Alaska closes marine area to sport fishing over weak salmon returns

Source: This report is based on an official public release from Alaska Department of Fish and Game. PULSE organizes and summarizes public government communications. Read the original release →

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced a closure of sport fishing in North Gastineau Channel near Juneau, effective September 1 through October 31, 2026.

The closure affects all species in the marine waters 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. No sport fishing, including catch-and-release, can occur in the area.

The closure is necessary to maximize coho salmon returning to the Douglas Island Pink and Chum (DIPAC) Inc. Macaulay Salmon Hatchery for broodstock. Based on low tag recoveries and a weak projected run to the hatchery, the closure is expected to help the facility meet its breeding goals, the agency said. If more salmon return than projected, the closure may be rescinded or the closed area reduced.