Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg

Archived Sport Fishing Report

October 03, 2016

Coho Salmon

Coho fishing has slowed in the marine waters but fishing in freshwater can be excellent. Coho will be present in freshwater as they complete their spawning until the end of October and occasionally later depending on the unique timing of each system. Coho salmon are known for being aggressive biters and often display spectacular acrobatics on sport gear. Anglers are reminded that bait may be used in many area streams between September 15th and November 15th, but please check pages 25-26 of the Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulation Summary (available online or wherever licenses are sold) to verify the use of bait in the waterbody you intend to fish. Bait is prohibited year round in some drainages while it is permitted year round in others.

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 before declining as some halibut begin to move towards off shore areas.

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.
 

Spawning of Crystal Lake hatchery 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.