Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg

Archived Sport Fishing Report

June 14, 2019

King Salmon

Beginning Saturday, June 15, opportunity to harvest king salmon will open in the majority of waters in the Petersburg/Wrangell management area except the waters adjacent to the Stikine River (district 8 and a small portion of Eastern Passage). For maps, bag and possession limits, and additional details please see the news release “Sport Fishing for King Salmon Opens in the Petersburg and Wrangell Areas” issued June 10, 2019. 

Catch rates of Alaska hatchery produced king salmon returning to the Blind Slough/Wrangell Narrows terminal area have been increasing and indicate a healthy return to this area. Typically, the best catch rates occur during the last two weeks of June for these hatchery fish. Special regulations apply in these areas where Alaska hatchery produced king salmon are returning:

Wrangell Narrows/Blind Slough:

June 1-July 31

• Bag and possession limit (residents and nonresidents) of two king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length, and two king salmon less than 28 inches in length;
• King salmon caught by nonresidents in this area do not count toward the nonresident annual limit.

City Creek: OPENING JUNE 15

June 15-July 15

• Bag and possession limit (residents and nonresidents) of one king salmon, any size.
• The nonresident annual limit continues to apply in this area.

Anglers are reminded that the waters surrounding the City Creek terminal area remain closed to the retention of king salmon until July 15. For a detailed map of the terminal area please see the news release Sport Fishing for King Salmon Opens in Hatchery Areas Near Petersburg and Wrangell issued May 23, 2019 which is posted at all harbor entrance ramps and available on the ADF&G website.

Dolly Varden and Trout

Dolly Varden and trout can be targeted year-round but are most active in the spring months. Now is a great time to target these species for fast paced action.

Try fishing around log jams, cut banks, and eddie lines for these aggressive species. Dolly Varden and coastal cutthroat can also be found in nearshore areas as they cruise marine shorelines often feeding on juvenile salmon this time of year. The shoreline at Eagles Roost Park is a great location for shoreline fishing for Dolly Varden.

Halibut

Halibut catch rates are increasing as several anglers report successful fishing trips. Halibut catch rates typically increase as we progress into the summer with peak catch rates in August.

Rockfish

Rockfish are available year-round and fishing is generally good this time of year. Bag and possession limits for the waters in the Petersburg and Wrangell area are:

Pelagic rockfish:

• Bag limit of five and possession limit of 10 (residents and nonresidents), no size limits and no annual limit.

Nonpelagic rockfish:

• Bag and possession limit (residents and nonresidents) of one, no size limit.
• Nonresidents have an annual limit of one yelloweye rockfish.

Anglers are encouraged to use a rockfish release device whenever releasing 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. Anglers are reminded that beginning January 1, 2020 all anglers will be required to carry and use a rockfish release device whenever releasing rockfish.

NEW-interactive fishing resource

Check out the Petersburg/Wrangell interactive map to discover popular fishing locations and information on species run timing, fishing gear selections, and boat and angler access tips thru the Sport Fish gofishak application.