Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka

Archived Sport Fishing Report

May 20, 2019

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.

Relevant Spring Fisheries:

Steelhead

The spring steelhead fishing season is peaking on local rivers and creeks. Fishing has been mixed. Fish are present in the streams, but difficult to target as water levels are very low and clear. Fish become spooked when approached, making it difficult to catch them. The extended forecast looks dry for the near future meaning water levels will remain low. Fishing should be good early in the morning or at dusk. Streams that receive very little to no pressure should produce better catch rates regardless of water conditions.

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 excellent right now. Juvenile pink salmon are being seen in large numbers throughout harbors and mouths of streams. Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, and other resident species target these fish as they migrate and exit streams. Fishing should be good for the next few weeks.

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. 

King Salmon

King fishing is good right now in Sitka Sound. Most of the effort has been expended at Vitskari rocks, with limits being caught. Kings are also being caught near town in Western Channel, Long Island, Heyward Straight, and Beehive Islands. King salmon fishing in Sitka area waters should continue to improve through mid to late-May.

Other Fisheries

Halibut

Halibut fishing has been decent off the coast in outer waters. It has been slow fishing in Sitka Sound. Halibut fishing in Sitka area waters should begin to pick up by mid to late-May.

Lingcod

Sport fishing for lingcod opened Thursday, May 16th in Southeast Alaska. 

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.

Helpful links