Area Sport Fishing Reports
Ketchikan

Archived Sport Fishing Report

October 31, 2017

As we head into the winter months, our fishing reports will be at a minimum until spring.

King Salmon

Although most salmon fishing has wrapped up for the year, anglers can still chase king salmon all winter long as weather allows. Sport fishing for king salmon reopened in Southeast Alaska marine waters October 1, 2017. The following regulations are in effect through March 31, 2018.

Residents:

• Bag and possession limit is two king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length.
• Residents may use two rods when fishing for king salmon from October 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018. Residents using two rods may only retain king salmon.

Nonresidents:

• Bag and possession limit is one king salmon greater than 28 inches in length.
• The nonresident annual limit is three king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length. Nonresidents shall immediately record, in ink, all king salmon harvested either on the back of their sport fishing license or on a nontransferable harvest record.

Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout and Dolly Varden

There will continue to be some freshwater fishing opportunities throughout winter in the Ketchikan area. Anglers wanting to chase fall steelhead should try Ward Creek on the road system or if remote fishing is on your agenda try Fish Creek or the Naha River drainage.

Depending on seasonal temperatures, most large low level lakes can remain ice free through winter and will offer opportunities to fish for cutthroat, rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. If you are up for the hike, anglers have been successful catching brook trout at the outlet of Perseverance Lake.

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.