Juneau-Douglas City Museum

Diagram of a fish trap used by Indigenous Australians. Image courtesy of https://www.questacon.edu.au/discover/burarra-gathering/extra-information/fish-trap

The trap was anchored to the river bottom, with a fence or weir like structure built in the river to direct fish into the trap entrance. Once inside, most fish could not get out of the small inner opening of the funnel.

We do not know for certain. It is possible they were removed from the back end of the trap.  Unfortunately, that part no longer exists for us to study. We can study the funnel end, and the lashings there indicate the funnel was permanently attached. In the middle of one side, there are tool marks and rope cordage that suggest the trap may have had a small door. 

Dolly Varden trout and several kinds of salmon were known to use this stream. Apparently, eulachon and king salmon did not.

How did the Trap Work?

Introduction and Preparation

Observe a Photograph

Use the text tool to label the parts of the Montana Creek fish trap: FUNNEL, STAVE, HOOP, LASHING and also use the paint tool to draw an X on a STAVE, a HOOP and a LASHING. Be sure to use a paint and text color that stands out. 

Label the Parts of the Montana Creek Fish Trap

The Montana Creek fish trap was made from plants that grow in Southeast Alaska. The design of this trap was very effective because it allowed fish to enter the trap easily. Once inside, the fish were unable to get back out. Click on the image to learn more about the shape of the Montana Creek fish trap and the plants that were harvested to create the trap.

Montana Creek Fish Trap Design

Learn about Kaxdegoowu Héen Sháali from discovery to exhibition at the City Museum in Juneau, Alaska. 

A Very Old Fish Trap

Design Your Own Trap

What Makes a Trap a Trap?

Explore the timeline map to see what else was happening when the Montana Creek fish trap was made!

Timeline Map 1300-1500

In this resource kit you will observe an ancient funnel trap once used for fishing near Juneau, Alaska, you will construct a simple funnel trap to capture and hold a marble, and build and test a trap of your own design.

Resource Kits

Object Library

Museums

Kaxdegoowu Héen Sháali (Montana Creek Fish Trap)

How did the Trap Work?