Reel Times Newsletter
August 2019
Issue 20
Black, Dark and Dusky – Let’s shine some light on Alaska’s rockfish
There are over 30 different species of rockfish in Alaska. From deep-dwelling solitary species such as the shortraker that can live in depths exceeding 3,000 feet, to the gregarious black rockfish (aka, black bass) that inhabit upper portions of the water column, Alaska’s rockfish species are a lot of fun to target on rod and reel and make great table fare. Rockfish are some of Alaska’s most long-lived fish species. Some rockfish can live longer than 100 years.
In this issue of Reel Times, we take a look at some of Alaska’s more commonly-caught rockfish species. In addition, we address barotrauma, which can affect some rockfish and cover ways to help sustain Alaska’s rockfish populations through the use of deepwater release.
We hear about fishing the road system in Nome, turn a stone to uncover some rockfish fishing opportunities around Kodiak Island and learn to love pink salmon in Southeast waters. We’ve included several newly released videos in this issue and we hope you enjoy this month’s content!
Don’t forget, you’ll need a 2019 fishing license before heading out this year. Getting your sport fishing license is easy – check out our online store (https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/Store/).
If you have a comment or story ideas for Reel Times, we encourage you to send them our way. You can send comments to ryan.ragan@alaska.gov.
We encourage you to share your fishing story on social media using #wefishak.
Tight lines!
Division of Sport Fish
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
What’s the difference between a pelagic and nonpelagic rockfish? And how do I tell them apart?
There are over 30 different species of rockfish in Alaska. Some rockfish can live at very extreme depths (600 to 1,000+ feet), while other species can be found just beneath the surface.
For management purposes in the sport fisheries of Alaska, rockfish species are separated into two categories – pelagic and nonpelagic. But what’s the difference?
Nonpelagic rockfish are mostly bottom-dwelling species that can be very long lived. Nonpelagic rockfish are slow to reach sexual maturity and can live to be more than 100 years old. Nonpelagic rockfish can be found anywhere from 80 feet in depth to upwards of 1,000 feet (or more) around rocky structure or boulder-strewn habitat. While there are several different species of nonpelagic rockfish in Alaska, some of the more commonly caught nonpelagic species include yelloweye, quillback, silvergray, copper, china and tiger rockfish.
Pelagic rockfish are more commonly found in the upper portions of the water column. Pelagic rockfish are typically found in schools close to rocky structures or around pinnacles. These fish are moderately long lived and live to between 7 and 30 years. Some of the more commonly caught pelagic species include black (sometimes referred to as “black bass”), dusky, dark, widow and yellowtail rockfish.
For more on proper identification of Alaska’s more commonly caught species, check out the rockfish identification guide here: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/fishing/pdfs/sport/RockfishIdentification.pdf (PDF).
Be sure to release any rockfish you do not plan to retain using a deepwater release mechanism. More on rockfish conservation practices can be found on our webpage: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?ADFG=fishingSportFishingInfo.rockfishConservation.
https://www.afsc.noaa.gov/FMA/PDF_DOCS/Rockfish_Guide_2015.pdf (PDF).
What is barotrauma?
Rockfish caught in deep water often sustain injuries — referred to as barotrauma — caused by rapid decompression and expansion of gases in the swim bladder. Outward signs of barotrauma include the stomach protruding from the mouth of the fish, everted eyes and a taught abdomen.
Fish suffering from barotrauma that are released on the surface are often unable to resubmerge on their own. Think of it as if the fish were wearing a life jacket. When released, the fish may try to swim down but is not always successful. They will then float on the surface which makes them susceptible to predation by birds, marine mammals or other fish.
Alaska anglers can best prevent wasteful rockfish mortality by avoiding waters where unwanted catches of rockfish are likely. When rockfish are caught incidentally despite avoidance efforts, proper deepwater release techniques can reduce discard mortality. An ADF&G study found that survival of yelloweye released at depth was far higher (98 percent) than survival of fish released at the surface (22 percent).
There are various ways to return a rockfish to depth of capture or 100 feet using a deepwater release mechanism. Deepwater release mechanisms are sold commercially or can be manufactured by anglers using a few simple items.
