Late Run Sockeye and King Forecast

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has released its forecast for the the late run (July) of sockeye and king salmon for Upper Cook Inlet.  Specifically, the Kenai River sockeye forecast is 3.6 million fish.  This is .2 million less fish than the 20 year average.  The sustainable escapement goal is 700,000-1,200,000 for the late run of sockeye.

In river, the Kenai king late run is projected to be 22,115 fish.  This number is below average, but, if accurate, it will be within the sustainable escapement goal of 15,000-30,000 fish.

Overall, it could be worse.  But, keep in mind, these are estimates and projections and the real numbers won't be known until the salmon decide to come back to their natal streams.