Prince of Wales Management Area
Fishing Opportunities

King salmon are present in the marine waters surrounding Prince of Wales, however the best fishing occurs along the western coast from mid-May to mid-July. Mature kings are present from May to August, with peak availability in June. Immature or ‘feeder’ kings are present year-round, but the best fishing for them is from May to July. Early in the season the best catches occur on the outer coast near outlying islands. As summer progresses fishing improves on the inside around islands and the mainland of Prince of Wales. King salmon frequent nearshore areas off points of land, around kelp beds, or in open water feeding on schools of bait fish such as herring or needlefish. The most effective techniques used to catch king salmon are trolling, mooching, or jigging. King salmon caught in marine waters along the west coast of PWI, and adjacent islands, are commonly fish bound for natal streams and hatcheries in the Pacific Northwest and Canada, as well as hatcheries near Ketchikan and Petersburg. Anglers generally access this fishery by boat.

The most effective techniques used to catch king salmon are trolling, mooching, or jigging.  Common baits and lures are cut plug herring, flashers, hootchies, spoons and jigs that imitate bait fish.

Access to the fishery occurs at boat launches located at various communities around Prince of Wales, or by commercial charter operations that have private docks. Popular boat launches include the City of Craig False Island boat launch or the City of Klawock boat launch.

King Salmon

Begin: May 135
Ends: July 196

Before you go fishing please check the regulations.