Beginning Friday, July 20, 2018 the Herring Bay area will be closed to sport fishing. This closure includes the waters of Herring Bay west of a line from the southernmost entrance of Hole-In-The-Wall harbor at 55°19.11’ N. lat., 131°31.19’ W. long. to ADF&G markers located ½ mile north of Whitman Creek (signed and painted rocks) at 55°20.13’ N. lat., 131°30.13’ W long., to the fresh/salt water boundary signs located at the mouth of Herring Cove Creek (see map below).

Summer coho salmon returning to the Whitman Lake Hatchery are not expected to meet broodstock goals in 2018 due to expected harvest and marine survival. To date approximately 300 coho salmon have returned to the hatchery, while 3,000 are needed for broodstock. With additional harvest expected, this closure is necessary to provide sufficient numbers of coho salmon to meet broodstock needs. Once broodstock needs are met the department will reopen this area to sport fishing.

For further information concerning this announcement please contact Ketchikan Area Management Biologist, Kelly Reppert at (907) 225-2859.

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