Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka

Archived Sport Fishing Report

June 11, 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.

Marine Fisheries:

King Salmon

King fishing continues to be good out of Sitka based on anecdotal reports. Based on marine sport catch sampling, sampling rates are better than last year for the same time period. During the marine catch sampling period of June 5th through June 9th, king salmon were harvested primarily from outer Kruzof Island, Vitskari Rocks, and Cape Edgecumbe. Kings are being caught trolling or mooching herring, or trolling hoochies and spoons. King salmon fishing in Sitka area waters should only continue to improve through mid to late-June.

Halibut

Halibut fishing has been good off the coast in outer waters based on sport catch sampling. During the marine catch sampling period of June 5th through June 9th, halibut were harvested primarily from outer Kruzof Island/Sitka Sound to offshore waters from Salisbury Sound to Sitka Sound. Fishing continues to be slow in Sitka Sound, and closer to town. Halibut fishing in Sitka area waters should begin to pick up by late June/July with more bait (herring, salmon, crab, etc.) moving inside the Sound.

Lingcod

Sport fishing for lingcod has been slow to start out the season. Try fishing near pinnacles and structure with large lead/rubber or metal jigs.

Rockfish

Fishing for rockfish is good to excellent. 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.

Freshwater Fisheries:

Dolly Varden and Rainbow/Cutthroat 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.

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