NAKNEK, Alaska — It has been slow going for sockeyes in Bristol Bay. The commercial fishing season historically hits its peak on July 4, but this year that wasn't the case.
Biologists say the delay can be blamed on the weather, which in Naknek has been rainy and cold.
The weather may have slowed down the salmon, but the same can't be said for the fishermen.
"I've been doing it for 24 years and my dad's been up here since ‘62, commercial fishing every summer," said commercial fisherman Marcus Williams.
For a few months out of the year, Williams leaves his home in New Mexico to fish in Bristol Bay. He setnets for salmon with his dad and brother.
Setnetters say they saw a surge of sockeyes on June 20, but the supply tapered off soon after.
"The scientists are telling us we are looking at absolutely well below average, in fact, record breaking sea temperatures and so we are all hoping that what that has resulted in is the fish migration up the Alaska Peninsula slowing down," said Norman Van Vactor, operations manager at Leader Creek Fisheries.
