Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka

Archived Sport Fishing Report

July 18, 2018

Saltwater Fisheries:

King Salmon

King salmon fishing in the Sitka area the last two weeks has been very slow. Based on logbook data, catch rates dropped from an average of one king salmon a trip in late June, down to less than half a king salmon a trip in July. Catch rates continue to be higher near Cape Edgecumbe and West Kruzof. With the summer commercial troll fishery closing on July 14, the next two weeks should see a small increase in 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 was slow the first eight days of July. On July 9th catch rates improved dramatically and for the most part have maintained since that date. Although limits are not being obtained, the average catch per angler since July 9th is two fish. The average catch per trip is eight fish with an average of four anglers. Catch rates for silvers should only increase from this point forward with peak catches occurring in late July/early August.

Halibut

Halibut fishing continues to be 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 continue to move into freshwater streams in fishable numbers. Systems such as Redoubt Lake, Lake Eva, Sitkoh Creek, 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.