Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka

Archived Sport Fishing Report

November 29, 2018

Saltwater Fisheries:

King Salmon

Fishing is expected to be slow for king salmon during the winter months.

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).

Shellfish

Pot fishing for shrimp and Dungeness crab has been average to good this fall. Catch rates should be decent throughout the winter months.

NEW!
Shrimp fishers must obtain a no-cost permit in advance and record their harvest on the paper permit. The shrimp harvest, location, and number of pots pulled must be recorded each day, and the permit must be returned to ADF&G or reported online at the end of the year.

Freshwater Fisheries:

 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. 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.

NEW!
Check out the Sitka interactive map to discover popular fishing locations and information on species run timing, fishing gear selections, and boat and angler access tips thru the Sport Fish gofishak application

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