Area Sport Fishing Reports
Juneau

Archived Sport Fishing Report

May 28, 2015

Hatchery King Salmon Regulations in the Juneau Terminal Harvest Area (THA)

Beginning June 1st, liberalized regulations for hatchery king salmon in the Juneau THA will be in effect. For anglers fishing within the Auke Bay/Fritz Cove to Juneau-Douglas Bridge area, the following regulations apply through Saturday, August 31st:

• The daily bag and possession limit is four king salmon of any size;
• King salmon harvested by nonresidents in the designated terminal harvest area and time period do not count toward the annual limit.

Freshwater drainages crossed by the Juneau Road System that are open to sport fishing are now open year-round to king salmon fishing with a bag and possession limit of 4 fish of any size.  King salmon caught by nonresidents in these drainages do not count toward their annual limit.  In addition, liberlized methods and means are in effect for Fish Creek Pond from June 1- August 31. Please consult the 2015 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary Booklet for these regulations.  

Regulations for King Salmon in District 11 (Juneau area) outside of the THA

Anglers are reminded that Juneau area king salmon regulations that were announced April 1, 2015 are still in effect for the District 11 area outside of the THA through 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.

Regional Regulations for Southeast Marine Waters - outside of District 11

Beyond the District 11 boundaries described above, Southeast regionwide regulations are in effect from 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. There is no annual limit.

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; all sport anglers may use two rods when fishing for king salmon. 

King Salmon Fishing Report for Juneau Area

Fishing for king salmon in the Juneau area in recent weeks has been better than previous years for both marine boat and shore based anglers. Creel sampling crews have sampled a total of over 250 king salmon from all areas, with more reported that were not sampled. North Douglas, Tee Harbor, and the Breadline have all reported good catches. Saltwater anglers fishing from shore are reporting good catches from the Picnic Cove/False Outer Point area. So grab your favorite king salmon rod and best of luck! Anglers are reminded to please turn in any king salmon head from fish missing an adipose fin. These fish have valuable Coded-Wire-Tags in their noses that provide infomation about stream origin.

Halibut, Lingcod, and Rockfish

A few marine boat anglers fishing Hanus Reef and Excursion Inlet reported catching a few halibut and rockfish this week. Anglers are reminded that all non-pelagic rockfish caught must be retained until their bag limit is reached. Also, in northern Southeast waters residents may keep 1 lingcod daily with 2 in possession, no size limits. Nonresidents may keep 1 lingcod daily with 1 in possession, annual limit of 2. Lingcod size limits are 30-35 inches, or 55 inches or greater. Nonresidents must record all lingcod harvested on the back of their sport fish license or on a harvest record.

Please consult the 2015 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations to identify pelagic and non-pelagic rockfish and for daily bag and possession limits for lingcod and rockfish.

Dolly Varden char, Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout fishing
 

Sea-run Dolly Varden char, rainbow trout and cuthroat trout appear to have left their “over wintering” sites (lakes and ponds) and are now in the estuaries and nearshore ocean areas. Lake outlets, streams and rivers connecting to salt water are prime places to catch these fish at this time of year. Saltwater shoreline fishing can be very productive as Dollies and trout begin to spend their time cruising the shoreline looking for food. Spoons and spinners work well, as do smolt and fry imitations. With low water, resident fish in local streams and rivers will be concentrated in deeper water, or in areas of faster, turbulent riffle areas that support freshwater invertebrates.  Larger anadromous Dollies following the king salmon back to the rivers are being reported in marine creel catches around the Juneau area.

Anglers should check the 2015 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations for trout and Dolly Varden regulations. Juneau Area Freshwater Special Regulations for local lakes, creeks, rivers, and drainages can be found on pages 18-21. Unless otherwise specified, cutthroat and rainbow trout limits (in combination) on the Juneau Road System are 2 daily and 2 in possession, 14 inch minimum and 22 inch maximum. Dolly Varden limits are 2 dialy, 2 in possession, no size limit.