City Creek king salmon site permanently closed near Petersburg

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has permanently shut down the City Creek release site and closed it to king salmon retention, ending a hatchery program near Petersburg.

The closure affects the freshwaters of City Creek and marks the end of a program discontinued in 2022 because of funding constraints, broodstock availability, and concerns about wild king salmon stocks in the Stikine River, according to state records.

Jeff Rice, area management biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, said in the Petersburg fishing report released May 7, 2026, that the City Creek release site is permanently discontinued and closed to king salmon retention.

The decision comes as other hatchery programs in the region show improved returns. The forecast for adult king salmon returning to Crystal Lake Hatchery is greater than last year, allowing both resident and nonresident fishing opportunities in the freshwater and saltwater portions of the Wrangell Narrows and Blind Slough Terminal Harvest Area starting May 15, 2026.

King salmon regulations have changed since last year across the Petersburg and Wrangell area. The vast majority of marine waters in the region remain closed to king salmon retention, with hatchery areas providing the first opportunities of the season.

Residents and nonresidents will be able to fish for Alaska hatchery-produced king salmon in designated terminal harvest areas beginning May 15, 2026. A king salmon stamp is required whenever fishing for king salmon, including catch and release.

The first opportunity for wild king salmon will occur June 15, 2026, when District 6, District 10, and portions of District 5, District 7, and District 9 open to king salmon retention. District 8 and a portion of Eastern Passage near Wrangell will remain closed to king salmon retention until July 15, 2026.

Bag and possession limits for king salmon are specific to the area being fished and residency. Anglers can contact the ADF&G office at 907-772-5227 or visit the department website for detailed maps and regulations.