Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg

Archived Sport Fishing Report

November 01, 2017

Winter is fast approaching but that doesn’t mean you should hang up the fishing rod yet. This will be the last Petersburg/Wrangell fishing report for the 2017 season, fishing reports will resume in the spring of 2018.

King Salmon

Opportunity for king salmon can be found in local waters throughout the winter, although catch rates are much lower than the peak season. The following king salmon regulations are now in effect through March 31, 2018.

Residents:

• Bag and possession limit is two king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length.
• Residents may use two rods when fishing for king salmon from October 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018. Residents using two rods may only retain king salmon.

Nonresidents:

• Bag and possession limit is one king salmon greater than 28 inches in length.
• The nonresident annual limit is three king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length. Nonresidents shall immediately record, in ink, all king salmon harvested either on the back of their sport fishing license or on a nontransferable harvest record.
•  Nonresidents may only use one rod when fishing for king salmon.

Coho Salmon

Opportunity for coho fishing is still present in freshwater but is quickly declining as the majority of coho salmon complete their spawning run.

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.

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 will continue to be opportunity for Dolly Varden and trout fishing through the fall and even into the winter. As winter approaches searun cutthroat trout will move into freshwaters to overwinter. Fall months prior to lakes freezing can be an excellent time to target these beauties. Ice fishing can be a great winter fishing activity on area lakes whenever ice conditions are good. 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 catch rates typically decline as winter approaches but anglers may continue to find some opportunity for halibut. Anglers are reminded that sport fishing for halibut is closed during the month of January.