Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg

Archived Sport Fishing Report

August 01, 2017

King Salmon

King salmon fishing is nearing the end of the season although catch rates remain strong in those areas where Alaska hatchery king salmon are returning. Fishing in the Blind Slough/Wrangell Narrows Terminal Harvest Area and near the outlet of City Creek has continued to be good. These locations provide shoreline fishing opportunity as well as marine boat fishing opportunity.

The restrictive action which closed king salmon fishing in the Grey’s passage area along with the reduced bag and possession limits in district 8 have now expired. All marine waters outside of the Wrangell Narrows/Blind Slough Terminal hatchery area now fall under the regional bag and possession limits for king salmon:

• 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.

Please be aware of all emergency orders issued throughout the year.

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

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon catch rates have continued to increase in the last week and are now regularly being caught in local marine waters. Anglers can expect coho catch rates to continue to increase through early August in the marine fishery. 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.