Area Sport Fishing Reports
Yakutat
Archived Sport Fishing Report
April 28, 2022
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Freshwaters
Steelhead Trout
Yakutat got rain and clouds as expected through last weekend but did little to raise water levels. Overnight lows are finally above freezing and look to stay that way for the foreseeable future. Daytime temps are in the upper 40s and have started to melt a large amount of snow in the upper reaches of the drainage. The outlook for the next few days looks dry until about Sunday through Wednesday of next week when there is expected to be around 2 inches of rain in the Yakutat area over that time.
Water conditions on the Situk River continue to be below mean historical levels over the past week and are in the bottom quartile for 34 years of water data. Currently, we are at a discharge of around 185cfs. Discharge however is showing signs of rising due to the snowmelt most likely. The river will undoubtedly rise when the next rain event happens to start on Sunday. How much is anyone's guess, but it could approach 350cfs which will start making wading conditions a little difficult? As a benchmark, it becomes increasingly difficult to cross the river in certain locations with flows greater than 350cfs. Water temperatures have taken a sharp turn upwards over the last week. These higher water temperatures now could be indicating a more normal run-timing pattern. Snow levels at the nine-mile bridge continue to make it difficult to access the river at traditional access points without walking on or through it. Boating conditions continue to be a little skinny with the lower water levels, especially jetboating.
Anglers continue reporting catching steelhead throughout the drainage, but not in large numbers. Boaters have reported that fish are skittish due to the low and clear water and off the bite, but some days are better than others. Fresh fish are entering the lower river, but not in large groups. The bulk of the run should be entering the river at this time, but it is starting to look like another small run similar to last year. Fishing conditions are tough with the lower water but should improve with this next rain event especially if the water rises and the water gets a little off.
Saltwaters
King Salmon
Sportfishing for king salmon is open in Yakutat area marine waters. Reports of fishing by trollers and sport anglers in Yakutat Bay have been good recently. Kings have been reported being caught out front over some pinnacles near the red buoy. A few are also starting to be caught in the islands. A lot of small fish are being reported caught, which have to be released by regulation. Most anglers are trolling spoons or herring behind a flasher.
Halibut
Halibut fishing is starting to pick up with a few nice fish being brought in over the past week. The current nice weather should make it possible to get out front along the coast.
Lingcod
Lingcod fishing is closed until May 16th.
Rockfish
Fishing for pelagic rockfish should be excellent in the Yakutat area.
For further information, please contact the Yakutat Area Sport Fish management biologist Jason Pawluk at (907) 784-3222.