Area Sport Fishing Reports
Ketchikan
Archived Sport Fishing Report
August 12, 2022
ADF&G News
ADF&G Creel Samplers are on the docks and ready to sample your fish! When creel samplers collect data from your harvest, they are filling in a huge information gap because Creel is the only program where we can physically observe the fish. Your willingness to participate in this program is key to the management of Alaska's sport fisheries!
Check out the new and improved version of the gofishak interactive map provides information on fishing locations, species run timing, regulations, fishing gear, and angler access. This is an excellent resource for anglers planning a trip to Southeast Alaska and the Ketchikan Area.
King Salmon
Marine anglers are still finding a few kings around Duke, Clover Pass, Vallenar Bay, and Moira,
As of August 15, regional bag and possession limits for king salmon apply in the Ketchikan area marine waters. King salmon may be retained in West Behm Canal, Southeast Behm Canal, and Southern Revillagigedo Island. North and Northeast Behm Canal remains closed year-round.
Regional king salmon regulations
Alaskan Resident: bag and possession limit is two king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length;
Nonresident: bag and possession limit is one king salmon 28 inches or greater in length;
- From July 16 through December 31, the nonresident annual harvest limit is one king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length; any king salmon harvested from January 1 through July 15 will apply towards the one fish annual harvest limit;
- Immediately upon landing and retaining a king salmon a nonresident must enter the species, date, and location on their sport fishing license or on a nontransferable harvest record.
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.
Coho Salmon
Coho catch rates have been below average. Catches are expected to improve into September as fall coho move into the area. Coho were primarily harvested from Duke Island, Moira, Alava, Clover Pass, and Gravina.
Pink Salmon
Catch rates for pink salmon have been great throughout the Ketchikan area marine waters. Current hotspots include Clover Pass, Gravina, Mountain Point, Mary Island, and Duke Island.
Marine shoreline anglers are having success catching pink salmon at Thomas Basin, Mountain Point, and Settler’s Cove. Pink salmon are available in local streams. If you are on the road system try Ward Creek and Ketchikan Creek.
Halibut
Reports from anglers targeting halibut have been good. Halibut were primarily harvested from Duke Island, Mary Island, Alava, and Vallenar.
Rockfish
Rockfish can be caught year-round. A helpful webpage is available on the Fish and Game website to assist anglers with identification.
All sport fishing vessels are required to have at least one functional deepwater release device (regardless of species targeted) and anglers are REQUIRED to use a deepwater release device to release rockfish to the depth it was hooked or to a depth of at least 100 feet. Please see the Southeast Alaska Sport Fish Regulation Summary or visit your local ADF&G office to see examples of rockfish release devices and learn about their use.
Demersal Shelf Rockfish
Demersal shelf rockfish are the following species: Yelloweye, Quillback, Copper, Canary, China, Tiger, and Rosethorn rockfish.
The retention of demersal shelf rockfish is now open for residents of Alaska with a daily bag limit of one per day, one in possession. Retention of Yelloweye rockfish is prohibited.
Demersal shelf rockfish are closed to harvest for nonresidents.
Slope Rockfish
Some slope rockfish are common in marine waters surrounding Ketchikan. The most common species are silvergray, rougheye, shortraker, and vermilion rockfish.
One per day; one in possession.
Pelagic Rockfish
Five per day; ten in possession.
Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout
There are a few good opportunities to target rainbow and cutthroat trout along the road system. Anglers targeting trout may want to try Ward Lake, Talbot Lake, Harriet Hunt Lake, Ketchikan Creek, or the various lakes on Gravina Island.
Be sure to check the 2022 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.