Area Sport Fishing Reports
Yakutat

September 19, 2024

Freshwaters

Salmon

Fishing for coho salmon or "silvers" on the Situk River continues to be good as the season draws to an end. Anglers have been reporting good catches this past week, with fish spread throughout the river. Fresher fish are in the middle and lower river while fish in the upper section have started turning. Water levels remain high making shore angling more difficult. Weather looks like we can continue to see more rainstorms over the next week keeping water levels high. Try using spinners or jigs with single hooks early in the morning or during the evening hours.

Saltwaters

King Salmon

Sportfishing for king salmon is CLOSED in Yakutat area marine waters. Fishing was closed effective Monday, August 26th. This closure lasts through September 30th. No king salmon may be retained and any king salmon caught must be released immediately.

Coho Salmon

Coho fishing has started to slow down in the outside coastal waters. Fishing has been good inside the islands of Yakutat Bay as fish move along the shorelines. There are alot of storms forecasted this week which will make it difficult to get out to fish so be careful. Most saltwater anglers troll spoons or herring behind a flasher, or try mooching herring or jigging small dart jigs. For coho moving along the shore try casting lures such as spinners or spoons when you see fish surface.

Halibut

Halibut fishing has been spotty over the last week. Dogfish are still creating problems out front. Fish size picked up some but small fish are still in the mix. Fishing success should start to decline with fish thinning out over the entire Yakutat Bay and along the coastline. For halibut, try sitting on anchor while using herring, salmon carcasses, or squid/octopus for bait, or try drifting with jigs baited with herring or unbaited.

Lingcod

Lingcod fishing is excellent in the Yakutat area. Lingcod are spread out throughout the area but like to hang out near rocky structures or pinnacles. Typically using herring as bait, or using any type of jig will work.

Rockfish

Fishing for black rockfish is excellent in the Yakutat area. The best location to catch them are along the pinnacles and rocky structures found underwater along the entrance to Yakutat Bay. Try using small dart jigs or mooching herring near shallow rocky structures.

Check out the new gofishak interactive map to discover popular fishing locations and information on species run timing, fishing gear selections, and boat and angler access tips!

For further information, please get in touch with the Yakutat Area Sport Fish management biologist Jason Pawluk at (907) 784-3222.