Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka
Archived Sport Fishing Report
September 21, 2022
Salmon
Cohos are well into the streams as marine fishing begins to wrap up for the season. These fish tend to school up at stream mouths before heading inriver and holding in deeper water. Try bright spinners or spoons to coax a hit from these acrobatic fish. Pinks seem to still be hanging out in river, sometimes obscuring access to the cohos. Please be aware of coho fishing closures in Bear Cove and Deep Inlet.
Halibut
Fishing has been good, especially around stream outlets as these fish gobble up washed out pinks. 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.
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 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.