(Juneau) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is announcing that beginning at 12:01 a.m. Monday, September 1, fishing for coho salmon will be closed in Montana Creek including McGinnis Creek and Peterson Creek and Lagoon (north of Juneau; see map below). These closures will be in effect through December 31, 2025. Specific restrictions are as follows:

• The waters of Montana Creek, including McGinnis Creek, are CLOSED to coho salmon fishing. Coho salmon may not be targeted, retained, or possessed.
• The waters of Peterson Creek, including Peterson Lagoon, from intertidal waters within a 200-yard radius of the creek mouth at salt water to the falls approximately 1.5 miles upstream are CLOSED to coho salmon fishing. Coho salmon may not be targeted, retained, or possessed.

Based on survey expansions, coho salmon returns to Montana Creek have failed to meet escapement in 5 of the last 7 years. Similarly, Peterson Creek coho salmon have not met escapement in 4 of the last 7 years. However, Peterson Creek coho salmon returns are showing signs of improvement by making escapement in 2023 and 2024. Given these trends, conservative measures are necessary to protect the sustainability of coho salmon in both Montana Creek and Peterson Creek during this period of low escapements. ADF&G will continue to conduct coho salmon surveys on Montana Creek and Peterson Creek and this action may be reconsidered if coho salmon returns improve.

For further information concerning this announcement please contact Juneau Area Management Biologist, Daniel Teske at (907) 465-8152.

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