Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka

Archived Sport Fishing Report

July 03, 2018

Saltwater Fisheries:

King Salmon

King salmon fishing during the last two weeks of June was slow in the Sitka area during a time when catch rates should have peaked. Based on logbook data, catch rates dropped from over two kings a trip in early June down to between one and two king salmon a trip on average for charter boats that are targeting salmon. Catch rates continue to be higher near Cape Edgecumbe and Biorka Island. Given the start of the summer commercial troll fishery on July 1, the next two weeks will undoubtedly see even lower catch rates in the marine sport fishery. Fishing is expected to be slow for king salmon for the foreseeable future.

Silver Salmon

Silver salmon fishing has picked up a little over the last few days with boats catching on average more than one fish a day. Catch rates for silvers will only increase from this point forward with peak catches occurring in late July/early August.

Halibut

Halibut fishing has been good recently with most guided anglers achieving their bag limits. Good halibut catches have been reported off The Cape and west Kruzof. Halibut fishing in most Sitka area waters should peak 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 excellent. 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:

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon have begun to move into freshwater streams in fishable numbers. Systems such as Redoubt Lake, Lake Eva, and Klag Creek should produce good opportunities for anglers to catch sockeyes in freshwaters. Best methods for catching include using small streamer flies with small weights and flipping from shore into swift current where the fish are moving upstream.

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.