Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg

Archived Sport Fishing Report

July 14, 2016

King Salmon

The peak of the marine king salmon fishing season is now behind us. King salmon can still be intercepted in marine waters but typically catch rates are much reduced over the peak season. The majority of transboundary Stikine River king salmon have entered the river by this time although other Alaska wild stocks, non-Alaska stocks, and returning hatchery produced king salmon contribute to the king salmon catches in the area.

Hatchery produced king salmon returning to Blind Slough (near Petersburg) are arriving in the freshwaters and are present in the terminal area of Wrangell Narrows. Early indications of the return strength suggest a level of abundance that is in line with the fairly strong preseason forecast. Angler reports have been good with strong catch rates reported in the Wrangell Narrows and the Blind river rapids. Anglers can expect the marine fishing in Wrangell Narrows to slow as more king salmon move into the freshwaters of Blind River. Anglers are reminded that special regulations apply for the Blind Slough/Wrangell Narrows terminal area. Please see the link to the news release at the bottom of this page for current regulations. In addition to the news releases available on the webpage, signage has also been posted at the entrance to Blind River Rapids and at harbor signboards. Please check these regulations often as inseason action is sometimes necessary to manage this king salmon fishery.

As king salmon return to several wild stock systems in the area, anglers are reminded that Blind Slough is the only location in the Petersburg/Wrangell management area where sport fishing for king salmon in freshwater is permitted. In all other waterbodies of the Petersburg/Wrangell area, including the Stikine River, sport fishing for king salmon in freshwater is closed.

Coho Salmon

Coho catch rates in the area marine waters are continuing to strengthen. Coho catch rates typically increase dramatically beginning in mid-July and continue until late August. Freshwater fishing opportunity for coho salmon can be had beginning in late August and continues through October as these fish return to local stream to spawn.

Dolly Varden, Rainbow trout and Cutthroat trout

Summer is a great time to be fishing for trout. There are several excellent stream and lake locations for fishing trout and Dolly Varden both on and off the road system in the Petersburg/Wrangell area. Dolly Varden can also be an exciting catch in the nearshore marine waters as they cruise the coastline feeding on juvenile salmon and other fish species. When fishing for trout be sure to check the "2016 Southeast Alaska Sport Fish Regulation Summary"(available anywhere licenses are sold or on the ADF&G website) 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.

Halibut

Halibut are currently being caught in local waters and angler reports have been good. Halibut catch rates typically increase throughout the summer as these fish migrate into the area and then remain stable throughout the early fall.