Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka

Archived Sport Fishing Report

July 19, 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

Catch rates for king salmon have started to decline since the beginning of July in the Sitka area. However, based on marine sport catch sampling, catch rates are still four times better than last year for the same time period and near the recent 10-year mean. During the marine catch sampling period of July 10th through July 14th, king salmon were harvested primarily from Biorka 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 decline through late-August.

Silver Salmon

Silver fishing has slowly improved in the Sitka area with anglers starting to catch a few more silvers near Cape Edgecumbe and West Kruzof. Catch rates are lower than the recent ten-year average for the sample period of July 10th through July 14th. It is still early and more will be known about catch rates as the bulk of the runs near in the next couple weeks. 

Pink Salmon

Pink fishing has begun in the Sitka area with anglers starting to catch pinks near Cape Edgecumbe and West Kruzof. Catch rates were much higher than the recent ten-year average for the sample period of July 10th through July 14th. With cooler weather and some possible precipitation, the pink salmon should begin moving closer to shore in greater numbers. 

Halibut

Halibut fishing has been consistent in Sitka. Catch rates have improved to slightly better than the recent ten year average. During the marine catch sampling period of July 10th through July 14th, halibut were harvested primarily from outer Kruzof Island/Sitka Sound to offshore waters from Salisbury Sound to Sitka Sound. Fishing has improved slightly in Sitka Sound, and closer to town. Halibut fishing in Sitka area waters should begin to pick up by late July with more bait (herring, salmon, crab, etc.) moving inside the Sound.

Lingcod

Sport fishing for lingcod has been good recently. Try fishing near pinnacles and structure with whole herring, or large lead/rubber or metal jigs. 

Rockfish

Fishing for rockfish has improved over the last couple of weeks and is greater than 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.

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