Silver closure and King opening

Saints Rest

2011-08-02 05:50:24

I heard through the grapevine that an announcement will be made possibly this Friday. I just popped in to F&G and heard the word since I've been out of touch, fishing till yesterday.

Salty

2011-08-02 13:25:14

I heard we only have about 15% left for August and that it will be about a two day king opening. Also heard that there are a lot of coho region wide. Small, about 5 pounds. Chums have not arrived in Sitka Sound in any numbers yet.

ata

2011-08-03 18:03:59

Hi All:

It's true that we don't have a lot of kings left to catch. For many reasons, harvest during the July opener was difficult to estimate, which was compounded by a low treaty quota that does not accurately reflect the health and abundance of the stocks in our fishery.

Alaska hatchery contributions have also been lower than normal this year.

ADFG is likely to put out a news release on Friday, announcing the coho closure and final Chinook opening. Coho are looking quite good, despite what we all know to be small fish and erratic catch rates. So, I don't anticipate a lengthy closure, but we won't know til we know.

I will post the specifics as soon as I get the official ok to do so from ADFG. I will also inform the ATA board and a few former board members, who always help to spread the word. Check out our website for a list of names and boats, in case you're headed back out and want to ask board members any questions on the grounds (or maybe sign up?=). http://www.aktrollers.org

By the way, it is VERY helpful when folks call in to let us know how it's going out on the grounds. Thanks so much to those who have making the time to do so - I know it's just one more hassle! You can call me, or ADFG - please just call. Freezer boats in particular, since you don't offload as much and that leads to a few surprises with the folks tallying the numbers. You might ask, is my information safe?? Well, I have built a long career on my ability to keep your fishing secrets - your trust is very important to me - so please don't worry about that part. As many who do call in, and try to get info out of me, know - I can be a little vague about specifics...just ask my skipper - it's really maddening for him.=) Anyway, the ONLY people I tell your business is ADFG, and they see your fish tickets anyway. If you get the answering service, they're in New Orleans(!) and work for doctors... who would they tell? Again, those who call in - thank you.

Here's how the summer Chinook numbers shake out so far:

July 1 = 141,137 kings available on the quota

70% July = 98,796 + ~3% hatchery add-on estimate = 101,852 July target

30% August = 42,341

ACTUAL July harvest: 119, 209 (total treaty and AK hatchery - looks like hatchery ran about 3%)

ESTIMATED August Goal: 28,426

27,598 remaining troll quota + 3% hatchery add-on estimate = 28,426

To compare, the 2010 August goal was 33,600 and the fishery was opened for 5 days and we were over a bit.

CLOSURE PORT MEETING

I usually hold an ATA port meeting in Sitka if closure timing and competing events, like the SPC BBQ, allow. It's usually at the Centennial Building (next to library and above Crescent Harbor), but that won't be decided until I know the closure dates. Less than 5 days - there definitely will NOT be a meeting. One complication this year is that I might be fishing the king opener and need to get in position to do so. Check the following for a meeting announcement: harbor bulletin boards, processors, ATA webpage or Facebook, or http://www.sitkasoup.com .

Give me a call or shoot me a personal message if you have questions!

Dale

ATA

Salty

2011-08-04 05:20:45

Dale,

Thanks so much. Chums have not arrived in Sitka Sound in any numbers yet. Are at least a week late leading to some concern that we are looking at a situation similar to Hidden Falls chum which failed this year.

Salty

2011-08-07 15:48:43

chums still not arriving in Sitka in Eastern Channel.