Area Sport Fishing Reports
Ketchikan

September 7, 2024

September is here and fall coho are moving into the area in greater numbers. Marine fishing continues to be productive for coho, pinks, halibut, lingcod and rockfish.

Check out the gofishak interactive map to discover popular fishing locations and information on species run timing, fishing gear selections, and boat and angler access tips!

King Salmon

The retention of king salmon is prohibited in all Southeast Alaska salt waters from August 26 through September 30, 2024. The king salmon fishery will reopen on October 1, 2024 for the winter season, a future announcement will be issued in late September.

Coho Salmon

Coho fishing continues to be good near Duke Island and the Cape. Fishing nearshore waters is improving as fall coho move into the area. Hotspots include Clover Pass, backside of Gravina, and Camaano.

Pink and coho salmon are present in freshwater drainages and available in the following roadside systems:

Herring Cove Creek is open to sport fishing downstream of the bridge to the ADF&G markers. Upstream of the bridge is closed to sport fishing.

• The fishing season is August 10 - December 31.
• Coho, pink and chum salmon limits (in combination):
  • 2 per day, 2 in possession, 16 inches or longer.

Ketchikan Creek is OPEN to sport fishing for all species.

• Coho, pink, and chum salmon (in combination):
  • 2 per day, 2 in possession, 16 inches or longer.
• King salmon: 2 per day, 2 in possession, any size.
• King salmon harvested in Ketchikan Creek do not count towards the nonresident annual limit.
• Bait prohibited, only unbaited, single hook artificial lures or flies may be used year-round.

Ward Creek

• Coho, pink and chum salmon limits (in combination):
  • 2 per day, 2 in possession, 16 inches or longer.
• Bait prohibited, only unbaited, single hook artificial lures or flies may be used year-round.

Halibut

Halibut fishing continues to be good. Hotspots include Duke Island, Pt. Alava and the backside of Gravina.

Lingcod

Lingcod fishing continues to be good with some large fish being caught.

• Resident anglers: one per day, two in possession, no size limit.
• Nonresident anglers:
  • one per day, one in possession; 30-35 inches in length or 55 inches or longer.
  • annual limit of two, one of which is 30-35 inches in length or 55 inches or longer.

Rockfish

Rockfish can be caught year-round. Stop by the Fish & Game office or visit the website for resources on identifying rockfish species. Rockfish regulations remain the same as last year. All sportfishing vessels are required to have at least one deep water release device on board.

Slope Rockfish

• Resident and nonresident anglers:
  • bag limit of one fish; possession limit of two fish; no annual limit.

Demersal Shelf Rockfish (except yelloweye)

• Resident anglers: Bag limit of one fish; possession limit of two fish; no annual limit.
• Nonresident anglers: Closed; retention is prohibited by all anglers.

Yelloweye Rockfish:

• Closed; retention is prohibited by all anglers.

Pelagic Rockfish

• Five per day; ten in possession.

Trout and Dolly Varden

There are a few good opportunities to target cutthroat and rainbow trout along the road system.

Anglers targeting trout may want to try Ward Lake, Talbot Lake, Harriet Hunt Lake, Carlanna Lake, Ketchikan Creek, or the various lakes on Gravina Island.

Be sure to check the 2024 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations. The Ketchikan Area Freshwater Special Regulations can be found on pages 30-32. Regulations vary depending on the waters you plan to fish.

For further information, please contact the Ketchikan area Sport Fish management staff at (907) 225-2859.