Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg

Archived Sport Fishing Report

August 16, 2019

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon catch rates have been off to a slow start but are increasing. Anglers can expect catch rates to continue to increase into mid-August when marine catch rates are typically at their peak. Coho salmon are now being intercepted in marine waters throughout the area with increasing numbers harvested in Frederick sound and Wrangell Narrows in addition to Sumner Strait and the areas surrounding Sokolof/Vank/Woronkofski Islands. Opportunity for freshwater fishing for coho salmon will become available as these fish move into their natal streams. Typically freshwater fishing for coho salmon is best in mid-September for most systems.

King Salmon

King salmon catch rates are have slowed from the peak summer catch rates. Nonresidents may again retain king salmon as of August 16. The current regulations for marine waters throughout the management area are as follows.

• Residents: bag and possession limit of 2 king salmon 28 inches or greater in length. No annual limit
• Nonresidents: bag and possession limit of 1 king salmon 28 inches or greater in length. Annual limit of one.

Dolly Varden and Trout

Dolly Varden and trout can be targeted year-round but can provide especially good opportunity as returning salmon begin to spawn and these species often feed on loose salmon eggs.

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 in the late 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.

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.