Area Sport Fishing Reports
Ketchikan
Archived Sport Fishing Report
October 17, 2019
This will be the last fishing report for the Ketchikan area until Spring 2020.
King Salmon
Anglers can still chase king salmon all winter as weather allows, though fishing is typically slow during the winter months.
- Residents: bag and possession limit of 2 king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length. No annual limit.
- Nonresidents: bag and possession limit of 1 king salmon 28 inches or greater in length. Annual limit of one.
*Reminder: Anglers may only use one rod while fishing for king salmon this winter.
North and Northeast Behm Canal
Salmon fishing is closed year-round in Behm Canal and the contiguous bays enclosed to the north by a line from the western entrance of Bailey Bay to the northern tip of Hassler Island and a line from Fin Point to Dress Point to a line from Cactus Point to Point Eva.
Coho salmon
Coho salmon will be present in freshwater drainages through October and November.
Halibut
Halibut will be available most of the winter months. Fishing closes for halibut January 1 – January 31, 2019.
Lingcod
Fishing for lingcod closes December 1 – May 15, 2019.
- Resident: bag limit of 1, 2 in possession, no size limit.
- Nonresident: bag and possession limit of 1, size limit 30-45 inches, or over 55 inches in length. Annual limit of two fish, one of which is 30-45 inches, one of which is over 55 inches. Harvest must be recorded on the back of the fishing license or harvest card.
Rockfish
Rockfish are available year-round.
- Pelagic rockfish – 5 per day; ten in possession.
- Non-pelagic rockfish - one per day; nonresident anglers have an annual limit of one yelloweye rockfish.
Anglers are reminded that beginning January 1, 2020, all marine boat anglers will be required to carry and utilize Rockfish Deepwater Release Devices. Visit the ADF&G Rockfish Conservation webpage for additional information and stop by the Ketchikan office to get a free deepwater release device.
Shrimp
Anglers are required to obtain a free permit for sport, personal use and subsistence shrimp harvest for each calendar year. 2019 Southeast Shrimp Permits are available online at the ADF&G store or at your local ADF&G office. The shrimp harvest, location, and number of pots pulled must be recorded each day, and the permit must be returned to ADF&G or reported online at the end of the year.
Freshwater Fishing
There will continue to be freshwater fishing opportunities throughout winter in the Ketchikan area. Anglers wanting to chase fall steelhead should try Ward Creek on the road system or Fish Creek and the Naha River for a remote fishing experience.
Depending on seasonal temperatures, most large low level lakes may remain ice free through winter and will offer opportunities to fish for cutthroat, rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. If you are up for the hike, anglers have been successful catching brook trout at the outlet of Perseverance Lake.
Be sure to check the 2019 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations. The Ketchikan Area Freshwater Special Regulations can be found on pages 30-32. Regulations vary depending on the waters you plan to fish.