Sitka-area Coho Sport Fishing Closures For Deep Inlet, Bear Cove

The following press releases are courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

Sport Fishing for Coho Salmon Closed in Deep Inlet

(Sitka) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is announcing that the saltwaters of Deep Inlet will be closed to sport fishing for coho salmon beginning 12:01am Thursday, October 2 through 11:59pm Friday, October 31, 2025. All coho salmon caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. This closure includes all waters of Deep Inlet south of a line defined as 56° 59.342’N. latitude, 135°18.541’W. longitude. to 56° 59.07’N. latitude, 135° 18.555’W. longitude (see below map).

Coho salmon returning to Medvejie Hatchery are not expected to meet broodstock goals in 2025. Deep Inlet is the backup broodstock source for Medvejie Hatchery. This closure is necessary to attempt to provide sufficient numbers of coho salmon for broodstock needs.

For further information, please contact the Division of Sport Fish in Sitka at (907) 747-5355.

Sport Fishing for Coho Salmon Closed in Bear Cove

(Sitka) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is announcing that the saltwaters of Bear Cove, near Medvejie hatchery, will be closed to sport fishing for coho salmon beginning 12:01 a.m. Thursday, October 2 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025. All coho salmon caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. This closure includes all waters of Bear Cove east of a line from a point on the Baranof Island shoreline at 57° 00.63′ N. lat., 135° 09.80′ W. long. to a point on the Baranof Island shoreline at 57° 01.07′ N. lat., 135° 09.93′ W. long. (see below map).

Coho salmon returning to Medvejie Hatchery are not expected to meet broodstock goals in 2025. To date, approximately 100 coho salmon have been collected for broodstock while 3,000 are needed. This closure is necessary to attempt to provide sufficient numbers of coho salmon for broodstock needs.

For further information, please contact the Division of Sport Fish in Sitka at (907) 747-5355.