Area Sport Fishing Reports
Ketchikan
Archived Sport Fishing Report
August 18, 2017
King salmon
Due to conservation concerns, the retention of king salmon is prohibited in all Southeast Alaska salt waters, including the Ketchikan area. This closure went into effect 12:01 a.m., Thursday, August 10, 2017. All king salmon caught must be immediately released unharmed.
Anglers may continue to retain king salmon in Ketchikan Creek.
- The bag and possession limit for king salmon in Ketchikan Creek is two king salmon of any size.
- King salmon harvested in Ketchikan Creek do not count towards the nonresident annual limit.
- Fishing gear permitted in Ketchikan Creek is one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure only.
Coho salmon
Coho harvest reports continue to be great throughout the Ketchikan area. Hot spots include Camano, the backside of Gravina, Mary Island, Alava, Nichols Pass, Cape Chacon, and the Pinnacles. Typically coho catch rates peak in September. Summer coho have arrived in Ward Creek; freshwater anglers are having good success at Grassy Point.
Pink salmon
Marine anglers are still reporting fair catch rates for pink salmon throughout the area. Roadside anglers can now find good shoreline angling for pink salmon at Thomas Basin, Ward Creek and Ketchikan Creek.
Halibut
Halibut harvest reports remain good throughout the Ketchikan area.
Rainbow, Cutthroat and Brook Trout
There are a few good opportunities to target rainbow and cutthroat trout along the road system. Anglers have been having success at Ward Creek, Ketchikan Creek and Carlanna Lake. Ketchikan Creek was opened June 1st and will be open for the remainder of the year. If you are up for the hike, anglers have been successful catching brook trout at the outlet of Perseverance Lake.
If remote fishing is on your agenda, try the Naha River, McDonald Lake or Fish Creek.
Be sure to check the 2017 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations. The Ketchikan Area Freshwater Special Regulations can be found on pages 29-31. Regulations vary depending on the waters you plan to fish.