Alaska fishermen have landed far more sockeye than expected this season, thanks to much improved survival rates.
Travis Elison, Alaska Department of Fish and Game area biologist for the Naknek, Kvichak area, which represents the largest percentage of the total harvest, told IntraFish there were more "two-ocean fish," or two-year-old fish, in the water than ever before.
As of Wednesday morning, 28.1 million fish had been harvested, 57 percent higher than the 17.9 pre-season prediction from ADF&G.
Elison said the season was "bi-modal" with two peaks or large runs, which is why many thought the season was winding down near the end of last month when catch rates were cut in half from 2.6
