Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg/Wrangell
July 16, 2019
King Salmon
As of July 15 the marine waters adjacent to the Stikine River (District 8) are now open to the harvest of king salmon. Regional regulations now apply in all marine waters in the management area except within the Wrangell Narrows/Blind Slough terminal harvest area. For additional details on king salmon bag, possession and annual limits outside of Wrangell Narrows/Blind Slough terminal hatchery area please see the news release “Sport Fishing for King Salmon Opens in the Petersburg and Wrangell Areas” issued June 10, 2019.
Within the Wrangell Narrows/Blind Slough terminal area, special regulations continue to be in effect until July 31:
- Bag and possession limit (residents and nonresidents) of two king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length, and two king salmon less than 28 inches in length;
- King salmon caught by nonresidents in this area do not count toward the nonresident annual limit.
The season for king salmon fishing in the Wrangell Narrows/Blind Slough is drawing to a close. The majority of King salmon are now in spawning colors and catch rates are slowing. Anglers are reminded that special regulations in place for City Creek release site have expired as of July 15 but the area remains open to the harvest of king salmon under the regional regulations, consistent with the other waters of District 8.
Coho Salmon
The first coho have been intercepted in the marine fishery and anglers can expect coho salmon catch rates to increase in the coming weeks. While most coho stocks in the area exhibit a fall run timing, some earlier summer run stocks are now being intercepted in our marine fisheries. Anglers can expect marine catch rates for coho salmon to increase as the summer progresses into mid-August.
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 are increasing as several anglers report successful fishing trips. Halibut catch rates typically increase as we progress into the 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.
NEW-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.
