(Juneau) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fish announced today that a portion of Peterson Creek, north of Juneau, is closing to sport fishing for all species. Specific restrictions are as follows:

• The 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 sport fishing from April 15 – June 30, 2026, to protect spawning steelhead.

Between 2018-2022, adult steelhead index counts in Peterson Creek were below the long-term average. To provide additional protection for Peterson Creek steelhead, this closure has been implemented annually since 2019 during the period when steelhead are returning and spawning within the system. In recent years, steelhead counts have shown improvement, with the 2023 count nearing the long-term average and the 2024 and 2025 counts exceeding it. This positive trend suggests that these protective measures are helping to support the recovery of this population. Given the life history of steelhead and the history of low escapement in the years preceding 2023, this closure will remain in place for the 2026 season to help ensure continued progress toward healthy returns.

For more information, please call the Division of Sport Fish Region 1 office in Douglas at 907-465- 4270.

#26-4021