Current Sport Fishing Report
October 12, 2009
Mid-October 2009: At this time of year the local creel survey program has been suspended for the fall and winter months, so there will not be updates on sport catch rates until spring. These will start up again during May. Fishing reports will not be updated often, but will be updated as fishing opportunities change with the onset of winter, and then spring. Anglers can still find information on updated regulation changes at the local Fish and Game offices in Petersburg and Wrangell, on the Fish and Game website, as well as posted on bulletin boards in and around the harbors in these towns.
Area fishing in marine waters have slowed dramatically as early fall coho and late-season halibut are pretty much over with in marine waters. Coho have been entering into freshwaters prior to spawning and sea-run Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout are returning to freshwaters for overwintering and spawning (Dollies). Angling for king salmon will still be available in marine waters, but will remain very slow as only a few feeder kings are available during this time of year. Trout fishing around salmon spawning in freshwaters may continue until spawning is over with, then expect the trout and Dollies to seek deeper waters for overwintering.
Coho fishing: Coho fishing in streams is now winding down but anglers have more flexibility with use of lures or bait (Sept 15- Nov 15).
King Salmon: Beginning October 1st, 2009 resident anglers will be allowed use of two rods for king salmon fishing through March 31, 2010 in all Southeast Alaska marine waters. Anglers may still catch king salmon, but they will likely be feeder kings, which often are taken during saltwater trolling for coho. At present anglers only have one (1) king salmon regulation that is currently in effect, which is the 2009 regional regulation (see April 1st News Release).
Some additional King salmon reminders:
- Please don’t forget to purchase your king salmon stamp. (Even anglers fishing in marine waters during coho (silver) season routinely catch king salmon which require the King salmon stamp for harvest).
- if you do catch a small (sublegal) feeder king salmon, or catch a feeder without having a king salmon stamp, please be careful to release the fish unharmed. It is best if the fish remains in the water, and is not netted, and the hook is eased out or line cut.
- The Grey’s Passage area near the mouth of the Stikine River will remain open year round.
- Nonresidents remember to record harvests of all species with annual or harvest limits on the back of your fishing license or harvest card, including species, date and the area.
Other marine fishing:
Anglers determined to go bottom fishing might have some luck with rockfish, which are found along steep rock ledges located along our shorelines. Although anglers in the Petersburg and Wrangell areas rarely target rockfish and lingcod, there are new regulations to be aware of in SE Alaska. Anglers are currently encouraged to review the 2009 Southeast Alaska regulation summary as well as check for upcoming news releases for inseason changes to rockfish and other sport fishing regulations. Please see the emergency orders news release link above, and or refer to posted news releases located at harbors on covered walkways to docks in Petersburg and Wrangell.
Fall freshwater fishing:
Although many pursue hunting at this time of year, Fall can be a good time to catch trout. Cohos entering and spawning in area streams will improve the freshwater trout fishing as trout and Dollies concentrate with them to feed on spawned eggs. Additionally, access is better than during spring as road and trail access is good (without closures from melting snowpack) to a number of area lakes, streams, and some shoreline areas where anglers can target trout. Additional remote higher elevation alpine lakes may remain open for a short while longer before winter ice will close things off until late-June or even July. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Petersburg/Wrangell Area Sport Fish biologist Doug Fleming at 907-772-5231 or via email.
