December 29, 2014

Winter Fishing

During mid-winter around Juneau, most anglers take a few months off and prepare for the upcoming spring and summer season. However, some angling opportunities still exist during the winter months. Ice fishing is typically done with light tackle and with the use of an “auger” to open a hole in the ice. By regulation, sport fishing through the ice is permitted with the use of two closely attended lines, provided only one hook or artifical lure is used on each line. Various lakes in the Juneau area are open to ice fishing for “over-wintering” trout and Dolly Varden. Please check the 2014 Sport Fishing Regulations Booklet (still applicable for 2015) for lakes that are open and the associated regulations. Remember, most lakes in the Juneau area are off limits to the use of bait so be sure to check the regulations.  It’s also always a good idea to check the local weather conditions before heading onto the ice. Be safe, stay warm and have fun!

Auke Lake
•Bait prohibited, only unbaited artificial lures or flies may be used year-round
•Closed to sockeye salmon and Dolly Varden fishing.  All sockeye salmon and Dolly Varden caught must be released immediately
•Cutthroat and rainbow trout limits (in combination): 2 daily, 2 in possession, 14" minimum size limit/22" maximum size limit

Mendenhall Lake
•Bait prohibited, only unbaited artificial lures or flies may be used year-round
•Closed to Dolly Varden fishing.  All Dolly Varden caught must be released immediately

Morraine and Glacier lakes
•Bait prohibited, only unbaited artificial lures or flies may be used year-round
•Dolly Varden: no size restrictions—2 daily, 2 in possession
•Cutthroat and rainbow trout limits (in combination): 2 daily, 2 in possession, 14 inch minimum and 22 inch maximum size limit
•Remainder of lakes in the Dredge Lakes Area (ie. Crystal, Dredge, Moose, etc…) have same bag and possession limits above but bait is allowed Sept. 15 – Nov. 15

Peterson Creek Salt Chuck
•Bait prohibited, only unbaited artificial lures or flies may be used year-round
•Dolly Varden: no size restrictions—2 daily, 2 in possession
•Cutthroat and rainbow trout limits (in combination): 2 daily, 2 in possession, 14 inch minimum and 22 in maximum size limit

Windfall Lake
•Bait prohibited, only unbaited artificial lures or flies may be used year-round
•Dolly Varden: no size restrictions—2 daily, 2 in possession
•Cutthroat and rainbow trout limits (in combination): 2 daily, 2 in possession, 14 inch minimum and 22 inch maximum size limit

Peterson Lake
•The use of bait only allowed from September 15 through November 15
•Dolly Varden: no size restrictions—2 daily, 2 in possession
•Cutthroat and rainbow trout limits (in combination): 2 daily, 2 in possession, 14 inch minimum and 22 in maximum size limit

Twin Lakes
•The use of bait is allowed year-round
•Stocked juvenile salmon (Chum, coho, king, pink, and sockeye) limits (in combination): 10 daily, 10 in possession, 16 inches or less
•Cutthroat and rainbow trout limits (in combination): 5 daily, 5 in possession, no size limit

Salmon Creek Reservoir
•The use of bait is allowed year-round
•Brook trout: no size limit—10 daily, 10 in possession
 

In addition to ice fishing, anglers can target king salmon while trolling the salt waters near Juneau. King salmon are present in local marine waters throughout the year. The following regulations apply for the 2014/2015 winter season:

Winter king salmon trolling (saltwater) October 1, 2014 - March 31, 2015
•The resident bag and possession limit is three king salmon 28 inches or greater in length.

•The nonresident bag and possession limit is one king salmon 28 inches or greater in length. The nonresident annual limit is six king salmon 28 inches or greater in length.  

•From October 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015; sport anglers may use two rods while fishing for king salmon; sport anglers using two rods may only retain king salmon.

With relatively mild temperatures so far this winter, anglers have been putting in the rod hours and are having success catching winter kings.  Good spots to try for winter king salmon around Juneau include Auke Bay, backside of Douglas Island, and south of town along the Admiralty Island shoreline.  Try fishing a bit shallower this time of year then you would in late summer, and concentrate you’re fishing around the tide changes.  Hot king salmon colors include white, red, and chartreuse, and any flashers with UV reflectiveness will help with the reduced light during the winter hours.  Try running a whole herring or hoochie behind a large hotspot type flasher. Make sure to check the weather before heading out and let someone know where you are planning to go, as the weather can change quickly this time of year. Dress warmly and good fishing!