Area Sport Fishing Reports
Yakutat
Archived Sport Fishing Report
August 17, 2021
NEW! Check out the wefishak page on the ADF&G website for 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!
The previous interactive map for the Yakutat area is still available but will be retired after September 1, 2021. For the most up-to-date information, please use the new app linked above.
* Just a reminder to all our anglers, please do your part to help slow the spread of Covid-19 by following and reviewing the current State of Alaska Health Mandates in effect. This includes practicing social distancing while sport and personal use fishing and wearing a face covering when fishing and if you are needing fishing supplies from your local store as indicated in Health Alert 010.
Freshwaters
Sockeye Salmon
With the recent flooding that took place last week, water levels on the Situk River remain at mostly unfishable levels. Jet boaters may be able to locate areas where fish are holding to target. Foot anglers, however, will have a difficult time wading the river and finding groups of fish with the current high water levels. The forecast calls for more rain today so water levels won't be going down anytime soon. Sockeye fishing should begin to slow considerably this week as the fish move up to spawn.
Coho Salmon
Coho fishing was starting to pick up on the lower Situk before the flood last week. Fishing should be good as soon as the waters recede some. Popular lures for coho on the Situk include #5 spinners, spoons, jigs, and brightly colored flies. Try to find the areas where the coho separate from the more numerous pink salmon.
Pink Salmon
Pink fishing is excellent on the lower Situk River. Even with high water pink salmon are so numerous they are easy to find pushed up against the banks in holding waters. Try using any brightly colored lure with a hook.
Saltwaters
King Salmon
Saltwater king fishing is closed to non-residents during the month of August. Resident king salmon fishing has slowed over the last couple of weeks. Coho salmon and pink salmon have moved into the area making it difficult to find the kings. Some good fishing locations include Ocean Cape, Monti Bay, and Kahntaak Island. Most anglers are trolling spoons or herring behind a flasher near the shoreline or around rocky structures. Try fishing in 40-70 feet of water while trolling your gear between 20-40 feet deep. King fishing closes to non-residents during the month of August.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon have arrived in Yakutat and fishing has been excellent over the last week. Coho is being caught near Ocean Cape, Monti Bay, and Kahntaak Island. Most anglers are trolling spoons or herring behind a flasher near the shoreline or around rocky structures. Try fishing in 40-70 feet of water while trolling your gear between 20-40 feet deep. Mooching is also an effective method when a group of coho is found.
Halibut
Halibut fishing is good right now in Yakutat. As pink salmon move in closer to the shoreline and begin staging near creek mouths, halibut will follow making them more available to anglers closer to shore.
Lingcod
Lingcod fishing is good right now. Fish near rocky structures or pinnacles with lead/rubber jigs or herring for the best success.
Rockfish
Fishing for black rockfish is excellent in the Yakutat area. Fish near rocky structures or pinnacles with small metal jigs/darts or mooch herring for the best success.
For further information, please contact the Yakutat Area Sport Fish management biologist Jason Pawluk at (907) 784-3222.