Area Sport Fishing Reports
Haines/Skagway
Archived Sport Fishing Report
September 02, 2014
Fall fishing opportunities
Coho (silver) salmon
Early coho salmon catch rates have been above average in the Chilkat River fish wheels.
Some coho salmon have passed through the Chilkoot River weir. The Chilkoot River doesn't typically see significant numbers of coho salmon until mid-September, after the weir has been removed for the season.
Coho salmon fishing in the Chilkat and Chilkoot rivers will improve when cooler weather slows glacial melt and the river waters drop and become less silty.
Sockeye salmon
Sockeye salmon counts in the Chilkat River fish wheels are average for this time of year. The Chilkat sockeye run will see its seasonal decline through September.
The Chilkoot River sockeye salmon run is winding down, with fewer than 300 fish per day passing upstream through the weir.
Pink salmon
The below-average Chilkoot River pink salmon run is winding down. The pink salmon die-off is reaching its annual peak.
Pink salmon never really showed up in the Chilkat River fish wheels this year. The fish wheel catches were only 1% of average.
Halibut
Anglers report that halibut catch rates are declining as larger fish move south, out of the Haines area.
King salmon
The Skagway king salmon creel survey ended August 31 with zero harvested kings encountered in the final week.
Char and Trout
Seek out Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout in clear water streams and lakes. Dollies and cutties can also be caught in near-shore salt waters.
Bait is prohibited when fishing in Chilkat Lake or Mosquito Lake and their inlet and outlet streams. Use the Sport Fishing Regulations link for details and a map.
2014 summary of Haines and Skagway area salmon runs
King salmon
The Chilkat River king salmon run fell short of the inriver abundance goal range in 2014. Spawning ground surveys are nearly complete.
The August king salmon feeder fishery in Taiya Inlet did not materialize this year.
King salmon broodstock failed to show up at ADF&G's weir in Pullen Creek in August. King salmon smolt releases in Pullen Creek have become intermittent due to lack of broodstock in 2012 and 2014. ADF&G will attempt broodstock collection again in 2015.
Sockeye salmon
The Chilkat Lake weir counts are on track to meet the sockeye salmon escapement goal range.
The Chilkoot River weir counts have exceeded the upper end of the sockeye salmon escapement goal.
Pink salmon
The Chilkoot River pink salmon run was about 40% of average. The Chilkat River pink salmon run was about 1% of average.
Pink salmon have a 2-year life cycle. Runs in upper Lynn Canal tend to be stronger in odd-numbered years than in even-numbered years.
Coho salmon
Coho salmon fishing in Haines/Skagway area fresh water peaks in October. We are expecting an average Chilkat River coho salmon run.