(Juneau) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is announcing that effective at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, sport fishing will be closed for all species in the marine waters of Gastineau Channel south of a line between Salmon Creek Bridge and a regulatory marker across the channel on Douglas Island and north of the Juneau-Douglas Bridge (see map below). Sport fishing is prohibited in this area for all species. This closure means that no sport fishing, including catch and release fishing, can occur in this area. This closure will be in effect through 11:59 p.m. Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Based on the low number of tag recoveries, and the low number of coho salmon that have returned to the Douglas Island Pink and Chum (DIPAC) Inc. Macaulay Salmon Hatchery to date, a poor run of hatchery produced coho salmon is projected. Currently, the run is not expected to meet hatchery broodstock goals in 2026. This closure is necessary to maximize the number of coho salmon returning to the hatchery for broodstock. If more coho salmon return than projected, this closure may be rescinded or the closed area reduced.

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