Fishing in Sitka, Alaska

Without a doubt, Sitka is Southeast Alaska’s most popular salmon fishing destination. Ocean currents off the coast harbor massive amounts of feed, which keeps feeding Chinook and Coho salmon within reach of Sitka’s charter fleet all summer long. The rocky coastline of Baranof and Kruzof Islands are peppered with nearby rocky pinnacles and reefs for inshore fishing, as well as numerous offshore areas where anglers can catch trophy halibut and lingcod. Anglers who plan a fishing trip to Sitka can expect to catch salmon, halibut, lingcod and rockfish all in a few days time.

About Sitka salmon fishing

Sitka boasts one of the largest charter fleets in Alaska. It is strategically located near the edge of the continental shelf, where nutrient rich currents support a healthy population of marine life, and great fishing. Salmon fishing begins in mid-May, when Chinook begin to show in decent numbers. Most Chinook caught near Sitka average 20-25 pounds, with fish in the 25-30 pound class considered keepers. Chinook fishing stays good through June. Coho salmon are easy to catch, and abundant from late June through August.

Salmon fishing methods

Most charters prefer to mooch herring for salmon. This is a hands-on technique, where simple gear and fresh bait can offer great fishing in areas where salmon are concentrated. The basic mooching set-up includes a mooching lead tied to the mainline, a 4 to 6 foot leader with a double hook set-up rigged to a fresh herring. Anglers lower their set-up down the water column and reel it back up to the surface. Some charters prefer to troll for salmon. Either using downriggers or motor-mooching herring, these techniques work well when salmon are spread out.

Reel Class Charters with a double header!

About Sitka halibut fishing

Sitka’s charter fleet is well within range of some of SE Alaska’s best halibut grounds. Halibut fishing usually occurs from May through August. There is no “average size” for Sitka halibut. Depending on what experience your charter captain offers you could be fishing in an area with non-stop action for smaller halibut, or anchor all day for a shot at a 250 pound barn-door. Offshore humps, consisting of gravel or muddy bottoms are considered “chicken ranches” with “chicken” sized halibut ranging from 20 to 40 pound halibut. Areas with rocky structure will offer fewer fish, but those that do hang around rocky reefs and pinnacles will be huge. Many Sitka charter operators prefer to anchor near these rocky areas, and jig for monster halibut.

About Sitka lingcod fishing

Sitka offers outstanding lincod and bottomfishing. When most anglers get into Sitka, they have salmon and halibut on the brain. But making some time to catch a trophy lingcod, or limits of large rockfish can be a fun diversion from mooching, or anchor fishing barn doors.

About Sitka, Ak

Sitka is located in SE Alaska, and is accessible by boat or plane. When you get off your plane at the Sitka Airport, a short taxi ride will take you across the O’Connell Bridge directly into downtown Sitka. The city is compact, most hotels and restaurants are within a few minutes’ walk of the marina. The city of Sitka offers plenty of lodging, dining and shopping options. Sitka is home to numerous fishing lodges, which cater to anglers who book an all-inclusive trip with fishing and lodging. Several lodges on the outskirts of town offer a true wilderness experience, with limited access to Sitka’s services.

Sitka, Alaska

View Untitled in a larger map