Source: Alaska Department of Fish & Game

King Salmon

There have been several news releases issued regarding king salmon limits for the Southeast Region and the Ketchikan area. Please pay particular attention to the Ketchikan news release dated March 29, 2018 that prohibits king salmon retention in all of Districts 1 and 2 through June 14. The news releases can be accessed using the links at the bottom of this page.

Terminal harvest areas have opened in Neets Bay, the Mountain Point area and in Thomas Basin. Marine effort has picked up in the last week with reports of king salmon being caught in the Mountain Point area. King salmon limits in the terminal areas are as follows:

• May 15- June 14, the bag and possession limit for all anglers is one king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length. For nonresidents, the annual limit is three king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length.

Bottomfish

The lingcod season opened on May 16th. A few reports from anglers targeting halibut have been good and should continue to improve into the summer.

Steelhead and Trout

Steelhead runs are winding down rapidly with water temperatures increasing and many fish spawning and returning to saltwater. While fewer steelhead are available, cutthroat and rainbow trout fishing will continue to improve. 
Anglers targeting trout may want to try Talbot Lake, Harriet Hunt Lake, and Ward Lake on the Ketchikan road system. Also anglers might want to try various small lakes on Gravina Island which can now be accessed from the road system from the airport.

Dolly Varden fishing along the roadside/shoreline should continue to improve as water temps continue to increase and fish migrate out to saltwater from overwintering lakes. Lake outlets and streams that connect to the salt water are prime places to catch these fish as they target out migrating salmon fry.

***Reminder

All anglers are responsible for knowing the current regulations for the area where they will be fishing. Regulation handbooks and copies of the most current regulatory changes are available on the Division of Sport Fish website and at the Ketchikan ADF&G office, (907) 225-2859.