Area Sport Fishing Reports
Sitka

August 20, 2026

Salmon

King salmon are still slowly trickling in with some anglers still reporting success in varying areas. Coho salmon fishing has been decent. Anglers report the fish deeper than usual. Pink salmon are in and crowding the mouths of streams. Sockeye salmon are wrapping up with over 90% of the run through the Redoubt Weir.

Fishing in the EEZ

A reminder that resident anglers must comply with nonresident fishing regulations when fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The EEZ is waters from 3 miles offshore out to 200 miles. There are maps depicting this in the 2026 regulatory summary and posted at most of the harbors. This requirement does not affect nonresidents since their limits are the same in state and federal waters. Residents however must abide by nonresident size, bag, possession, seasonal dates, and annual limits. In addition, anglers may not be in possession of a fish that would be otherwise illegal to possess in the waters in which they are fishing. For example, if a resident angler caught a 45-inch lingcod in state waters (after May 15^th), they could not then go out to the EEZ and fish for any species because nonresident anglers are limited to one lingcod between 30 and 35 inches.

Resident anglers are subject to and must record any harvest of species that has an annual limit when fishing in the EEZ. This will include king salmon, lingcod, and nonpelagic rockfish in addition to steelhead and sharks (which must be recorded in state waters as well).

Halibut

Fishing for halibut is open. Fishing for halibut is good and stays relatively consistent through the summer.. See NOAA for sport fishing regulations.

Lingcod

Resident limits are one a day, two in possession, with no size or annual limit until closing on December 1. Nonresident season is closed until September 1 and will reopen until December 1. Nonresident limits are one per day, one in possession, size limit: 30 to 35 inches in length or 55 inches or greater in length. Annual limit of two fish, one of which is 30 to 35 inches in length, one of which is 55 inches or greater in length. A harvest record is required.

Demersal Shelf Rockfish (DSR)

In 2026, Demersal Shelf Rockfish (DSR) is open year-round for residents. Residents are allowed one fish daily with no annual limit (in State Waters). Nonresidents are allowed one DSR annually from July 1-August 25. A harvest record is required. Here’s a helpful rockfish ID link to common rockfish groups. DSR are a subset of nonpelagic rockfish including: Yelloweye, Quillback, China, Tiger, Rosethorn, Copper, and Canary.

Slope Rockfish

All anglers are allowed one daily, two in possession all year with no annual limit. The most common slope rockfish include: Redbanded, Rougheye, Silvergray, Shortraker, and Vermilion.

Pelagic Rockfish

Fishing for pelagic rockfish is open all year and typically good year-round. The most commonly caught pelagic rockfish in the Sitka Area are the Black and Yellowtail, although Duskys aren’t uncommon. Try fishing around underwater structures near kelp beds with a dart or jig. These rockfish make for excellent table fare.

A reminder to anglers that all vessels must have at least one functional deepwater release device on board and readily available regardless of species targeted. Any rockfish not retained must be released at depth of capture or 100 feet, whichever is shallower.

Resident anglers are allowed three daily, six in possession, and nonresidents in the Sitka Area are allowed two daily, four in possession. See the Sitka Area Special Exceptions for a map of CSEO on page 25 of the 2026 Southeast Regulation Summary. The department has developed a guide to assist anglers in identifying species groupings. If you’d like a copy of this on waterproof paper, stop by the office for a free one.

Shellfish

Be sure to check your local fishing regulations to be aware of harvest limits, size requirements and necessary permits for shellfish. Also be aware that certain types of shellfish in Southeast Alaska have been known to cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) which can be fatal.

For Dungeness crab, try placing pots in bays and around the mouths of river where crabs congregate to feed. If fishing with friends, be sure to keep each angler’s catch separate to avoid pooling bag limits.

Check out the new gofishak interactive map to discover popular fishing locations and information on species run timing, fishing gear selections, and boat and angler access tips!

For further information, please feel free to contact the Sitka area sportfish management staff at (907) 747-5355.