Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg

July 10, 2025

Salmon

Regionally king salmon retention is currently closed for nonresidents in all waters in the Petersburg/Wrangell Management Area except for the Wrangell Narrows portion of the Terminal Harvest Area (closes August 15^th) and City Creek (closes July 14^th). In order to not exceed the 2025 sport allocation of king salmon this closure is necessary.

The closure does not impact resident anglers. Starting July 15^th, the remaining saltwater portion of the Petersburg/Wrangell area will open to resident anglers for king salmon retention with a bag and possession limit of one over 28 inches.Traditionally king salmon catches slow down over the next few weeks but they may still be caught.

There are separate regulations for the Blind Slough/Wrangell Narrows Terminal Harvest Area, City Creek, and the remainder of the region. Please see the Advisory Announcement on our website for maps and more specific information about each of these locations. Remember that a king salmon stamp is required whenever fishing for king salmon (including catch and release).

Sockeye salmon are in the saltwater now and entering some local streams. Fishing for them may be slow as they are not aggressive feeders and as such catch rates should be expectedly low. Anglers are reminded that snagging is not allowed in any area freshwaters where sockeye salmon are found.

Pink and Coho salmon should begin to show. Area coho fishing in marine waters traditionally gets going around the third week in July but there have been some early catches up north so we may see them sooner.

Halibut

Halibut catch rates tend to remain consistent in July and this is a good species to target this time of year. If looking for halibut locations, target high points under the water that come up to as shallow 100 feet. Another option might be offshore of a creek that has salmon spawning. Halibut catch rates should increase as they come into shallow waters over the summer. Traditional fishing areas such as The Eye Opener in Sumner Strait or north of town in Frederick Sound hold the most promise. Large halibut tend to be at 300 feet or greater, try to fish the slack tides with heavy duty gear and use whole herring for bait. If you are in Petersburg fishing from a small skiff and need to stay close to town, fish just south of the red buoy just outside of Wrangell Narrows in 300 to 400 feet of water.

The Halibut sport fishery is open February 1 – December 31, 2025. Reminder: Filleting halibut: No person shall possess on board a vessel, including charter vessels and pleasure craft used for fishing, halibut that have been filleted, mutilated, or otherwise disfigured in any manner, except that each halibut may be cut into no more than 2 ventral pieces, 2 dorsal pieces, and 2 cheek pieces, with enough skin on each piece to identify whether the piece is from the light side or the dark side of the fish.

Lingcod

Residents are allowed a daily bag limit of 1; 2 in possession. Nonresidents are allowed a daily bag limit of 1; 1 in possession; 30-35 inches or 55 inches and longer. There is an annual limit of 2 fish, 1 of which is 30-35 inches in length, and 1 that is 55 inches or greater in length. A harvest record is required. The Northern Southeast Area is closed to nonresidents for lingcod fishing from June 15 - August 15, 2025.

Rockfish

Rockfish regulations have changed since the last fishing season. The retention of demersal shelf rockfish, including yelloweye, is open for residents of Alaska with a daily bag limit of 1; 2 in possession. Demersal shelf rockfish, including yelloweye, will be open for nonresidents from July 1 through August 25 with an annual limit of 1 fish. Slope Rockfish are open to resident and nonresidents with a daily bag limit of 1; 1 in possession. Pelagic Rockfish are open to resident and nonresidents with a daily bag limit of 3; 6 in possession. A helpful species identification guide has been published on the ADFG website. Anglers are reminded that a rockfish release device is now required to be used whenever releasing rockfish, and a rockfish release device must be onboard your vessel whenever sport fishing in marine waters.

Dolly Varden and Trout

Resident cutthroat and Dolly Varden can also be found in area streams and lakes accessible by the Petersburg and Wrangell road systems. Often overlooked by anglers with their sites on salmon, these smaller fish can offer plenty of fun on lighter tackle. July is a good time to catch these fish, though depending on where you are at you might have to avoid the pink salmon that will fill the streams.

Creel Samplers

Alaska Department of Fish and Game creel samplers have been on the public docks since mid-May approaching anglers to ask about their catch. The biological samples they collect are used to help manage and sustain a healthy stock required for recreational angling. Please be courteous and provide them with the few minutes needed to gather this important information.