Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg/Wrangell
September 5, 2019
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon marine catch rates increased over the last two weeks but anglers can now expect declining marine catch rates as coho move into freshwater. Recent rain events have created good conditions for coho salmon enterning freshwaters. Typically freshwater fishing for coho salmon is best in mid-September for most systems. Try fishing for coho salmon in the lower intertidal reaches, deep pools and cut banks. A variety of terminal gear can be used for these aggressive biters but spinners, egg imitations, and jigs are common. Bait can be used in most freshwater systems between September 15- November 15th, anglers are encouraged to look at the 2019 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulation Summary to confirm if the use of bait is allowed in the waterbody they intend to fish.
King Salmon
King salmon catch rates are have slowed from the peak summer catch rates. The current regulations for marine waters throughout the management area are as follows.
- 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.
Dolly Varden and Trout
Dolly Varden and trout can be targeted year-round but can provide especially good opportunity as returning salmon begin to spawn and these species often feed on loose salmon eggs.
Try fishing around log jams, cut banks, and eddie lines for these aggressive species. Dolly Varden and coastal cutthroat can also be found in nearshore areas as they cruise marine shorelines. The shoreline at Eagles Roost Park is a great location for shoreline fishing for Dolly Varden.
Halibut
Halibut catch rates continue to be strong. Halibut catch rates typically increase in the late summer with peak catch rates in August.
Rockfish
Rockfish are available year-round and fishing is generally good this time of year. Bag and possession limits for the waters in the Petersburg and Wrangell area are:
Pelagic rockfish:
- Bag limit of 5 and possession limit of 10 (residents and nonresidents), no size limits and no annual limit.
Nonpelagic rockfish:
- Bag and possession limit (residents and nonresidents) of one, no size limit.
- Nonresidents have an annual limit of one yelloweye rockfish.
Anglers are encouraged to use a rockfish release device whenever releasing rockfish. 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. Anglers are reminded that beginning January 1, 2020 all anglers will be required to carry and use a rockfish release device whenever releasing rockfish.
Interactive Fishing Resource
Check out the Petersburg/Wrangell interactive map to discover popular fishing locations and information on species run timing, fishing gear selections, and boat and angler access tips thru the Sport Fish gofishak application.
