Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka

Archived Sport Fishing Report

June 15, 2018

Saltwater Fisheries

King Salmon

King salmon fishing is improving in the Sitka area. Logbook data prior to June 3rd indicated that Charter boats were spending approximately four hours fishing for salmon a day with four clients to catch just over one king salmon per trip. Since June 3rd, the last day of the Sitka King Salmon derby, logbook submissions have shown an improvement in catch rates. Since June 3rd charter vessels are fishing approximately four hours with four clients to catch just over two fish. Logbook data and verbal fishing reports received recently suggest the areas with the best catch rates continue to be The Cape, Shelikof Bay, and Salisbury Sound. The next two weeks have historically seen the highest catch rates in the marine sport fishery.

Halibut

Halibut fishing has been good recently with most guided anglers achieving their bag limits. Good halibut catches have been reported off The Cape. Halibut fishing in most Sitka area waters should be good through the fall months.

Lingcod

Fishing has been average for lingcod in the Sitka area. Try fishing locations near pinnacles or ledges in the ocean floor. Large lead jigs or rubber-tail jigs baited or not seem to work well.

Rockfish

Fishing for rockfish is good. Rockfish are available year-round, and fishing is generally good this time of year. Any type of shiny lure or bait will work for rockfish. 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.

Freshwater Fisheries

Steelhead

The spring steelhead fishing season is essentially over. Most adult steelhead have emigrated from streams back into the saltwater. A few streams still have steelhead present but will most likely be exiting the system soon. The next reasonable opportunity to target steelhead in Sitka area waters will be on a few select streams in late-fall.

Dolly Varden and Trout

Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout can be targeted year-round. Fishing is good for these species right now.

Fishing with lures (spinners, spoons, plugs) or flies that imitate juvenile pink salmon emigrating from local streams should produce. There are several great locations for trout and Dolly Varden fishing in the Sitka Area. On the road system the freshwaters of Starrigavin Creek, Indian River and Sawmill Creek should be productive, while lakes such as Thimbleberry, Heart, and Beaver lakes offer unique fishing experiences. Most other stream mouths accessible by boat or plane should be good as well.

For further information, please feel free to contact the Sitka area sportfish management staff at (907) 747-5355.