ADF&G has posted a few videos showing how to use a deepwater release.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9ThRMgq36c
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md9N8U9oruw
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbTWiloA_68
Using a shrimp fly to target Rockfish
The shrimp fly is a very effective pattern to use to target rockfish. This fly is used primarily on a spinning or bait cast style reel and is attached to the line using a dropper loop knot. Anglers can use up to two of these flies per line. The setup is rather simple, consisting of two shrimp flies attached to a leader with two dropper loop knots tied on it. A cannonball weight is then attached to the end of the leader. The weight of the cannonball will vary depending on depth and current. However, an 8 to 12 ounce weight typically is sufficient.
Drop the weight and the flies into the water and free spool line until the weight hits the bottom. Reel up a few cranks and begin jigging up and down in a slow rise and drop fashion. When a fish hits, set the hook and reel up.
For an added incentive, you could apply a small piece of bait such as herring to the hook. But often times, the bait is not necessary.
The shrimp fly pattern is known to catch a variety of rockfish species and is also known to catch lingcod, halibut and other bottom-dwelling species.
Learn to tie this simple pattern by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYdFZngMA2s
Watch us fish for rockfish using a shrimp fly pattern in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW6QuOwtEKY
Check Out Regional Updates!
Southeast Alaska – The overlooked, underutilized, Sitka Pink Salmon
Sitka is known for its outstanding marine fishing, which often overshadows the abundance of freshwater angling opportunities. A mid-summer favorite for locals is the roadside pink salmon fishery. Between late July and early September, pink salmon returning to local streams to spawn, stage in salt water areas near stream mouths for several weeks before beginning their journey upstream – waiting for a good rain that will raise water levels and make passage easier.
During these few weeks, pinks will strike at many types of lures - often the flashier the better. They readily strike bright, colorful spinners, pixies, and even flies. When fishing in saltwater, anglers may also use bait – like salmon eggs.
When caught early in their return, pink salmon flesh is firm and oily and makes excellent table fare. Once they enter freshwater they quickly absorb their oils and begin to take on the physical changes that result in the males developing a noticeable bulge on their dorsal surface, leading to their nickname (humpies). While the early returning pink salmon are commonly eaten by anglers, later returning pinks are often released or retained as bait for other fisheries.
Southcentral Alaska – Rock (Fish) On
Looking for fresh, scrumptious table fare for your next fish fry? Whether it’s grilled, pan fried, or baked, rockfish can provide exceptional table fare. These aggressive fish can be found in nearly all of Alaska’s coastal waters, rendering them accessible from any ocean-going vessel, or even from shore!
The trick is finding them. Rockfish tend to congregate and rarely stray far from hot spots. You will find success around underwater structure, although rockfish are known to occupy a wide range of habitats. If you’re new to targeting rockfish, consider hiring a guide or bringing along a savvy friend to help you find your quarry.
Once a group has been located, rockfish are generally good sports. They will snap at most heavier jigs and baitfish flies, though some trial and error may be necessary to pin-point the best gear for a particular time and place. Before keeping your catch, make sure you have correctly identified the species and ensured that a harvest complies with respective regulations for that area.
Kodiak Area Rockfish Update
Anglers have been having success on all fronts concerning rockfish. Almost everywhere from the harbor breakwaters to farther flung fishing spots around Woody, Long, and Afognak Islands has been producing rockfish. Rig up your light to medium weight fly rods with a sinking tip and a flashy smolt pattern, or maybe test out that new saltwater shrimp fly you just tied and head out to the harbor breakwaters.
Alternatively, hit the deeper waters. If you have a fish finder available, look for underwater structures like rock pinnacles. If you are not keen on spending time scouting, you can look to professional guides for assistance in finding rockfish around Kodiak Island. For close-range, casual expeditions, one can use a sea kayak for quick access and little hassle. Locals have been seen deploying kayaks from Mission, Mill Bay, and Monashka Beaches with rockfish fishing gear in hand. If you do decide to go out on the saltwater, closely monitor the weather before embarking, and don’t forget your personal flotation device (PFD) and survival suit if you have one.
