Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka

Archived Sport Fishing Report

May 29, 2019

An excellent resource for planning a trip to Sitka is the gofishak interactive map  which provides information on fishing locations, species run timing, fishing gear and angler access.

For further information, please feel free to contact the Sitka area sportfish management staff at (907) 747-5355.

Marine Fisheries:

King Salmon

King fishing is good right now in Sitka Sound. Catch rates are better than last year for the same time period. Most of the effort has been expended at Vitskari rocks, with limits being caught. Effort has begun to be expanded out to Biorka Island and The Cape, with good catch rates being observed. Kings are also being caught in inside waters near Sitka in Western Channel, Long Island, Neva Straight, and Beehive Islands. Kings are being caught trolling or mooching herring, or trolling hoochies and spoons. King salmon fishing in Sitka area waters should only continue to improve through mid to late-June.

Halibut

Halibut fishing has been decent off the coast in outer waters. Fishing continues to be slow in Sitka Sound, and closer to town. Halibut fishing in Sitka area waters should begin to pick up by June with more bait (herring, salmon, crab, etc.) moving inside the Sound.

Lingcod

Sport fishing for lingcod has been decent to start out the season. Try fishing near pinnacles and structure with large lead/rubber or metal jigs. 

Rockfish

Fishing for rockfish is good to excellent. Rockfish are available year-round, and fishing is generally good this time of year. 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.

Freshwater Fisheries:

Steelhead

The spring steelhead fishing season is winding down on local rivers and creeks. Fishing has been better on southern Baranof streams than northern ones. Low water this spring made it difficult to fish for steelhead. The dry conditions look to continue making the rest of the season difficult at best. Streams that receive less pressure should produce better results. 

Dolly Varden and Rainbow/CutthroatTrout

Dolly Varden and trout can be targeted year-round but are most active in the spring months. Fishing is excellent right now. Juvenile pink salmon are being seen in large numbers throughout harbors and mouths of streams. Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, and other resident species target these fish as they migrate and exit streams. Fishing should be good for the next few weeks.

On the road system the marine waters near the mouths of Starrigavin Creek, Indian River and Sawmill Creek should be productive. Most other stream mouths accessible by boat or plane should be good as well. 

Helpful links