Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg
Archived Sport Fishing Report
August 24, 2016
Coho Salmon
Historically marine catch rates of coho salmon are at their peak from late July through August. Coho are now present in many of the area’s streams and lakes as these fish are moving into their natal freshwater habitat to spawn. For most streams in the area, freshwater coho fishing opportunity is best in September as more coho begin to move into freshwater and pink and chum salmon begin to drop out of these systems; however opportunity for coho can be had through October.
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.
King Salmon
The peak of the marine king salmon fishing season is now behind us. King salmon can be intercepted in marine waters year round but typically catch rates are much reduced from that of the peak season.
The hatchery produced king salmon returns to Blind Slough (near Petersburg) is largely complete. Spawning of Crystal Lake king salmon is now completed with a full complement of eggs collected.
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.