(Sitka) - Beginning 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, September 15 through 11:59 p.m. Saturday, October 31, 2026; Bear Cove near Medvejie Hatchery and Deep Inlet are closed to sport fishing for coho salmon. The closure includes all waters of Bear Cove east of a line from a point on the Baranof Island shoreline at 57° 00.63' N. lat., 135° 09.80' W. long. to a point on the Baranof Island shoreline at 57° 01.07' N. lat., 135° 09.93' W. long. and the waters of Deep Inlet south of a line defined as 56° 59.342’N. latitude, 135° 18.541’W. longitude. to 56° 59.07’N. latitude, 135° 18.555’W. longitude (see below maps).

Coho salmon returning to Medvejie Hatchery and Deep Inlet are not expected to meet broodstock goals in 2026. To date, no coho salmon have been collected for broodstock while 2,250 are needed. This closure is necessary to attempt to provide enough coho salmon to meet broodstock needs.

Anyone needing further information concerning this announcement please contact the Division of Sport Fish in Sitka at (907) 747-5355.

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