Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg/Wrangell

October 1, 2020

Coho Salmon

Don't put away your rods yet, there is still great fishing opportunity for coho salmon fishing! For most streams in the area anglers can expect opportunity for freshwater coho fishing to continue through October, although the ratio of ocean bright fish will be decreasing. Anglers are reminded that bait is allowed in many freshwaters systems between September 15 and November 15, but be sure to check the 2020 sport fishing regulation summary for a list of the specific waterbodies where bait is prohibited year-round.

King Salmon

King salmon regulations have been released for the winter of 2020. While marine catch rates during the winter are slower than the summer months, many anglers continue to have success in local waters throughout the winter. The following regulations will be in effect from October 1 through December 31, 2021, unless superseded by subsequent emergency order:

Alaska resident:

• Daily bag and possession limit of 1 king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length.
• From October 1 through December 31, 2020 resident sport anglers may use two rods when fishing for king salmon, when using two rods the angler may only retain salmon.

Nonresident:

• Daily bag and possession limit of 1 king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length.
• From October 1 through December 31, 2020 the harvest limit is one king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length and any king salmon harvested from January 1 through September 30, 2020 will apply toward the one fish total harvest limit.

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 peak in the early fall before declining into winter.

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.