Alaska Salmon Harvest Forecast Slashed to 125.5 Million for 2026

Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologists released their 2026 salmon forecast on April 28, projecting a statewide commercial harvest of 125.5 million fish — a steep 71.9 million fish drop from the 2025 projection of 214.6 million. The decline stems primarily from weaker pink salmon runs, the most abundant of Alaska's five species, following the biennial cycle of big and small years, with 2025 marking a peak. 'The year-to-year difference has been significant,' said Forrest Bowers, head of the department's commercial fishing division.