August 11, 2017

King Salmon

Due to conservation concerns, the retention of king salmon is prohibited in all Southeast Alaska salt waters, including the Petersburg/Wrangell area. This closure went into effect 12:01am, Thursday, August 10, 2017. All king salmon caught must be immediately released unharmed.

In the freshwater of Blind Slough near Petersburg (upstream of a line between Anchor point and Blind Point) anglers may continue to retain King salmon. For resident and nonresident anglers fishing in the freshwaters of Blind Slough the king salmon bag and possesson limit in this area is:

• 28 inches or greater in length- 2 fish
• Under 28 inches in length- 2 fish

The nonresident annual limit of 3 king salmon applies when fishing in Blind Slough. Nonresidents are reminded to record, in ink, all harvested king salmon greater than 28 inches on the back of their sport fishing license or on a harvest record card.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon catch rates have increased sharply in the last week in a variety of marine fishing locations around Petersburg and Wrangell. Anglers can expect coho catch rates to continue to be strong through mid-August before beginning to decline as these fish move towards their natal streams. For most systems in the area, opportunity for freshwater fishing for coho will start in mid-August and continue through October.

Rockfish

Nonpelagic rockfish regulations for Southeast Alaska Inside waters, including the Petersburg and Wrangell management area:

• The nonpelagic rockfish bag and possession limit is one fish.
• Nonresident anglers have an annual limit of one yelloweye.
• All nonpelagic rockfish must be retained until the bag limit is reached.

There is no closed season for nonpelagic rockfish in the Southeast Alaska Inside waters. Anglers are encouraged to use a rockfish release device whenever releasing nonpelagic 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.

Dolly Varden, Rainbow trout and Cutthroat trout

There are several great locations for fishing trout and Dolly Varden both on and off the road system in the Petersburg/Wrangell area. As salmon return to freshwater to spawn these species can be often be found feeding on loose salmon eggs. Dolly Varden can also be an exciting catch in the nearshore marine waters. When fishing for trout be sure to check the "2017 Southeast Alaska Sport Fish Regulation Summary" (available anywhere fishing licenses are sold) to understand regulations for the waterbody you intend to fish. Regulations regarding size limits, bag limits and the use of bait can vary by waterbody.

Halibut

Halibut are currently being caught in local waters. Halibut catch rates typically increase throughout the summer as these fish migrate into the area and remain stable throughout the early fall.