Montana Creek runs clear and cold through Southeast Alaska timber, holding Coho and pink salmon in late summer and fall, plus resident cutthroat and Dolly Varden year-round.

Montana Creek drains into Auke Bay about 12 miles north of Juneau, accessible by the Glacier Highway. The creek itself is small—you can step across it in most places—but it concentrates fish in predictable pools during the salmon runs. The water stays cold because it flows from high elevation, and the surrounding forest keeps it shaded. This matters because cold water holds more oxygen and keeps salmon active longer into the season.

The creek is open to fishing under Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations. Salmon seasons vary by year, but Coho typically run July through September, and pinks run June through August. Resident fish—cutthroat and Dolly Varden—are present year-round, though they're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures drop. Winter fishing is possible but difficult because ice can form on the banks and the creek runs high with snowmelt in spring.

Key Takeaways

  • Montana Creek is a short drive from Juneau on the Glacier Highway and holds both salmon and resident trout that respond to small spinners and flies.
  • Coho salmon run mid-summer through early fall, while pink salmon peak in midsummer; both concentrate in the deeper pools where the creek widens.
  • Cutthroat and Dolly Varden live in the creek year-round and take small offerings better than larger salmon flies.
  • The creek is narrow and brushy, so short rods and careful casting matter more than distance.
  • Alaska requires a fishing license for residents and nonresidents, and seasons change annually, so check current regulations before you fish.

How to Reach Montana Creek from Juneau

Drive north on the Glacier Highway from downtown Juneau. The highway follows the coast and passes through residential areas and small communities. Montana Creek Road branches off to the right (east) roughly 12 miles out. The turnoff is marked, but easy to miss if you're not looking for it. Parking is limited—a small pullout exists near the creek mouth, but it fills on weekends and during peak salmon season.

The hike from the road to fishable water is short, usually less than a quarter mile, but the trail can be muddy and overgrown depending on the season. Wear boots with good grip. The creek mouth opens into Auke Bay, and the lower section of the creek is tidal—water levels rise and fall with the tide, which affects where fish hold and how easy they are to reach. Fish the lower pools during the incoming tide when water is higher and fish are more willing to move.

Salmon Runs and Timing

Coho salmon enter Montana Creek starting in mid-July and continue through September. They're strong fighters and reach 8 to 12 pounds on average. Coho hold in the deeper pools and respond to small spinners (size 1 or 2) and spoons. They also take flies, especially if you use a sinking line or weighted pattern. The peak window is usually August through early September when water temperatures drop slightly and more fish have moved upstream.

Pink salmon run earlier, typically June through August, and they're smaller—4 to 6 pounds—but abundant in odd-numbered years. Pinks are less selective than Coho and will chase small bright flies and spinners. They school tightly, so if you hook one, others are usually nearby. The downside is that pink salmon are less exciting to fight than Coho, and the meat quality is lower if you plan to keep fish.

Both species slow down and stop biting during low light and high water. Fish early morning or late evening when the sun is low. If the creek is running high and brown from recent rain, wait a day or two for it to clear before making the drive.

Resident Fish: Cutthroat and Dolly Varden

Cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char live in Montana Creek year-round and offer a different kind of fishing than salmon. Both species are smaller—cutthroat average 8 to 12 inches, Dolly Varden 6 to 10 inches—but they're willing to bite when salmon aren't running. Cutthroat have the red slash under the jaw that gives them their name, and they prefer small dry flies and nymphs. Dolly Varden are darker and stockier, and they'll take small spinners and wet flies.

Spring and fall are the best seasons for resident fish because water temperatures are cooler and the fish are more active. Summer can be slow because the creek warms and fish retreat to the deepest pools. Winter fishing is possible but requires patience and careful wading on icy banks. The advantage of targeting residents is that you can fish when salmon aren't running, and the creek is usually empty of other anglers.

