Area Sport Fishing Reports
Petersburg/Wrangell
Archived Sport Fishing Report
March 25, 2021
As the days get longer and snow is melting, it's time to get the fishing rods out!
Winter King Salmon
Although catch rates are slower during the winter, king salmon can be caught year-round in the Petersburg/Wrangell area. Alaska residents can even use two rods per person until March 31 to help increase their chances. Anglers should get out to fish while they can since most of the area will be closed to retention of king salmon beginning April 1, 2021. Please see the advisory announcement issued March 2, 2021, for a full description of king salmon management actions along with maps of open areas. Beginning June 1, the opportunity for king salmon will be available in selected areas where Alaska hatchery king salmon will be returning. The following king salmon regulations are now in effect unless superseded by subsequent emergency order:
Alaska resident:
- Daily bag and possession limit of 3 king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length. No annual limit.
- From October 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021, a resident angler may use two rods when fishing for king salmon, a person using two rods under this regulation may only retain salmon.
Nonresident:
- Daily bag and possession limit of 1 king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length;
- The nonresident annual limit is 4 king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length.
Steelhead
While the snow might still be deep on the banks anglers can now find steelhead lurking in local waters and opportunity will continue to increase as we progress into April and early May. The peak of fishery typically occurs in late April while most local streams are spawning in early May. Anglers may also entice a Dolly Varden or Cutthroat trout from their winter habitat during this time.
When planning your next trip, check out our online interactive map at WefishAK for the Petersburg and Wrangell area to discover popular fishing locations and information on species run timing, fishing gear selections, and boat and angler access locations.
Rockfish
Rockfish can be found year-round in marine waters and can be a great way to start your fishing season. Rockfish are managed by species groups with different bag and possession limits depending on the species. A helpful species identification guide is available on the ADFG website. Please see current emergency orders for a full description of these management actions. Anglers are reminded that a rockfish release device is now required to be used whenever releasing rockfish and the release device must be on board your vessel whenever sport fishing in marine waters.
Demersal shelf rockfish (including yelloweye): closed to retention.
Pelagic rockfish: a daily bag limit of 5 and possession limit of 10 in the Petersburg/Wrangell/Kake area.
Slope rockfish: daily bag and possession limit of 1.