Area Sport Fishing Reports
Yakutat

Archived Sport Fishing Report

April 14, 2022

Freshwaters

Steelhead Trout

The weather in Yakutat has switched to clear, sunny, and dry conditions since last weekend and are forecasted for the next week. Temperatures are getting down to the teens as predicted but are warming quickly to the 40s once the sun rises up. The cold weather sets up nice for walking on the snow in the morning which there is a lot of at the 9-mile bridge.

Water conditions on the Situk River have stabilized and dropped to near mean historical levels over the past week. Currently, we are at a discharge of around 230cfs. Discharge should continue to drop over the next week making wading conditions ideal, especially in the upper river stretches. As a benchmark, it becomes increasingly difficult to cross the river in certain locations with flows greater than 350cfs. Water temperatures are definitely below normal for this time of year and look to stay that way for the next week with this clear, cool weather. It is safe to say this year's run will not be early, and based on water temps is starting to look like a normal to somewhat later run-timing. The next week will indicate if the run might be late due to the colder water temperatures. Snow levels at the nine-mile bridge continue to make it difficult to access the river at traditional access points without walking on or through it. Boating conditions are good right now with the normal water levels.

Anglers are reporting catching steelhead throughout the drainage, but not in large numbers yet. Reports have ranged from zero to up to five fish days. Boaters are reporting groups of fish between the bridge and the lower landing, but not large numbers. A few fresh fish have been caught in the lower reaches. The bulk of the run has yet to enter the river, and most likely won't until water temps warm-up. Fishing conditions are good however with maybe a slight drawback of fish hiding under brushy banks and woody debris during the bright sunny days.

Saltwaters

King Salmon

Sportfishing for king salmon is open in Yakutat area marine waters. Reports of fishing by trollers in Yakutat Bay have been good recently. The herring spawn should be ending soon which should make it easier to find king salmon to strike. Most anglers are trolling spoons or herring behind a flasher.

Halibut

Halibut fishing should be starting to pick up. The current nice weather should make it possible to get out front along the coast.

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.