As part of a continuing stock assessment program in Southeast Alaska, the Division of Sport Fish obtained indices of escapement for chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in designated streams and transboundary rivers. The estimated total escapement in 1996 was 128,686 large (age .3+) chinook, a 65% increase from the 78,226 fish estimated in 1995. The 1996 estimate was over three times the 19751980 base period average of 40,949 chinook salmon, twice the 19811985 average of 63,580 and 149% of the 19861990 average of 86,474. The estimated total exceeded the goal for the region for the second time in 3 years, primarily due to a record high escapement to the Taku River. Escapement indices exceeded management goals in the Taku, Situk, Chilkat, Unuk and King Salmon Rivers and were near goals in the Stikine and Keta Rivers and Andrew Creek. The Alsek River escapement dropped below goal after exceeding it for the first time in 1995. Escapements to the Chickamin and Blossom Rivers improved slightly over 1995 but remained below goals.