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Alaska
fishing: Prince of Wales Island area
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Species
America’s third largest island holds a delightful surprise for any angler who makes the journey to this remarkable location just a little off the beaten path. Known affectionately to the islands’ 6,000 residents as POW, its 2,600 square miles also host good populations of many types of fish and wildlife.
Seas rich with baitfish and plankton set the stage for saltwater charter fishing for all 5 species of Pacific salmon, halibut, Pacific cod, rockfish, lingcod, shrimp, and two types of crab. Freshwater rivers and lakes produce opportunities for that rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout, as well as steelhead. Alongside runs of returning salmon swim Dolly Varden Char. Even grayling and kokanee are scattered about. In terms of assortment, POW is a smorgasbord for just about everything Southeast Alaska has to offer the angler.
Geography
POW is distinguished by rising mountains cloaked with towering forests of spruce, pine, hemlock and cedars. Nurtured by near constant moisture, this area of the Tongass National Forest descends into U-shaped valleys with streams, lakes, saltwater straits, and bays.
From rolling hills and to vertical cliffs, this is one the most stunning in Alaska and home to a variety of wildlife. Sitka deer and a large population of black bear share the land with mink, wolves, and even the occasional moose. Marine mammals include seals, sea lions, sea otters, and migratory whales. Totem poles of the island’s Hadia indians reach into the skies along with eagles and thousands of migratory birds. It is an island roughly 135 miles long by 45 miles wide, just across Chatham strait from Ketchikan.
Teeming with life and breathtaking in scenery, it is fringed by almost 1,000 miles of coastline that lies near the beginning of Alaska’s part of the famed Inside Passage.
Best saltwater fishing times in the Prince of Wales area (ADF&G data)
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Species |
Availability |
Peak |
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king
salmon |
year
round |
May
through July |
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coho
salmon |
June
through October |
July
through September |
|
sockeye
salmon |
June
through August |
June
through August |
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chum
salmon |
June
through September |
July
and August |
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pink
salmon |
June
through August |
July
and August |
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Dolly
Varden Char |
year
round |
June
and July |
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halibut |
year
round |
June
through September |
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rockfish |
year
round |
June
through September |
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lingcod |
year
round |
year
round |
Best freshwater fishing times in the Prince of Wales area (ADF&G data)
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Species |
Availability |
Peak |
|
king
salmon |
May
through August |
July |
|
coho
salmon |
June
through November |
August
and September |
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sockeye
salmon |
June
through August |
July
through August |
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chum
salmon |
July
through October |
August |
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pink
salmon |
July
through October |
July
through September |
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Dolly
Varden Char |
year
round |
July
through October |
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steelhead
trout |
all
months except July |
April
and May |
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rainbow
trout |
year
round |
May
through June |
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cutthroat
trout |
year
round |
May
through June |
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brook
trout |
year
round |
July
through September |
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grayling |
year
round |
year
round |
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kokanee |
year
round |
May
and June |
Transportation
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There are only two ways to get to POW: airplane and ferry. Air travelers traditionally connect from either Anchorage or Seattle and fly into Ketchikan, and then from there link by float plane or ferry to specific locations on the island. Highway travelers use the Alaska Marine Highway and disembark at Hollis on POW. Car rental agencies are available in Craig, and in Ketchikan. Local ferry service is also provided by the Inter-Island ferry. Summer is always busy anywhere in Alaska including POW, and advance reservations are strongly advised
Weather
The climate of POW is that of high latitude rain forest. Weather changes quickly especially during the spring and fall when temperatures range from the mid 30’s to the mid 60’s. Summer conditions are generally more stable and the temperatures range from the mid 40’s to the mid 70’s.
Rain is always a factor and the island receives over 100 inches per year. Travelers are always advised to dress in layers and have raingear at their side.
Above text by Bernard Rosenberg, author of Fishing Alaska on a Budget
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See more |
The POW Chamber of Commerce has an informative site that you will find helpful. Inter-Island Ferry and the Alaska Marine Highway also maintain individual websites.
Current fishing report from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (updated regularly during the summer months)
Alaska Fishing Forum (active forums with over 1,000 active members)
Useful books and videos relevant to Prince of Wales fishing
How to Catch Trophy Halibut
Sportfishing Alaska
Alaska's Fish
Underwater Secrets of Catching Halibut, Rockfish & Lingcod
The Milepost
Fishing Alaska on Dollar$ a Day
Links
Alaska Department of Fish and Game Prince of Wales Area description
Prince of Wales Online