Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka
Archived Sport Fishing Report
September 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
Catch rates for king salmon continue to be at or above the ten-year average. During the marine catch sampling period of August 26th through September 1st, king salmon were harvested primarily from West Kruzof and Cape Edgecumbe. Kings are being caught trolling or mooching herring, or trolling hoochies and spoons.
Silver Salmon
Catch rates for silver salmon continued to decrease the past week after peaking three weeks ago. Silver fishing was most productive near Cape Edgecumbe and West Kruzof. Catch rates dropped significantly below the recent ten-year average for the sample period of August 26th through September 1st.
Halibut
Halibut fishing has been consistent in Sitka. Catch rates are at or above the recent ten-year average. During the marine catch sampling period of August 26th through September 1st, halibut were harvested primarily from outer Kruzof Island/Sitka Sound to offshore waters from Salisbury Sound to Sitka Sound. Fishing has improved also in Sitka Sound, and closer to town.
Lingcod
Sport fishing for lingcod has been good recently. Try fishing near pinnacles and structure with large whole herring, or large lead/rubber or metal jigs.
Rockfish
Fishing for all rockfish is open and has been excellent.
Freshwater Fisheries:
Silver Salmon
Silver salmon should soon begin to enter freshwaters during the month of September. Fish tend to be fresher early on than later as the season progresses. Be aware of special regulations for certain freshwater streams with regards to fishing for salmon. Try casting spinners or spoons or using brightly colored flies.
Pink/Chum Salmon
Pink and chum salmon are currently spawning in creeks and streams around the Sitka area. Creeks and streams are low, and most fish are crammed in small pockets of water. Be aware of special regulations for certain freshwater streams with regards to fishing for salmon. Try casting spinners or spoons or using brightly colored flies.
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 excellent right now with salmon currently spawning in most freshwaters. Try using spinners, spoons, or flies mimicking juvenile salmon, leeches, or eggs/flesh.