Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka
Archived Sport Fishing Report
July 11, 2022
King salmon
Fishing has taken a drop as we’ve entered July but is still decent. The traditional hot spots are good places to start if the weather allows – Vitskari Rocks, Cape Edgecumbe, and Biorka Island. There are a few kings left in the terminal harvest areas around their natal hatcheries, but not many.
As we entered July, king limits for nonresidents stepped 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. the resident bag and possession limits is two, with no annual 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
Fishing has been good and should increase as the season goes on. These fish won’t hit freshwaters until the end of summer/early fall.
Sockeye
The reds are in, with 20,204 fish having passed the weir at Redoubt as of 7/11. Current fish counts are now available online. 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 free subsistence salmon permits which are available online at the ADF&G store.
Groundfish
Halibut
Fishing has been good. Try anchoring up and getting as much scent in the water as you can.
Lingcod
The fishing season is open as of May 16 and will run through November. Try fishing around structure and using a leadheaded jig to thump the bottom. No size limit for residents, but for nonresidents the slot limit has increased a bit from previous years to allow more opportunity. For 2022 it is 30-40 inches.
Demersal Shelf Rockfish (DSR)
In 2022, Demersal Shelf Rockfish (DSR) has opened to provide opportunity for residents. Resident anglers are allowed one DSR rockfish daily, one in possession, EXCLUDING YELLOWEYE. DSR are a subset of nonpelagic rockfish including: Yelloweye, Quillback, China, Tiger, Rosethorn, Copper, and Canary.
Slope Rockfish
All anglers are allowed one daily, one in possession. The most common slope rockfish include: Redbanded, Rougheye, Silvergray, Shortraker, and Vermilion.
Pelagic Rockfish
Fishing for rockfish is good all year. Try fishing around 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.
Anglers are allowed 5 daily, 10 in possession, with the exception of CSEO (Sitka Area), where nonresidents 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.
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.
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
These fish 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.