Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg

Archived Sport Fishing Report

June 28, 2017

King Salmon

King salmon catch rates have been below average thus far in the 2017 season. Inseason estimates of king salmon returning to the Stikine river remain very low. Restrictive action which closed the area immediately adjacent to the mouth of the Stikine River to sport fishing for king salmon and the reduced bag and possession limits in the remainder of district 8 will continue to apply until July 15th.  After July 15th king salmon regulations in the waters of district 8 will revert to regional bag and possession limits for the remainder of the season.

Crystal Lake Hatchery is expected to have a fair return of king salmon in the 2017 season and these fish are now returning to the local waters. Early indications suggest that these fish are returning in good numbers and catch rates have been strong. King salmon are now regularly being caught in the freshwaters of Blind Slough in addition to the marine waters of Wrangell Narrows. Bag and possession limits for king salmon in the Wrangell Narrows/Blind Slough Terminal harvest area have been established as 2 king salmon 28" or greater in length and 2 king salmon under 28" in length. The nonresident annual limit does not apply to king salmon harvested within the Wrangell Narrows/Blind Slough Terminal area. Please see the link to emergency orders at the bottom of this page for additional details and a map of the terminal area. Anglers can expect catch rates to increase through June and into July as more Crystal Lake hatchery king salmon arrive in the terminal area.
 

For all other marine waters within the Petersburg/Wrangell management area (outside of district 8 and the Wrangell Narrows terminal area mentioned above). The regional king salmon regulations continue to apply:

• Resident anglers: bag and possession limit of 2 king salmon, 28" or greater in length.
• Nonresident anglers: bag and possession limit of 1 king salmon, 28" or greater in length. Annual limit of 3 king salmon, 28" or greater in length which must be recorded on the back of your sport fishing license or harvest record card immediately after landing.

Anglers are reminded that sport fishing for king salmon in freshwater (other than the Blind Slough terminal area) remains closed.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon are now occasionally being caught in local marine waters. It is still early for the marine coho fishery and anglers can expect coho to arrive in quantity beginning in the first week of July with catch rates increasing into early August. For most systems in the area, opportunity for freshwater fishing for coho will start in mid-August and continue through October.

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. During the summer months, anglers can often find these fish active and aggressive in local streams and lakes. 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 licenses are sold or on the website) 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.