Area Sport Fishing Reports
Juneau

Archived Sport Fishing Report

May 06, 2015

Regulations for King Salmon in District 11 (Juneau area)

Anglers are reminded that Juneau area king salmon regulations that were announced April 1, 2015 are still in effect until June 30, 2015. They are:

 

•  The king salmon bag and possession limit is one king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length for all anglers,

 

• The waters of the upper Taku inlet north of a line from Cooper Point to the mouth of Dorothy Creek are closed to king salmon fishing.

The southern boundary of the District 11 area is defined by a line from Pt. Hugh to Pt. League in Stephens Passage, and a line at the Latitude of 57o 37’ N across lower Seymour Canal. The northern boundary of District 11 is defined by a line from Little Island light to Pt. Retreat and at the Latitude of Little Island light to the mainland. All of the area between these southern and northern boundary lines is considered to be within District 11. 

King Salmon Fishing Report for Juneau Area

Fishing for spring king salmon is heating up with reports of some good catch rates for marine boat and shore based anglers. North Douglas, Tee Harbor, and the Breadliine have all reported king salmon catches. Saltwater anglers fishing from shore have the opportunity to catch these large fish at one of the many popular “points” around town, or head out in the boat. There is no shortage of specialized king salmon gear, so find your favorite flasher, spoon or herring and go for it! As the creel sampling crews at local ports along the Juneau road system gather more data look for more detailed fishing report in the coming weeks.  

 

 Regional Regulations for Southeast Marine Waters Outside of Juneau

These regulations will be effective 12:01 a.m. Friday May 1, 2015 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2016:?

Alaskan Resident

• The resident bag and possession limit is three king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length.

Nonresident

• The nonresident bag and possession limit is one king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length, except during May and June, during which the bag and possession limit is two king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length;
• The nonresident annual limit is six king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length.

 From October 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016; sport anglers may use two rods when fishing for king salmon.

 

Steelhead Trout fishing

Typically Steelhead anglers aim to intercept the fish as they enter into streams from the salt water in late April and early to mid May. Often, entire days can be spent searching for a few quality “looks” at a fish, so don’t be discouraged if it takes time, because the fight in a fresh steelie will make it all worthwhile. Most streams that contain steelhead in Southeast have small annual returns (in the hundreds) and thus can be vulnerable to over-fishing. Retention of steelhead in the Juneau area is prohibited. Any steelhead caught in a drainage crossed by the Juneau road system must be released immediately. There are a number of streams on the Juneau road system that support small runs of Steelhead. Keep in mind that these runs are potentially vulnerable and all fish should be treated with great care regardless of fish size.
Elsewhere in the Southeast region, regionwide regulations prohibit any steelhead under 36” from being harvested and require that a harvest report (on the back of the fishing license) be completed in ink immediately upon landing a steelhead that is to be harvested. Other areas of Southeast have different steelhead regulations. Be sure to the check the 2015 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations for area-specific regulations for steelhead.

Other trout/Dolly Varden fishing

Sea run Dolly Varden and other trout that exit their “over wintering” sites (lakes and ponds) and head downstream for the ocean are known as “anadromous” fish. Lake outlets and streams that connect to the salt water are prime places to harvest these fish in the spring. After the outmigration, the saltwater shoreline fishing can be very productive as Dollies and other trout begin to spend most of their time looking for food by cruising the rocky coves and bays. Spoons and spinners work well, as do smolt and fry imitations. There will also be some fish that do not exit their “over wintering” sites and head for the ocean. Known as “residents”, these fish stay in their home lake, pond, or corresponding stream the entire year. While these fish may move around in the system to take advantage of food or environmental conditions, they will be present for your fishing pleasure all year. Anglers should check the 2015 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary Booklet for current regulations.