Prince of Wales Management Area
Fishing Opportunities
Marine Dolly Varden and Cutthroat trout
Description
In the spring, anglers target Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout in a marine shoreline sport fishery. The fishery begins in April, when Dolly Varden move from freshwater, into saltwater to feed along marine shorelines. Dolly Varden typically weigh 1-3 pounds and are taken on light to medium weight spin casting gear. Popular lures for Dolly Varden fishing include pixies, hotrods, crocodiles, and buzz bombs in the ¼ to ½ ounce weights. When fishing for Dolly Varden in saltwater, fly-fishermen often use small, silvery smolt patterns that imitate salmon fry or small herring.
Cutthroat trout are also taken occasionally along marine shorelines by anglers fishing for Dolly Varden. Sea-run cutthroat typically range from 10 to 20 inches in length and can be caught on the same lures used for Dolly Varden. Cutthroat seem to be especially fond of lures in brass or brass and red combinations. Fly-fishermen commonly take cutthroat trout on imitations of salmon fry and small sculpin. Anglers should target any shoreline adjacent to streams and rivers that support populations of salmon.
Tackle
Popular lures for Dolly Varden fishing include pixies, hotrods, crocodiles, and buzz bombs, in the ¼ to ½ ounce weights.
Getting There
The road system on PWI is very extensive and access to marine shore fishing abounds. The United States Forest Service map for PWI shows many of the roads on the island, some of which are near the coast and can be used to access this fishery. All of the communities on the island are coastal and offer many locations to try for marine Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout.
Species
Dates
Ends: October 304
Regulations
Before you go fishing please check the regulations.