Chilkat sockeye, coho, chum runs appear low compared to past years

Although the Chilkoot sockeye run met the escapement goal this year, the outlook for Chilkat River sockeye is less promising.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) pulled the Chilkoot fish weir on Sept. 9. The sockeye count was 60,218 fish, within the department’s 38,000 to 86,000 escapement range, which is based on the number needed to ensure a sustainable population.

“We were happy with what we ended up with,” ADFG biologist Nicole Zeiser…