Fish have been voraciously pursuing all manner of jigs, especially those imitating crippled baitfish. Using a heavy gear rod, try out a multitude of saltwater jigs until you find one that the fish can’t resist. Angler reports indicate that it shouldn’t take long to catch a few rockfish. Small schools of variable sized fish have been reported to follow jigs to the surface and even jump out of the water to devour what they perceive to be a tasty meal. Joke’s on them. Fishing for rockfish in the Kodiak area has given context to the classic fishing cliché, “We just couldn’t keep them off the hook!”.
Finally, be sure to consult Alaska Department of Fish and Game Regulations before your fishing trip! Follow this link for the respective regulations: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishregulations.sw_sportfish
Interior Alaska – Fishing Opportunities Along the Nome Road System
Among rural coastal villages in Alaska, Nome’s extensive road system is unique and affords access to several rivers that provide excellent opportunities to catch a variety of fish species. The three main roads in the Nome area (the Bob Blodgett Nome-Teller Highway, the Nome-Taylor Road, and the Nome-Council Road), are maintained by the Alaska Department of Transportation all summer, and these roads provide access to 16 rivers and streams, as well as Salmon Lake, at the headwaters of the Pilgrim River. The Nome area is known for its trophy-sized Arctic grayling, (larger than 3 lbs.), and the state record Arctic grayling (5 lb. 3 oz) was caught and released from the Fish River drainage in 2008. In addition to Arctic grayling, good fishing opportunities to catch coho salmon, chum salmon, pink salmon, and Dolly Varden are available.
The Bob Blodgett Nome-Teller Highway, also known as the Nome-Teller Road or the Teller Road, begins in Nome and roughly parallels the southern coastline of the Seward Peninsula for 72 miles to Teller. It crosses the Snake, Penny, Cripple, Sinuk, Feather, Tisuk, and bluestone rivers that drain the south side of the Kigluaik Mountains and enter directly into the Bering Sea. The Snake and Sinuk rivers are the largest rivers, and support great fishing for Dolly Varden and Arctic grayling in June. The Snake also gets good runs of chum, pink and coho salmon. There are several access points, and a nice 4-6-hour float trip can be had from the Glacier Creek Highway to the takeout at the Teller Highway bridge.
The Nome-Taylor Road, also known as the Kougarok Road, begins in Nome via either the Beam Road or the Anvil Mountain Bypass. Both meet near Dexter about eight miles from Nome and continue north along the Nome River upstream to its source. The road then crosses a low pass to Salmon Lake. This road crosses the Nome, Grand Central, Pilgrim, Kuzitrin, and Kougarok Rivers, and comes close to Salmon Lake. The Pilgrim River supports a popular sockeye salmon fishery, and both the Pilgrim and Kuzitrin Rivers offer access to some excellent fishing for northern pike in the lower reaches.
The Nome-Council Road, also known as the Council Road, begins at Nome and stretches for about 73 miles to the old mining town of Council located on the north bank of the Niukluk River. The road parallels about 35 miles of Norton Sound coastline along the beach berm separating Safety Sound from the sea. This road crosses the Nome, Fox, Bear, and Niukluk rivers, as well as the Safety Sound channel. The Niukluk River has some of the highest densities of large Arctic grayling on the Seward Peninsula, with recent research results estimating that there were over 750 fish larger than 15 inches per mile of river in the 14-mile study area.
When in Nome, you may wish to pursue other outdoor recreational activities in the area. Hikers, campers, backpackers, wildlife watchers, and birders will find many options along Nome’s road system. Opportunities to view spawning salmon and other wildlife such as muskox, reindeer, moose, bear, and a great diversity of birds may be found along Nome area roadways. Check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Nome Visitor’s Bureau about areas of interest and information on recent wildlife sightings.
Reel Times Tip of the Month
Tip of the month – Tying a Dropper Loop
The dropper loop can be used to attach flies, weights or jigs to a single leader. Most often, two dropper loops are tied to a single leader, giving the angler the option of using two flies or jigs on one line.
We produced a video showing how to tie a dropper loop. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpGpo7WHZZQ
Happy fishing!
Field to Plate – Recipe of the Month
Our friends at the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute offer this tasty Asian-inspired recipe for rockfish.
https://www.wildalaskaseafood.com/recipesdb/?recipeId=NDcz
If you have any questions about the Reel Times newsletter, please contact Ryan Ragan at ryan.ragan@alaska.gov