Area Sport Fishing Reports
Yakutat

Archived Sport Fishing Report

August 05, 2021

NEW! Check out the wefishak page on the ADF&G website for the new gofishak interactive map to discover popular fishing locations and information on species run timing, fishing gear selections, and boat and angler access tips!

The previous interactive map for the Yakutat area is still available but will be retired after September 1, 2021. For the most up-to-date information, please use the new app linked above.

* 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

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye fishing continues to slow down on the Situk River. Sockeye salmon are spread throughout the Situk River system, but a large number of pink salmon have moved into the river making hooking up with a sockeye difficult. Try drifting small flies or corkies and yarn with single octopus hooks with a weight about two to three feet above.

Coho Salmon

Coho fishing is extremely slow on the Situk River. Only seven coho have even passed the weir so far. Fishing should start improving around mid-August.

Pink Salmon

Pink fishing is excellent on the lower Situk River. A large number of pinks are holding in the lower river, downstream of the weir. Try using any brightly colored lure with a hook.

Saltwaters

King Salmon

Saltwater king fishing is closed to non-residents during the month of August. Resident king salmon fishing has slowed over the last couple of weeks. Coho salmon and pink salmon have moved into the area making it difficult to find the kings. Some good fishing locations include Ocean Cape, Monti Bay, and Kahntaak Island. Most anglers are trolling spoons or herring behind a flasher near the shoreline or around rocky structures. Try fishing in 40-70 feet of water while trolling your gear between 20-40 feet deep. King fishing closes to non-residents during the month of August.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon have arrived in Yakutat and fishing continues to pick up over the last week. Coho are being caught near Ocean Cape, Monti Bay, and Kahntaak Island. Most anglers are trolling spoons or herring behind a flasher near the shoreline or around rocky structures. Try fishing in 40-70 feet of water while trolling your gear between 20-40 feet deep. Mooching is also an effective method when a group of coho is found.

Halibut

Halibut fishing is good right now in Yakutat. The upcoming weeks' forecast should make halibut fishing a little more difficult though. Fishing should only improve from this point forward as more fish move onshore following the pinks and coho.

Lingcod

Lingcod fishing is good right now. Fish near rocky structures or pinnacles with lead/rubber jigs or herring for the best success.

Rockfish

Fishing for black rockfish is excellent in the Yakutat area. Fish near rocky structures or pinnacles with small metal jigs/darts or mooch herring for the best success.

For further information, please contact the Yakutat Area Sport Fish management biologist Jason Pawluk at (907) 784-3222.

Helpful links