Yukon River Chum Fishing CLOSED Due to Low Numbers
Keith Lusher 07.14.25
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has issued an emergency closure of the Yukon River drainage for chum fishing salmon, effective July 9th through December 31st, 2025. The closure excludes the Tanana River drainage and represents a significant conservation measure as salmon populations continue to struggle in Alaska’s largest river system. The broad closure prohibits all sport fishing for chum salmon, including catch-and-release activities. Anglers who accidentally hook chum salmon while targeting other species must release them immediately without removing them from the water. This restriction adds to existing regulations that already closed king salmon fishing and banned bait use in Yukon River tributaries through September 30th, 2025.
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Current salmon counts paint a concerning picture for the fishery. The Pilot Station sonar has recorded just 262,739 summer chum salmon as of July 6, representing a dramatic decline from the historical norm of 1,341,881 fish. This count falls well below the lower line of the escapement goal of 500,000 salmon needed to sustain the population.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s decision follows protocols outlined in the Yukon River Summer Chum Salmon Management Plan, which mandates closure of commercial, personal use, and sport fisheries when projected run sizes drop to 500,000 fish or fewer. The regulation gives priority to subsistence users and fish reproduction over recreational and commercial fishing
Adding to conservation concerns, the pre-season forecast for fall chum salmon entering the river in late July also shows poor projections. Biologists expect these late-season runs will similarly fail to meet spawning escapement goals, suggesting the closure may need to remain in effect for the full duration.
The closure affects thousands of sport anglers who traditionally fish the Yukon River drainage for chum salmon during summer and fall months. However, other fishing opportunities remain available in the region, including other salmon species in areas not subject to current restrictions
While the immediate economic impact on sport fishing will be substantial, conservation specialists believe the short-term sacrifice is necessary to prevent more severe long-term consequences. Historical data from other Alaska salmon systems suggests that aggressive conservation measures during critical periods can help populations rebound more quickly than gradual restrictions.
The success of this closure will ultimately be measured by improved salmon counts at monitoring stations like Pilot Station and increased spawning success throughout the drainage over the coming years.
