Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg

Archived Sport Fishing Report

August 13, 2015

Saltwater Fishing

King Salmon

King salmon catch rates have declined for the season. Anglers may contnue to intercept king salmon in the area but expect slower catch rates.  Anglers are reminded that liberalized regulations that were in effect for the District 8 and the Blind Slough THA have expired. When fishing for king salmon anywhere in the marine waters of the Petersburg/Wrangell management area, the regulations described in the news release "Revised Southeast Alaska Regional King Salmon Sport Fishing Regulations for 2015" are in effect. Please see the "Emergency Orders" link at the bottom of this page for this announcement.

Anglers are reminded that fishing for king salmon in the freshwaters of the Petersburg/Wrangell management area is closed with the exception of Blind Slough near Petersburg.  Special regulations for Blind Slough are described on page 25 of the "Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regualtions Summary".

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon catch rates have been fair and are expected to hold through the begining of September.   Coho are now being found in many freshwaters streams and rivers.  Blind Slough is open to fishing for coho salmon.

Halibut

We are now in the peak of the season for Halibut and good catch rates are being reported.  Typically halibut catch rates increase throughout the summer as they migrate into the area and will remain stable 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.

Freshwater Fishing

Dolly Varden, Rainbow trout and Cuthroat trout

There are several great locations for fishing trout and Dolly Varden both on and off the road system in the Petersburg/Wrangell area. As salmon move into freshwaters to spawn fishing can be excellent.  Loose eggs dropped by salmon are eagerly snatched up by trout and Dolly Varden.  Anglers commonly use spinning rods with small spinners or lead head jigs and fly rods with beads or egg patterns.  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.