Chinook salmon that would occur in chum-sized gillnets."

Fish Wheel Requirements

Fish wheel rules are specific. "While a fish wheel is operating, it must be manned at all times," the bulletin said. "Fish-friendly fish wheel construction is also required. Fish wheel basket sides and bottoms must be made of soft mesh material such as seine twine. Fish wheels must also have an adjustable or fixed slide or chute with a smooth bottom and closed cell foam lined sides that return Chinook salmon immediately back to the water."

The opening took effect July 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. for Subdistricts 4-A Lower and 4-A Upper, and July 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. for Subdistrict 4-BC and the Koyukuk River drainage.

Closing Dates

The windows are compressed by a calendar shift. "This year, the fall management season starts three days earlier in each fishing district to protect early fall chum salmon," the bulletin said. The Subdistrict 4-A Lower window closed July 21. Subdistrict 4-A Upper and the Koyukuk drainage close July 25, and Subdistrict 4-BC closes July 28. All dates are subject to change by subsequent special action.

For communities along the Yukon and Koyukuk, the gillnet ban narrows gear options for household harvest while the opening is in effect.