Prince of Wales Management Area
Fishing Opportunities

Steelhead are the most sought-after game fish in PWI area streams from November to May. The popularity of steelhead fishing stems from their fighting prowess and low densities, compared to other trout, salmon, and char. With 85 documented steelhead streams, PWI has one of the highest concentrations of steelhead systems in Alaska. Several larger stream systems containing lakes support both spring and fall-run steelhead. Most systems have less than 200 fish return annually. As a result, steelhead sport fisheries are managed conservatively, with restrictive size, bag, and possession limits, and bait being prohibited in most systems. Anglers fish for spring-run steelhead from early March through May, with peak fishing between early April and mid-May. Fishing for fall-run steelhead occurs between late October and mid-January, with a peak from late November through December. Drift fishing with spinning or fly-fishing gear is very effective. Anglers wanting to target steelhead should try the Thorne River drainage and Staney Creek, both of which are road accessible. 

                                                   

 

Popular spinning gear for steelhead include jigs, spinners, spoons and corkies. Float fishing maribou jigs can be very productive. Fly patterns include streamers, nymphs and egg patterns in a variety of colors. Streamers can be drifted or swung, while nymphs and egg patterns are generally drifted.

Many of PWI's steelhead drainages can be accessed by road. A United States Forrest Service map showing the many roads on the island is a valuable resource for accessing various drainages that support steelhead. A few drainages are not road accessilbe and require marine access via boat to creek mouths.

Steelhead

Begin: November 305
Ends: May 151

Before you go fishing please check the regulations.