Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg/Wrangell
September 9, 2020
Coho Salmon
Marine catch rates for coho salmon are now on the decline but freshwater fishing is getting better and better. Anglers can expect freshwater opportunity to continue over the next several weeks as coho salmon return to their natal spawning grounds. Fishing near the confluence of fresh and saltwater with a casting or fly rod is a great way to spend the day fishing this time of year. There is nothing quite like having a chrome coho salmon on the hook and experiencing their renowned aerial acrobatics. Some popular nearshore fishing locations included Petersburg Creek, Falls Creek and Blind Slough.
King Salmon
While marine catch rates for king salmon are slower than the summer many anglers continue to have success in the local waters. The entire Petersburg and Wrangell management area is now open to marine king salmon fishing. King salmon bag limits were increased as of July 30th. The following regional king salmon regulations remain in effect from now until September 30th:
Alaska resident:
- Daily bag and possession limit of 5 king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length.
Nonresident:
- Daily bag and possession limit of 3 king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length.
- Annual limit of 9 king salmon. Anglers are reminded that, when harvesting any species which has an annual limit they must immediately record the species, date, and location on their sport fishing license or on a harvest record card.
Only one rod per angler may be used at this time.
Dolly Varden and Trout
Now is a great time to fish for Dolly Varden and trout. In freshwater streams and lakes these species are active and aggressive. Try fishing around log jams, cut banks, eddy lines and confluences for some fast-paced action. Check out our online interactive map at WefishAK for the Petersburg and Wrangell area to discover popular fishing locations and information on species run timing, fishing gear selections, and boat and angler access locations.
Halibut
Anglers have been reporting good success rates when fishing for halibut. Typically, halibut catch rates increase as we progress into the summer and peak in the early fall.
Rockfish
Anglers are reminded that a rockfish release device is now required to be used whenever releasing rockfish and the release device must be onboard your vessel whenever sport fishing in marine waters.
Pelagic rockfish regulations continue to have a daily bag limit of 5 and possession limit of 10 in the Petersburg, Wrangell, and Kake area. Slope rockfish species now have a daily bag and possession limit of 1. The demersal shelf rockfish species are closed to retention (including yelloweye). A helpful species identification guide has been published on the ADFG website. Please see current emergency orders for a full description of these management actions.
* 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 and wearing a face covering when fishing and if you are needing fishing supplies from your local store as indicated in Health Alert 010.
Also note that new Interstate Travel Protocols have begun on August 11. For more information on travel restrictions please visit the State of Alaska Traveler Information page.
