Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg

Archived Sport Fishing Report

August 05, 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 hatchery produced king salmon returns to Blind Slough (near Petersburg) is largely complete. A few king salmon may be found in the freshwaters of Blind Slough but the majority of these fish will be in spawning colors. Spawning for these fish typically occurs in mid-August. The preliminary outlook on returning king salmon is good and the hatchery is expected to meet their broodstock collection goals at this time.

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 area marine waters are continuing to strengthen. Marine coho catch rates typically increase dramatically beginning in mid-July and continue until late August. Some nearshore areas and freshwater streams already have coho moving in but for most streams freshwater fishing opportunity peaks in early September, although freshwater fishing opportunity can be had through October as these fish return to spawn.

Dolly Varden, Rainbow trout and Cutthroat trout

The late 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. Trout and Dolly Varden will commonly move into freshwater areas where salmon are spawning to take advantage of salmon eggs as a food source. 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.