Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg
Archived Sport Fishing Report
July 07, 2015
Saltwater Fishing
King Salmon
As the season progresses and king salmon continue to move towards spawning grounds, anglers can expect to see marine catch rates begin to decline. The vast majority of Stikine River king salmon have now moved into freshwater. Anglers still have the opportunity to harvest enhanced king salmon returning to Crystal Lake hatchery as these fish are collecting in the Blind Slough terminal area.
Anglers are reminded that king salmon regulations vary according to the body of water being fished in the Petersburg/Wrangell area. Please see the "Emergency Orders" link at the bottom of this page for current information. Currently the Blind Slough terminal harvest area near Petersburg has been liberalized to allow opportunity to target enhanced king salmon originating from the Crystal Lake Hatchery. King salmon regulations have also been liberalized for marine waters surrounding the mouth of the Stikine River (District 8) however, these liberalized regulations for the Stikine area expire at midnight on July 15th at which time the waters of District 8 will revert to the Revised Southeast Alaska King Salmon Sport Fishing Regulations. All other marine areas in the Petersburg/Wrangell area fall under the Revised Southeast Alaska King Salmon Sport Fishing Regulations. Please take note that regional king salmon regulations have been revised as of July 1st, the resident bag and possession limit has changed and the nonresident bag, possession, and annual limit has changed.
Coho Salmon
As king salmon catch rates are declining, coho salmon catch rates are increasing. While it is still early for coho salmon, catch rates typically jump dramatically in early to mid July as these fish began moving into the area. Anglers can expect freshwater opportunity for coho salmon fishing to begin in August.
Halibut
Halibut are being landed on a regular basis now and catch rates are expected to increase as we move into July. Typically halibut catch rates increase throughout the summer as they migrate into the area and will stable remain throughout the early fall. Halibut are often targeted by fishing the bottom using bait and circle hooks but can also be caught by anglers while trolling for salmon.
Dolly Varden
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. Popular locations to fish are near Eagles Roost with an incoming tide and along the shoreline of Bananna point.
Freshwater Fishing
Rainbow and Cuthroat trout
There are several great locations for rainbow and cuthroat trout in the Petersburg/Wrangell area. As waters warm, these species can provide fast paced action for anglers. Anglers commonly use spinning rods with small spinners or lead head jigs and fly rods with a variety of wet and dry flys. When fishing for trout be sure to check the 2015 Southeast Alaska Sport Fish Regulation Summary to understand regulations for the waterbody you intend to fish. Regulations regarding size limits, bag limits and the use of bait can vary by waterbody.
King Salmon
The Petersburg area offers a unique opportunity to fish for king salmon In the Blind Slough terminal harvest area. These king salmon are part of a hatchery release from the Crystal Lake Hatchery and are now returning to complete their life cycle. Please see the "Emergency Order" link at the bottom of this page for bag, possession and gear restrictions in Blind Slough.
Anglers often use the U.S. Forest Service, Blind River Rapids Trail to access the best freshwater fishing areas. Spin casting and fly rods alike can be used with a variety of gear to entice these fish to bite. Anglers typically fish in the large hole immediately above the rapids or the streches of deeper water below the rapids.