Unalaska, AK – Salmon escapement reports are improving at Reese Bay, also known as Wislow. As of yesterday, 1171 sockeye salmon have passed through the weir located there, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Since June 8, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has enforced restrictions on salmon fishing in the area in an effort to meet the escapement goal. Fishing and setting nets is not allowed within 500 yards of the outlet stream that leads to McLees Lake.

Aaron Poetter, the Sand Point-area management biologist for Fish & Game, says that at the very least, things are looking up.

"Eleven hundred fish is good," says Poetter. "It's definitely more than what we had last year at this time."

Fishing will remain restricted indefinitely, but if runs improve further the restriction may be lifted. By regulation, there will also be a 500-yard closure at Reese Bay from July 1 to July 9.