Coho Salmon Fishing Closed in Montana and Peterson Creeks Near Juneau
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Juneau,Alaska – August 26,2024 – The alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has announced closures to coho salmon fishing in Montana Creek and Peterson Creek near Juneau,Alaska,to protect struggling coho salmon populations. These closures are effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice,pending improved salmon returns.
Understanding the Closures
Both Montana Creek and Peterson creek are closed to all coho salmon fishing activities.Specifically, anglers may not:
Target coho salmon
retain coho salmon
Possess coho salmon
The closures encompass the following areas:
Montana Creek: All waters of Montana Creek, from the intertidal waters within a 200-yard radius of the creek mouth at salt water to the falls approximately 2.5 miles upstream are CLOSED to coho salmon fishing. https://aksportingjournal.com/coho-salmon-fishing-shutting-down-in-juneau-area-streams/
Peterson Creek: All waters of Peterson Creek, including Peterson Lagoon, from the 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. https://aksportingjournal.com/coho-salmon-fishing-shutting-down-in-juneau-area-streams/
Why the Closures?
The decision to close these fisheries is based on recent coho salmon returns that have fallen below sustainable levels. ADF&G data indicates that:
Coho salmon returns to Montana Creek have failed to meet escapement goals (the number of fish needed to ensure continued population health) in 5 of the last 7 years.
Peterson Creek coho salmon have not met escapement goals in 4 of the last 7 years.
while Peterson Creek showed signs of betterment with prosperous escapement in both 2023 and 2024, ADF&G is taking a conservative approach to protect both populations during this period of overall low returns. Escapement goals are crucial for maintaining healthy,self-sustaining salmon runs.
Ongoing monitoring and Future Outlook
ADF&G will continue to monitor coho salmon populations in both Montana Creek and Peterson Creek through ongoing surveys. The department stated that these closures will be reconsidered if coho salmon returns demonstrate sustained improvement.
Contact Information
For further information regarding these closures, contact Juneau Area Management Biologist, Daniel Teske, at (907) 465-8152. https://aksportingjournal.com/coho-salmon-fishing-shutting-down-in-juneau-area-streams/tel:+19074658152
Key Takeaways:
coho salmon fishing is closed in Montana Creek and Peterson Creek near Juneau.
Closures are due to low coho salmon escapement numbers in recent years.
ADF&G will continue to monitor populations and may reopen the fisheries if returns improve.
* Anglers should contact Daniel Teske at (907) 465-8152 for more information.