Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg

Archived Sport Fishing Report

September 29, 2017

King Salmon

Due to conservation concerns, the retention of king salmon is prohibited in all Southeast Alaska salt waters, including the Petersburg/Wrangell area. This closure went into effect 12:01am, Thursday, August 10, 2017 and will continue until October 1, 2017.

After 12:01 a.m. October 1, 2017 sport fishing will open to king salmon fishing in salt water with the following regulations:

Residents:

• Bag and possession limit is two king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length.
• Residents may use two rods when fishing for king salmon from October 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018. Residents using two rods may only retain king salmon.

Nonresidents:

• Bag and possession limit is one king salmon greater than 28 inches in length.
• The nonresident annual limit is three king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length. Nonresidents shall immediately record, in ink, all king salmon harvested either on the back of their sport fishing license or on a nontransferable harvest record.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon catch rates have fallen in the marine fishery while increasing numbers of coho are being found in freshwaters. Hatchery coho returns to Blind slough appear to be strong and fresh coho are continuing to enter the system. Typically, freshwater fishing for coho peaks in mid-September and opportunity will continue through October for the majority of systems in the area.

Rockfish

Nonpelagic rockfish regulations for Southeast Alaska Inside waters, including the Petersburg and Wrangell management area:

• The nonpelagic rockfish bag and possession limit is one fish.
• Nonresident anglers have an annual limit of one yelloweye.
• All nonpelagic rockfish must be retained until the bag limit is reached.

There is no closed season for nonpelagic rockfish in the Southeast Alaska Inside waters. Anglers are encouraged to use a rockfish release device whenever releasing nonpelagic rockfish. Please see the “Southeast Alaska Sport Fish Regulation Summary” or visit your local ADF&G office to see examples of rockfish release devices and learn about their use.

Dolly Varden, Rainbow trout and Cutthroat 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 return to freshwater to spawn these species can often be found feeding on loose salmon eggs. Dolly Varden can also be an exciting catch in the nearshore marine waters. When fishing for trout be sure to check the "2017 Southeast Alaska Sport Fish Regulation Summary" (available anywhere fishing licenses are sold) 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 harvest reports remain good throughout the area. Halibut catch rates typically increase throughout the summer as these fish migrate into the area and remain stable throughout the early fall.