Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg

Archived Sport Fishing Report

March 25, 2015

Spring is almost here and with it comes longer days, increasing water temperatures, and a whole new fishing season.  Here are some highlights of spring fishing.

Saltwater Fishing

King Salmon: While the rush of incoming king salmon has not started just yet, winter king salmon fishing opportunities are present through April with catch rates dramatically increasing by mid-May.  Anglers are reminded that while two rods are allowed when fishing king salmon between October 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015 this is almost at a close. 

Dolly Varden and Cutthroat Trout: This time of year Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout and can found cruising along marine shorelines or near stream mouths.  Try fishing nearshore areas with small spinners.  If you are using a fly rod, herring or smolt imitations tend to work well.  To see these species in a chrome bright ocean phase is a great treat.

Freshwater fishing

Steelhead:  We are approaching the prime time for steelhead fishing.  Steelhead are starting to return to their spawning grounds and will continue to have a presence in freshwater through early June.  The Petersburg/Wrangell area has numerous rivers and streams that host relatively small populations of steelhead.  The low snow fall of this winter is providing a unique opportunity to access many locations which are normally difficult for anglers to access due to snow and ice. These beauties are notoriously shy but can be enticed to strike fly's, spinners, or jigs.  Look for steelhead to be occupying the deeper water created by logs or bends in the river or behind larger boulders in a fast moving section of water.  Steelhead can also be found clustering near the inlets and outlets of lakes.