Alaska fishing: Sitka area

Listen to a RealAudio™ interview (5:51) with Alaska Department of Fish and Game sport fish biologist Art Schmidt (907/747-5355) for additional information about  fishing in the Sitka, Alaska area.

Species

The most important three species are king and coho (silver) salmon and halibut. Coho are abundant in the area, and King salmon numbers have improved substantially in recent years.

The best halibut fishing is further from Sitka.  Red snapper, lingcod and other saltwater species are available.  Dolly Varden, rainbow, steelhead, and brook trout are found in Sitka area freshwater streams.

Area Sponsor

Geography

The Sitka area includes Baranof Island, the western part of Chichagof Island, and many smaller adjacent islands. The islands are heavily forested, and rise to snow-capped mountains along the spine of Baranof Island. A portion of the area is protected from the open Pacific, and Sitka itself is in a partially protected sound.

The ample rainfall of the area produces many streams and lakes, most of which are populated by fish.

Best saltwater fishing times in the Sitka area (ADF&G data)

Best freshwater fishing times in the Sitka area (ADF&G data)

Transportation

Access to the Sitka area is by aircraft or by boat only. There is daily jet service to Sitka, and commuter airlines serve the smaller communities nearby.  The Alaska Marine Highway links this community with the rest of the region and the Seattle area. The road system on Baranof Island is limited to the area around Sitka. Most fishing access is by charter boat or float plane.

Weather

The Sitka area is wet by most standards, although the summer months tend to have the best weather of the year. Rain or drizzle is the norm, but periods of dry, sunny weather are typical during the summer.

Clothing in layers, effective raingear, and good footwear are all important for anglers.

Current Alaska Department of Fish and Game fishing reports (updated regularly during the summer months)

Sitka Fishing Report 

Alaska Fishing Forum (active forums with over 2,000 active members)

Area Descriptions for Southeast Alaska

Haines/Skagway
Juneau
Ketchikan
Petersburg
Prince of Wales
Sitka
Wrangell
Yakutat

Area Descriptions for other regions of the state

Southcentral
Arctic, Yukon and Kuskokwim

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