North Gastineau Channel saltwaters reopen to sport fishing after Macaulay broodstock secure

Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Sport Fish advisory EO 1-CO-E-30-26, released Sept. 17, 2026 and expiring Dec. 31, 2026, reopened north Gastineau Channel saltwaters to sport fishing at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31. The area is the saltwater box near Macaulay Salmon Hatchery that an Aug. 27 emergency order had closed to protect hatchery coho broodstock — between the Salmon Creek Bridge / regulatory marker line and the Juneau-Douglas Bridge.

The advisory sets the daily bag and possession limit for coho salmon in the reopened area at six fish of any size. ADF&G said the hatchery had secured enough coho for broodstock, so the sport closure was no longer needed.

Confirm the live Southeast Alaska sport fishing pamphlet and any newer EOs on the ADF&G Southeast emergency-order list before you fish the channel. Contact listed on the advisory: Jessica Etheridge, Juneau assistant area management biologist, (907) 465-4318.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: ADF&G — North Gastineau Channel Saltwaters Reopening To Sport Fishing September 19, 2026 (EO 1-CO-E-30-26, released Sept. 17, 2026; PDF: 1-CO-E-30-26.pdf).