Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka
Archived Sport Fishing Report
July 05, 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 in Sitka. Based on marine sport catch sampling, catch rates are better than last year for the same time period, and above the recent 10-year mean. During the marine catch sampling period of June 26th through June 30th, king salmon were harvested primarily from outer Kruzof Island and Cape Edgecumbe. Kings are being caught trolling or mooching herring, or trolling hoochies and spoons. King salmon fishing in Sitka area waters should continue to improve through late-June.
Silver Salmon
Silver fishing has begun in the Sitka area with anglers starting to catch a few silvers near Cape Edgecumbe. Catch rates are lower than the recent ten-year average, along with pink and chum salmon catch rates. It is still early for these species and more will be known about catch rates as the bulk of these runs near in the next couple weeks.
Halibut
Halibut fishing has been consistent in Sitka. Catch rates continue to be lower than the recent ten year average. During the marine catch sampling period of June 26th through June 30th, 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. Try fishing near pinnacles and structure with large lead/rubber or metal jigs.
Rockfish
Fishing for rockfish remains steady but is below the recent ten-year average in the Sitka area. 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. Sitka has a few streams and lakes that have resident species available such as Indian River, Thimbleberry lake and Heart Lake. Fishing is decent right now. Try using spinners, spoons, or flys mimicking juvenile salmon, leeches, or eggs/flesh.