Area Sport Fishing Reports
Ketchikan
Archived Sport Fishing Report
August 16, 2021
A new and improved version of the gofishak interactive map provides information on fishing locations, species run timing, regulations, fishing gear, and angler access. This is an excellent resource for anglers planning a trip to Southeast Alaska and the Ketchikan area.
*Just a reminder to all our anglers, please do your part to help slow the spread of Covid-19 by following and reviewing the current State of Alaska Health Mandates in effect. This includes practicing social distancing while sport and personal use fishing, wearing a face covering when fishing, and if you need fishing supplies from your local store as indicated in Health Alert 012.
For more information on travel restrictions please visit the State of Alaska Traveler Information page.
King Salmon
Please be advised that beginning August 1st king salmon regulations have changed to:
Alaskan Resident
- The resident bag and possession limit is one king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length.
- From October 1, 2021, through March 31, 2022, a sport angler may use two rods when fishing for king salmon, a person using two rods under this regulation may only retain salmon.
Nonresident
- From August 1 through August 31, 2021 nonresidents may not retain king or possess king salmon; any king salmon caught must be released immediately and returned to the water unharmed;
- The nonresident bag and possession limit is one king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length;
- The nonresident total harvest limit is one king salmon 28 inches or greater in length, and any king salmon harvested by a nonresident from January 1 through July 31, 2021 will apply toward the one fish nonresident total harvest limit;
- Immediately upon landing and retaining a king salmon a nonresident must enter the species, date, and location on their sport fishing license or on a nontransferable harvest record.
The Southeast regionwide bag and possession limits above will apply in all areas except as modified below for the inside waters in the vicinity of Ketchikan.
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.
West Behm Canal, Southeast Behm Canal, and Southern Revillagigedo Channel
Area Description: In West 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 and to the south by a line from Indian Point to Mike Point. In the waters of southern Revillagigedo Channel enclosed from a line from Lucky Point to Middy Point and enclosed by a line from Kah Shakes Point to Point Rosen including the waters of Boca de Quadra and continuing to the Annette Island 3,000-foot boundary at the latitude of Beaver Point and in southeast Behm Canal from Cactus Point to Eva Point.
- August 15 to December 31:
- Alaska resident bag and possession limit is two king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length.
- For nonresidents, regionwide regulations apply.
Remaining waters of District 1
Area Description: In the marine waters of Ketchikan north and east from the International Boundary Line at Dixon Entrance from 54°42.48’ N. lat., 130°36.92’ W. long. to 54°40’ N. lat., 131°45’ W. long., continuing north to Caamano Point and enclosed to the north by a line from Indian Point to Mike Point and enclosed to the southeast by a line from Lucky Point to Middy Point, and enclosed by a line from Kah Shakes Point to Point Rosen and continuing to the Annette Island 3,000 foot boundary at the latitude of Beaver Point.
- August 15 to December 31:
- Alaska resident bag and possession limit is two king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length.
- For nonresidents, regionwide regulations apply.
District 2
- June 15 to December 31:
- Alaska resident bag and possession limit is two king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length.
- For nonresidents, regionwide regulations apply
Pink Salmon
Catch rates for pink salmon have been excellent throughout the Ketchikan area marine waters.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon fishing has been great and is expected to improve into September as fall coho move into the area. Coho were primarily harvested from Clover Pass, Duke Island, West Behm, Mary Island, Vallenar and Caamano.
Halibut
Reports from anglers targeting halibut have been fair. Halibut were primarily harvested from Cape Chacon, Duke Island, Mary Island, Alava, Vallenar, and East Prince of Wales.
Lingcod
Lingcod season is open.
Rockfish
The Fish and Game website has a helpful page for identifying common rockfish.
All sport fishing vessels are required to have at least one functional deep water release device (regardless of species targeted) and anglers will be REQUIRED to use a deep water release device to release rockfish to the depth it was hooked or to a depth of at least 100 feet. Please see the Southeast Alaska Sport Fish Regulation Summary or visit your local ADF&G office to see examples of rockfish release devices and learn about their use.
Demersal Shelf Rockfish
- The retention of demersal shelf rockfish is prohibited during 2021. Demersal shelf rockfish species include: yelloweye, quillback, copper, canary, china, tiger and rosethorn rockfish.
Slope Rockfish
Some slope rockfish are common in marine waters surrounding Ketchikan. The most common species are: silvergray, rougheye, shortraker and vermilion rockfish.
- One per day; one in possession.
Pelagic Rockfish
- Five per day; ten in possession.
Freshwater Fishing
Ketchikan Creek is open to sport fishing for all species including king salmon.
- The bag and possession limit for king salmon in Ketchikan Creek is two king salmon of any size.
- King salmon harvested in Ketchikan Creek do not count towards the nonresident annual limit.
- Fishing gear permitted in Ketchikan Creek is one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure only.
There are a few good opportunities to target rainbow and cutthroat trout along the road system. Anglers targeting trout may want to try Ward Lake, Talbot Lake, Harriet Hunt Lake, Ketchikan Creek, or the various lakes on Gravina Island. Coho and pink salmon are now present in Ward Creek, fishing reports continue to be good.
Be sure to check the 2021 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.