Area Sport Fishing Reports
Yakutat
Archived Sport Fishing Report
April 02, 2021
* Just a reminder to all our anglers, please do your part to help slow the spread of Covid-19 by following and reviewing the current State of Alaska Health Mandates in effect. This includes practicing social distancing while sport and personal use fishing and wearing a face covering when fishing and if you are needing fishing supplies from your local store as indicated in Health Alert 010.
Freshwaters
Steelhead Trout
Water conditions on the Situk River have yet to improve, and as a result, steelhead fishing continues to be very slow. Winter conditions persist in the Yakutat area with high snow levels and cold temperatures. Temperatures are still dropping well below freezing every night and very little precipitation has fallen to raise water levels. Low water levels and water temperatures that are below average have stymied steelhead migration into the river. Snow levels continue to increase making it difficult to access the river at traditional access points. Large amounts of woody debris and low water levels are making it very difficult to float/run the river in boats. There have been some fish sightings however between the bridge and lower landing. It's estimated for that entire stretch though there are only about 150-250 fish spread out over 13 river miles. There have also been reports of only a single fish being seen entering the river on the incoming tides.
With the low, clear, and cold water it is not only difficult to approach resting fish, but also to get them to strike as well as get your gear to drift. The 10-day weather forecast calls for some decent precipitation starting Sunday through Tuesday which should raise water levels a little. But beyond that, the forecast calls for temperatures to drop significantly again. At this point, it is safe to assume the run will not be early, and now the question will be whether it is on time or late. Fishing success will continue to be low until water levels and temperatures rise.
Saltwaters
King Salmon
Sportfishing for king salmon is open in Yakutat area marine waters. Reports of fishing out in Yakutat Bay have not been good recently, however. No fish being caught have been reported for many anglers over the past week. Also of note is that not much, if any bait has been seen in the bay. Most anglers are trolling spoons or herring behind a flasher.
Halibut
Halibut fishing is slow. Constant storms make getting out to fishing grounds difficult.
Lingcod
Lingcod fishing is closed until May 16th.
Rockfish
Fishing for rockfish should be excellent in the Yakutat area.
For further information, please contact the Yakutat Area Sport Fish management biologist Jason Pawluk at (907) 784-3222.