Russian River Sanctuary closing to sportfishing until July 14
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Alaska Department of Fish and Game says it's closing the Russian River Sanctuary due to the possibility of not meeting the sockeye salmon escapement goal.
The sanctuary will close 11:00 p.m. Friday, July 3 through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2020.
“The early-run has not materialized as anticipated this year. Low abundance in combination with below-average water levels are hindering migration and increasing angler efficiency, restrictions are necessary to achieve the escapement goal,” stated Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka.
ADF&G says on July 1 a stream foot survey was conducted. ADF&G staff "estimated 2,500 fish are in the Russian River upstream of the powerline. ADF&G estimates that the early-run Russian River sockeye salmon biological escapement goal of 22,000 - 42,000 sockeye salmon will not be achieved under current regulations."
You can read the full announcement
.