Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka

Archived Sport Fishing Report

April 17, 2019

Relevant Spring Fisheries:

Steelhead

The spring steelhead fishing season has begun on local rivers. Fishing is slow so far. Water levels are extremely low and the low snowpack in the mountains will exacerbate the situation until good rainfall occurs.

Generally associated with stream systems with lakes, the Sitka area has several locations with steelhead. On the road system Sawmill Creek offers the best chance at catching a steelhead, while Indian River and Starrigavin Creek provide less successful opportunities. Other steelhead streams nearby are accessed by boat or airplane and include Salmon Creek, Sitkoh Creek, and Ford Arm Creek among others. Steelhead in the Sitka management area generally enter freshwater streams to spawn during May. 

Dolly Varden and Trout

Dolly Varden and trout can be targeted year-round but are most active in the spring months. Fishing is slow so far. 

Fishing should be good soon as more juvenile pink salmon begin emigrating from local streams. There are several great locations for trout and Dolly Varden fishing in the Sitka Area. On the road system the marine waters near the mouths of Starrigavin Creek, Indian River and Sawmill Creek should be productive. Most other stream mouths accessible by boat or plane should be good as well. 

Other Fisheries:

King Salmon

The few reports received so far indicate king fishing is slow. It is still early to target king salmon as most successful fishing is done in the early summer months. However, catching a king salmon is still possible this time of year. King salmon fishing in Sitka area waters should begin to pick up by mid to late-May.

Halibut

It is still early to target halibut as most fishing is done in the summer months, however catching a halibut is still possible this time of year. Halibut fishing in Sitka area waters should begin to pick up by mid to late-May.

Lingcod

Sport fishing for lingcod is currently closed in all Southeast Alaska waters

Rockfish

Fishing for rockfish is good. Rockfish are available year-round, and fishing is generally good this time of year. 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.

Sitka

An excellent resource for planning a trip to Sitka is the gofishak interactive map which provides information on fishing locations, species run timing, fishing gear and angler access.

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

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