Alaska

Fishing Report: State celebrates 9th Alaska Wild Salmon Day

Published

2 years ago

August 9, 2024

Fishing Report: State celebrates 9th Alaska Wild Salmon Day

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Salmon are synonymous with the state. To many Alaskans, they are more of a lifestyle than a species of fish.

They are woven into the fabric of the state through rivers, streams, and oceans. They have filled freezers and underground ice cellars for generations and have provided thousands of jobs and billions of dollars per year for the fishing industry.

All of these reasons and more are why former Gov. Bill Walker signed House Bill 128 into law in 2016, establishing Aug. 10 of each year as Alaska Wild Salmon Day.

”It’s hard not to think about salmon when you think about Alaska,” Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang said. “I am surprised it is not on our state flag. We’ve got eight stars of gold, but one of those stars could definitely be salmon.”

From colossal kings to chromochrome cohos, to pinks, chunky chum, and scrumptious sockeyes, there are many reasons why they deserve their own day.

“Given the importance of salmon to our culture, to our food security, to our enjoyment in getting outside, and really to our commercial fisheries which are really the fabric of many of our coastal communities, it’s really a great day to celebrate the legacy of salmon in Alaska.”

Alaska will celebrate its ninth of hopefully many Wild Salmon Days to come on Saturday.

”Wild Salmon Day should not only be celebrating what we’re doing today, but should be an opportunity for us to make sure we’re passing on these heritages and traditions that are so important to Alaska,” Vincent-Lang said.

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Alaska

Pilot’s quick thinking averts disaster in Alaska emergency landing

Published

2 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Press Room

Pilot’s quick thinking averts disaster in Alaska emergency landing

A small plane made an emergency landing in Alaska after a loud noise was heard about 20 minutes into the flight, according to one of the nine passengers on board. The pilot reported engine trouble and began searching for a place to land. Helicopters later rescued everyone. Passengers praised the pilot’s experience and quick thinking, crediting him with saving their lives. The FAA and NTSB are investigating.

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Alaska

Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon Limits Increased

Published

12 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Press Room

Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon Limits Increased

Spawning Coho. Image-BLM

(Soldotna) – To allow anglers additional harvest opportunity of Kasilof River sockeye salmon, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon, 16 inches or greater in length, to six fish per day and twelve fish in possession; however, no more than two salmon per day and two in possession may be coho salmon, in all portions of the Kasilof River open to salmon fishing. These provisions are effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 26 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2026.

The biological escapement goal on the Kasilof River is 140,000-320,000 sockeye salmon. Through June 23, a total of 117,665 sockeye salmon have passed the Kasilof River sonar site. The current escapement of sockeye salmon into the Kasilof River is proceeding at a rate that is projected to exceed the biological escapement goal.

In addition to increasing the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon, ADF&G issued emergency order 2-RS-1-32-26 expanding the area open to the personal use dip net fishery on the Kasilof River.

For additional information, please contact the Soldotna ADF&G office at (907) 262-9368.

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Alaska

Crews continue making progress on Delta Fires

Published

22 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Press Room

Crews continue making progress on Delta Fires

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on June 24, 2026

A White Mountain Crewmember feels for any remaining heat along the Rapeseed Fire (#275) outside of Delta Junction on June 24 2026. Photo/ Sam Porter

#222 Granite Fire– The Clackamas Crew joined the Southwest Type 1 Crew and TCC Squad A on the Granite Fire today. The fire is now 85% contained.
A thermal detection drone was flown over the fire to identify any remaining heat. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place and will continue tomorrow, meaning aircraft and drones that are not supporting firefighting operations are prohibited from flying over or near the incident.
Crews are also checking windrows for remaining heat. Windrows are rows of trees left standing to reduce wind erosion on farmland. Firefighters will pile and burn dead or downed trees, as well as hazard trees with burned roots.

#257 Barley 2 Fire– All personnel have been demobilized from the Barley 2 Fire after it was declared contained and controlled. The fire will remain in monitor status. This will be the last update for this fire unless significant changes occur.

#268 Moosehead Fire– A boat is transporting TCC Squad C to the Moosehead Fire, where they are gridding the interior and checking for any remaining heat.

#275 Rapeseed Fire- The Rapeseed Fire is 80% contained. The White Mountain Type 2 Initial Attack Crew is constructing sawline and cold trailing the fire’s edge to locate and extinguish any remaining heat.
A Nodwell continues to provide an effective way to transport personnel, equipment, supplies, and water through the remote, sensitive terrain while supporting suppression efforts.

#223 Pogo and #226 Shaw Fires continue to be in monitor status.