Area Sport Fishing Reports
Ketchikan

Archived Sport Fishing Report

October 06, 2022

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.

*As we move into the winter months, fishing reports will be at a minimum until spring*

King Salmon

While most of the fishing has wrapped up for the sesaon, anglers can still chase king salmon all winter long as weather allows. Residents may use two rods when fishing for king salmon from October 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023.

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 salmon are still being harvested in marine waters. Harvest has been reported at Clover Pass, Grant Island, Vallenar and Mountain Point.

Halibut

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

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.

Steelhead, Rainbow, Cutthroat and Brook Trout

There will continue to be some freshwater fishing opportunities throughout winter in the Ketchikan area. Fall-run steelhead are available between late October and mid-January, peaking in late November through December. Systems with fall-run steelhead include Ward Creek, Fish Creek, Gokachin Creek, Ella Creek, Spit Creek, and the Naha drainage.

Depending on seasonal temperatures, most low-level lakes can remain ice free through the winter and will offer opportunities to fish for cutthroat, rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. If you are up for the hike, try for brook trout in Perseverance Lake.

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.