Area Sport Fishing Reports
Ketchikan

Archived Sport Fishing Report

November 05, 2018

As we head into the winter months, 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. The following regulations are in effect through March 31, 2019.

King salmon may be retained throughout the Ketchikan Area, except in North and Northeast Behm Canal which is closed to salmon fishing year-round (area description below).

Regional king salmon limits:

• Bag and possession limit is one king salmon for all anglers, 28 inches or greater in length.
• Residents may use two rods when fishing for king salmon from October 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019.
• For nonresidents, July 1 through December 31, the annual harvest limit is one king salmon 28 inches or greater in length, any king salmon harvested from January 1 through June 30 will apply toward the one fish annual limit; harvest record is required.

North and Northeast Behm Canal

• Salmon fishing is closed year-round in Behm Canal and the contiguous bays enclosed to the north by a line from the western entrance of Bailey Bay to the northern tip of Hassler Island and a line from Fin Point to Dress Point to a line from Cactus Point to Point Eva.

Halibut

Halibut will be available most of the winter months. Fishing closes for halibut January 1- January 31, 2019.

Rockfish

Rockfish are available year-round. Nonpelagic rockfish regulations for Southeast Alaska Inside waters, including the Ketchikan management area:

• Nonpelagic rockfish bag and possession limit is one fish for residents and nonresidents.
• Nonresident anglers have an annual limit of one yelloweye rockfish.

Anglers are reminded that beginning January 1, 2020, all marine boat anglers will be required to carry and utilize Rockfish Deepwater Release Devices. Visit the ADF&G Rockfish Conservation webpage for additional information and stop by the Ketchikan office to get a free deepwater release device.

Lingcod

Fishing for lingcod closes December 1- May 15, 2019.

Shrimp

Anglers are required to obtain a free permit for sport, personal use and subsistence shrimp harvest beginning Monday, June 25, 2018. Permits are available online at the ADF&G store or at your local ADF&G office.

Steelhead, Rainbow, Cutthroat and Brook Trout

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 2018 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations. The Ketchikan Area Freshwater Special Regulations can be found on pages 30-32. Regulations vary depending on the waters you plan to fish.