Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka
Archived Sport Fishing Report
June 30, 2022
Salmon
King salmon
Fishing is at its typical peak timing, with anglers reporting varied amounts of success. The traditional hot spots are good places to start if the weather allows – Vitskari Rocks, Cape Edgcumbe, and Biorka Island. Kings are also running in the terminal harvest areas around their natal hatcheries.
As we enter July, king limits for nonresidents will step down to an annual limit of two, with any fish harvested earlier in the year counting towards that limit. It will again step down for nonresidents on July 16 to an annual limit of one king salmon, again with any king salmon harvested earlier in the year counting toward that limit. All king salmon must be 28 inches or greater in length, except for in Silver Bay where the size requirement has been eliminated until the end of July.
Coho
Coho are beginning to show up in the marine fishery and will only increase as the season goes on. These fish won’t hit freshwaters until the end of summer/early fall.
Sockeye
Sockeye are in, with 2,224 fish having passed the weir at Redoubt as of 6/30. Redoubt is closed to snagging for nonresidents from June 1- August 31. Snagging (rod and reel) is only a legal subsistence gear type at Redoubt; at other locations when using a rod and reel sport fishery limits apply. Residents, don’t forget to get your subsistence salmon permits which are available online.
Groundfish
Halibut
Fishing has been good and will only get better as the season continues. Try anchoring up and getting as much scent in the water as you can.
Lingcod
The season is open as of May 16 and will run through November. Try fishing around the structure and using a lead-headed jig to thump the bottom. No size limit for residents, but for non-residents, the slot limit has increased a bit from previous years to allow more opportunities. For 2022 it is 30-40 inches.
Demersal Shelf Rockfish (DSR)
In 2022, Demersal Shelf Rockfish (DSR) has opened to provide opportunities for residents. Resident anglers are allowed one DSR rockfish daily, one in possession, EXCLUDING YELLOWEYE. DSR is a subset of nonpelagic rockfish including Yelloweye, Quillback, China, Tiger, Rosethorn, Copper, and Canary.
Slope Rockfish
All anglers are allowed one slope rockfish daily, one in possession. The most common slope rockfish include Redbanded, Rougheye, Silvergray, Shortraker, and Vermilion.
Pelagic Rockfish
Pelagic rockfish is open year-round. Anglers are allowed 5 daily, 10 in possession, with the exception of CSEO (Sitka Area), where non-residents are allowed 3 daily, 6 in possession. See the Sitka Area Special Exceptions for a map of CSEO on page 23 of the Southeast regulation summary.
The department has developed a guide to assist anglers in identifying species groupings.
Fishing for rockfish is good all year. Try fishing around the underwater structure of off-kelp beds with a dart or jig. These rockfish make for excellent table fare in the winter when salmon are harder to come by.
Shellfish
Be sure to check your local fishing regulations to be aware of harvest limits and size requirements and necessary permits for shellfish. Also, be aware that certain types of shellfish in Southeast Alaska have been known to cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) which can be fatal.
Dungeness Crab
For Dungeness crab, try placing pots in bays and around the mouths of river where crabs congregate to feed. If fishing with friends, be sure to keep each angler’s catch separate to avoid pooling bag limits.
Freshwater
Dolly Varden and Rainbow/Cutthroat trout
Dolly Varden and Rainbow/Cutthroat trout can be targeted year-round in freshwaters. Try fishing around structures in the stream but be careful not to lose your lure. These fish make for a fun fight and don’t require a boat to get good access.
There are several lakes on the Sitka Road System that contain rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout, as well as grayling and Dolly Varden.
Check out the new gofishak interactive map to discover popular fishing locations and information on species run timing, fishing gear selections, and boat and angler access tips!
For further information, please feel free to contact the Sitka area sportfish management staff at (907) 747-5355.