Gear and Tackle That Works

Montana Creek is narrow and brushy, so a short rod works better than a long one. A 6-foot to 7-foot spinning rod or a 7-foot to 8-foot fly rod is ideal. Spinning gear is simpler if you're new to the creek—use 6-pound to 8-pound monofilament and keep your spinners and spoons small. Size 1 and 2 spinners in silver, gold, or red work well. Spoons should be 1/4 ounce to 3/8 ounce so they don't snag on the bottom.

If you fly fish, bring a 5-weight or 6-weight rod with both floating and sinking lines. Small bright patterns work for salmon—think Comet, Skykomish Sunrise, or simple orange and black combinations. For resident fish, bring small nymphs (size 12 to 16) and dry flies (size 14 to 18). The creek is shallow enough that you don't need heavy sinking lines; a sink-tip or intermediate line covers most situations.

Waders are essential because you'll be in the water most of the time. Chest waders work year-round, but in summer you might get away with hip waders or even wet boots if you're only fishing the shallows. Bring a net—the pools are small and a net saves time and reduces the chance of losing fish.

Regulations and Licensing

Alaska requires a fishing license for both residents and nonresidents. You can buy a license online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website, or at sporting goods stores in Juneau. Nonresident licenses are available for 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, or a full year. A 3-day license is enough for a short trip.

Salmon seasons and bag limits change annually and sometimes mid-season if the run is weaker than expected. Before you fish, check the current regulations on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or call their Juneau office. The regulations specify which species are open, daily bag limits, and any special restrictions (like fly-only sections or catch-and-release periods). Violating these rules can result in fines and loss of fishing privileges.

Resident fish (cutthroat and Dolly Varden) usually have higher bag limits than salmon and are open year-round, but always verify before you fish. Some years the department closes sections of the creek to protect spawning fish, so check the current status.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Montana Creek is remote enough that you should be self-sufficient. Bring water and snacks—there are no stores near the creek. Wear layers because Southeast Alaska weather changes fast; it can be sunny and warm in the morning and rainy and cold by afternoon. Bring rain gear and a warm jacket even in summer. Bugs can be intense in July and August, so insect repellent helps.

The trail to the creek can be muddy and slippery, so good boots matter. Bring a headlamp if you plan to fish early morning or evening—the sun stays up late in summer, but the forest is dark under the trees. A small backpack with your tackle, net, and snacks is easier to manage than a large vest.

If you're driving from Juneau, fill your gas tank before you leave town. The Glacier Highway has no services between Juneau and the turnaround point at Echo Cove, about 40 miles out. Cell service is spotty, so don't rely on your phone for navigation or emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish Montana Creek?

No. The creek is small and easy to navigate, and the fish are not hard to find if you fish the deeper pools. A guide can save you time and show you the best spots, but many anglers fish Montana Creek on their own without trouble. If you've never fished Alaska before, a guide is worth the cost for one trip to learn the patterns and water conditions.

What's the best time of year to fish Montana Creek?

August through September for Coho salmon, June through August for pink salmon, and May through October for resident fish. If you want to avoid crowds and fish when the creek is quieter, target resident cutthroat and Dolly Varden in May, September, or October. Winter is possible but difficult because of ice and high water.

Can I keep fish I catch at Montana Creek?

Yes, within the daily bag limits set by Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Salmon are good eating if you bleed and ice them quickly. Resident fish are smaller and less meaty, but they're still worth keeping if you want a meal. Check current regulations for the exact limits before you fish.

How far is Montana Creek from downtown Juneau?

About 12 miles north on the Glacier Highway, roughly a 20-minute drive depending on traffic. The road is paved and well-maintained, but it can be icy in winter. The drive is scenic, passing through forest and along the coast.

What if the salmon aren't running when I visit?

Fish for resident cutthroat and Dolly Varden instead. They're smaller and less exciting than salmon, but they're present year-round and willing to bite on small flies and spinners. Spring and fall are the best seasons for residents because water temperatures are cooler and the fish are more active.