Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon Fishery

Gillnet fishing boats jockey for a spot to lay out their nets on the North Line of the Egegik River fishing district in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Bristol Bay is home to the world's largest sockeye salmon fishery. The commercial salmon drift gillnet fishing fleet is limited to boats no longer than 32 feet in length. There were over 1,800 permanent entry permits listed in 2002, required per boat. Typically boats fish with two or three deckhands. The fishery is managed by the Alaska Department of...
more »

Gillnet fishing boats jockey for a spot to lay out their nets on the North Line of the Egegik River fishing district in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Bristol Bay is home to the world's largest sockeye salmon fishery. The commercial salmon drift gillnet fishing fleet is limited to boats no longer than 32 feet in length. There were over 1,800 permanent entry permits listed in 2002, required per boat. Typically boats fish with two or three deckhands. The fishery is managed by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game and is a sustainable fishery. Peak of the season is around July 4th in this fishery which lasts about a month. The rivers also get a fair amount of chum, king, and chinook salmon. Bristol Bay is located in the southwest part of Alaska.
« less