Area Sport Fishing Reports
Juneau

Archived Sport Fishing Report

August 22, 2017

King salmon fishing is currently CLOSED in the saltwaters around Juneau and all saltwaters of Southeast Alaska.

The Golden North Salmon Derby

This year's derby was a great success. There were a little over 1,200 people that participated and the coho catch was great with a little over 3,800 cohos turned in. Each derby receives between 1,000 - 4,000 coho, so this year was on the high end of the averages. Reports from the crews on the dock show that there was good compliance with the king salmon closure and for the most part no king salmon were seen with a couple exceptions. The weather was decent throughout the weekend and that is always helpful in getting good participation and everyone enjoying themselves. Thanks to all the volunteers from the derby and from all of our ADF&G samplers who worked very hard all weekend to gather valuable data used to help manage the fishery.

Marine Boat Fishing Report

Salmon Fishing

During the past week and throughout the derby weekend anglers had good luck catching coho in Juneau marine waters. Coho hot spots include the backside of Douglas (middle and inner pt), False Retreat to Cordwood and Couverden. North Pass and Handtrollers were also reported as having good catch rates for coho. Fishing should continue to be productive for the next several weeks as coho return to Juneau area streams. Trolling with a green hoochie or herring seem to work best for catching coho in the saltwaters around Juneau.

Bottom Fishing

With everyone focused on salmon it appears that particpation in bottom fishing has been down the last two weeks. Things should begin to pick up again over the next several weeks as anglers look to fill their freezers with halibut. Hot spots for halibut include Scull Island on the backside of Douglas, Point Retreat, Vanderbilt Reef, St. James Bay, Aaron Island and the Kittens. Rockfish were also harvested this past week. Anglers are reminded that the bag and possession limits for NON-PELAGIC rockfish are 1 daily and 1 in possession. The bag and possession limits for PELAGIC rockfish are 5 daily with 10 in possession. Please see page 36 of the regulation summary booklet for more details on fish ID and rockfish conservation.

Freshwater Fishing Report

Salmon

In the next couple weeks look for coho to start entering freshwater returning to their natal streams. Hot spots for freshwater coho fishing include Sheep Creek (Thane), Salmon Creek, Fish Creek (North Douglas), Montana Creek, Peterson Creek, and Cowee Creek out the road. When fishing for salmon in freshwater anglers are reminded that the bag and possession limits for coho on any stream crossed by the Juneau road system is 2 fish. This is different than the saltwater regulations which allow 6 daily and 12 in possession. Anglers are also reminded that bait and scented lures are currently prohibited in freshwater systems along the Juneau road system.

Dolly Varden/ Cutthroat Trout Fishing

Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout are currently feeding voraciously on salmon eggs. A large number of pink and chum salmon have now entered local streams and Dolly Varden and cuttrhoat are often associated with this run timing as there is valuable food to be had in the form of salmon eggs and salmon flesh as these fish begin to spawn and die. Anglers looking to cash in on these aggressive feeding patterns would have luck using bright orange lures or imitation egg pattern flies. Current hot spots to catch Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout include Sheep Creek (Thane), Salmon Creek, Peterson Creek and Cowee Creek out the road. Anglers are reminded that the daily bag and possession limit for Dolly Varden are 2 daily and 2 in possession no size restrictions. For cutthroat and rainbow trout on the road system the limits are (in combination), 2 daily and 2 in possession. 14 inch minimum and 22 inch maximum size limit. Good luck out there and enjoy chasing and catching these wonderful sport fish.