Two of Juneau's most accessible coho streams close to fishing to protect weak runs

Montana Creek and Peterson Creek, two of Juneau's most accessible road-system coho streams, will close to coho fishing from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31 to protect weak returns. The closure runs from each creek's saltwater mouth up to the falls, and anglers may not fish for coho in either system — though other species and other waters are unaffected.

Montana Creek coho have missed their escapement goal in six of the last seven years, and Peterson Creek coho in four of seven — though Peterson has made its goal the last three years. Fish and Game says the closure gives returning coho a better chance to spawn, and that it will keep surveying and may reconsider if counts improve.

Some anglers argue reduced bag limits or catch-and-release would protect weak stocks without a full closure. The move fits a statewide pattern: this year Fish and Game barred coho retention and then closed the Susitna and Little Susitna drainages entirely. The department closed these same two Juneau systems over the same dates last year, and shut part of Peterson Creek to all fishing this spring to protect spawning steelhead.

Juneau anglers still have hatchery coho in Gastineau Channel, reachable from turnouts near town.