Things to do / Travel Guide
Fishing in the Alaska Panhandle is nothing short of incredible. Everything from fly fishing in streams and rivers to deep-sea sport fishing right off the coast can be done in this region. Very prolific salmon runs are found all along the coast, and if you are after some giant halibut, this is the place. For instance, anglers routinely catch fish weighing in excess of 50 pounds. There are also grayling and northern pike running in a host of inland streams.
The Alaska Panhandle is known for its beautiful, deep fjords, glaciers, and fast-running, frigid mountain streams. The fishing itself is great, but added to the fact that you are fishing amid some of the most incredible scenery found anywhere in the United States, it's fishing nirvana!
There are, however, a few caveats to keep in mind. What's amazing in this region is the quality, not necessarily the quantity. The productivity of most Alaska Panhandle streams is low compared to warmer places. Basically, some heavily-fished interior streams will not produce many large fish. That said, those fantastic large salmon runs will more than make up for it.
King salmon stage their spectacular arrival in the spring and summer months in huge numbers to virtually thousands of streams, and halibut migrate into close-in shore waters in the summer. There are also different species of trout available to catch year-round as well as a nice selection of bottom fish. You can also occasionally find shrimp and crab in some waters, too.
There are quite a few charter boat operators which are experts when it comes to fishing in the Alaska Panhandle waters. Prices can vary, but are generally reasonable. One important note is that there are five different sets of state fishing regulations, depending on the area in which you go fishing. Before you go, send an email to the state fishing regulations department and advise them of your plans, and they will provide you with the appropriate regulations for that area.
Saltwater/Off-shore Fishing Trip
Auke Bay - This great fishing site is located approximately about 12 miles north of Juneau and is only accessible by boat. Visitors can fish for king salmon year-round. However, the best season for larger fish is from May-June. Pink salmon are best caught in July and August, while August is the best season for coho salmon.
Gastineau Channel - Gastineau Channel is located between Juneau and Douglas Island and continues for 19 miles. The channel is accessible by boat and selected shore areas. A good variety of species can be found in this area, such as steelhead, trout, salmon, and halibut.
Sitka Sound - Sitka Sound hosts all five species of Pacific salmon - king, sockeye, coho, pink, and chum. Anglers will also find plenty of halibut, lingcod, and rockfish. Steelhead and Dolly Varden can be caught in some of the smaller freshwater streams found here. Cutthroat and rainbow trout runs occur in many nearby lake systems. Also, two lakes that run along the Sitka road system have brook trout. Beaver Lake is manually stocked with Arctic grayling.
Freshwater/Fly Fishing Trip
Chilkat Inlet, Lake, and River - Chilkat Inlet, Chilkat Lake, and Chilkat River are located just southwest of Haines and are accessible by either boat or road. There is boat launching available, and anglers can catch great king salmon, which is the most common species in these waters.
Dewey Lakes - Fishermen will find Dewey Lakes just two miles southeast of Skagway, but it's only accessible by trail. Brook trout is the main species found in these waters.
Peterson Lake - Peterson Lake is located about 17 miles northwest of Juneau and is only accessible by trail. Fishing for king salmon and halibut is best from May-September.
There are also a few fishing events you might want to consider. There's usually good prize money to be won!
The Annual Salmon Derby
This event, held in Ketchikan, is a world-class fishing event for king salmon. The event is both for locals and visitors at several locations in the area. Bring your favorite fishing pole and lucky hat for this one! It usually takes place during the second weekend in June.
60th Golden North Salmon Derby
This annual salmon derby is held in Juneau every August. It's the oldest salmon derby in Alaska and awards large cash prizes.
Pat Moore Memorial Gamefish Derby
Skagway has the privilege of hosting the first annual tournament strictly focusing on the most famous fish in Alaskan waters, the king (chinoook) salmon. Held in the first week of August annually, it's a great opportunity to try your skills out and catch some really big salmon!
|
|
|