Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka

Archived Sport Fishing Report

September 10, 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.

The next fishing report will be released in October.

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 September 4th through September 8th, king salmon were harvested primarily from West Kruzof and Cape Edgecumbe. Kings are being caught trolling or mooching herring, or trolling hoochies and spoons. Catch rates will continue to be low overall throughout the fall and winter months.

Silver Salmon

Catch rates for silver salmon slightly increased the past week. Silver fishing was most productive near Cape Edgecumbe and West Kruzof. Catch rates remain below the recent ten-year average for the sample period of September 4th through September 8th. Fishing for silvers should remain good for the remainder of September but taper off into the late fall and winter months.

Halibut

Halibut fishing has been good, and consistent in Sitka. Catch rates are above the recent ten-year average. During the marine catch sampling period of September 4th through September 8th, halibut were harvested primarily from Cape Edgecumbe and outer Kruzof Island/Sitka Sound to offshore waters from Salisbury Sound to Sitka Sound. Fishing remains good inside Sitka Sound, and closer to town. Fishing should remain good inside until most of the salmon have died off sometime around November.

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. Water depth of 250ft-450ft is ideal.

Rockfish

Fishing for all rockfish is open and has been excellent.

Freshwater Fisheries:

Bait will be allowed in most freshwaters (see exceptions in Summary Regulation Book) starting on Sunday, September 15th through Friday, November 16th.

Silver Salmon

Silver salmon are beginning to enter freshwater around Sitka. Early on fish will be fresher than 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. Eggs floated under a bobber is another effective set-up for fishing silvers in the fall. Early morning and dusk are the preferred times to target silvers as they get spooked during the bright daylight.

Pink/Chum Salmon

Pink and chum salmon are currently spawning in creeks and streams around the Sitka area. Most fish have spawned and are beginning to die-off. 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.

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