Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka
Archived Sport Fishing Report
October 01, 2018
Saltwater Fisheries:
King Salmon
Fishing is expected to be slow for king salmon during the winter months.
Silver Salmon
Silver salmon fishing in the Sitka area has slowed as the season draws to a close.
Halibut
Halibut will be available over most of the winter months and should still be good during October and November. Fishing for halibut closes from January 1st through January 31st.
Lingcod
Fishing has been slow 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. Fishing for lingcod closes from December 1st through May 15th.
Rockfish
Fishing for rockfish continues to be excellent. Rockfish are available year-round, and fishing is generally good this time of year. Any type of shiny lure or bait will work. Please see p. 38 of the “Southeast Alaska Sport Fish Regulation Summary” or visit your local ADF&G office to see examples of rockfish groupings (pelagic vs. nonpelagic).
Freshwater Fisheries:
Silver Salmon
Silvers are present in most Sitka area freshwater streams. Fishing has been slow for silvers in freshwaters recently. Bait is allowed in all flowing freshwaters through November 15th, except for Port Banks Creek.
Dolly Varden and Trout
Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout can be targeted year-round. Fishing is good for these species right now as coho salmon prepare to spawn and die and resident species position themselves alongside these spawning fish.
Fishing with beads imitating salmon eggs, or egg or flesh fly patterns are the primary gear when salmon are spawning. Lures tend to catch mostly spawning salmon during this time. Almost every freshwater system will have spawning salmon in it throughout 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 Sport Fish management staff at (907) 747-5355.