Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg

Archived Sport Fishing Report

July 01, 2019

King Salmon

Most king salmon fishing in the Petersburg/Wrangell area has been focused on the Wrangell Narrows/Blind Slough and the City Creek release site where Alaska hatchery king salmon are returning. However, with the opening of additional marine waters to king salmon harvest as of June 15, anglers are also reporting successful trips in many of the other local marine waters. For maps of open areas, bag and possession limits, and additional details for king salmon fishing outside of terminal hatchery areas please see the news release “Sport Fishing for King Salmon Opens in the Petersburg and Wrangell Areas” issued June 10, 2019. 

While the full sun and low water have made for difficult fishing conditions in Blind Slough last week, many anglers are still reporting successful fishing days as an increasing number of king salmon are arriving in the freshwater portion of the terminal area. Indications point toward a healthy return of hatchery king salmon in the Wrangell Narrows/Blind Slough consistent with the preseason forecast. 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: 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 release site remain closed to the retention of king salmon until July 15. For a detailed map of the release site 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.

Coho Salmon

Anglers can expect to see coho salmon catch rates to increase in the marine fisheries in the coming weeks. While most coho stocks in the area exhibit a fall run timing, some earlier summer run stocks will begin to be intercepted in our fisheries. Anglers can expect marine catch rates for coho salmon to increase as the summer progresses into August.

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. 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 5 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.

Archives

Petersburg Area Archives for:
Oct 16, 2019 Sep 26, 2019 Sep 05, 2019 Aug 16, 2019 Jul 25, 2019 Jul 16, 2019 Jul 01, 2019 Jun 14, 2019
May 29, 2019 May 03, 2019

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