This Sitka fishing report highlights the abundant and diverse fishing opportunities found on Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska. Known for its rich salmon runs, halibut, and bottomfish, Sitka draws anglers looking for trophy catches and stunning outdoor settings. This report will keep you informed about current fishing conditions and regulations to help you get the best experience on the water.

Boats are ready, rods are rigged, and Sitka’s saltwater is calling in this scene captured by Fish Baranof.

August Brings Strong Coho and Steady Bottomfishing

Sitka’s August fishing is marked by increasing coho salmon numbers entering local streams, boosting opportunities for both fly and gear anglers. Pink salmon runs also remain active in some areas, providing consistent action. Halibut fishing continues to be reliable, with bottomfish like rockfish and lingcod frequently filling coolers.

Sockeye salmon returns to Redoubt Lake near Sitka are exceptionally strong in 2025. As of August 5, the weir count sits at 183,393 fish, the highest total for this date in the past five years. The steady upward trend since 2021 highlights just how productive recent seasons have been, with 2025 on pace to set a new benchmark for the fishery.

Silver Surge and King Resurgence

July 29, 2025

Fishing has been red-hot around Sitka as we close out July. King salmon action picked back up, with trollers reporting solid catches both offshore and closer to the islands. Coho are coming in stronger every day, building toward their peak, and limits are very possible on the right tides. Halibut remain steady, especially on deep rockpiles west of town, and rockfish plus lingcod are filling coolers for many anglers.

Kings on the Bite, Halibut Make Headlines

The Fourth of July brought fireworks both above and below the surface. King salmon catches were steady, with some real slabs topping 30 pounds, although anglers are working harder than in June. The first good wave of coho arrived, and sea-run Dolly Varden are prowling estuaries in numbers. Everyone is buzzing about the large halibut being caught on the flats and reefs. Guides report successful trolling near Cape Edgecumbe and at Vitskari Rocks. Regulations remain mostly unchanged from late June, but always double-check for king salmon news when you launch.

Lingcod, Kings, and Flat Seas

Lingcod fishing stayed strong through late June, and king salmon are still being caught. Coho started to show offshore in small numbers. Flat seas let more anglers target halibut in the passes, while rockfish limits continue to protect stocks. In particular, around the Sitka, there are specific bag and possession limits for rockfish, with a maximum of three fish allowed per day and possession, including no more than one yelloweye rockfish. Anglers should always check current rules before heading out. When targeting mixed stocks, remember to release non-retained species quickly and safely.

King and Bottom Fishing is Steady

In Sitka’s saltwater earlier in June, king salmon were the focus with strong troller catches and productive mooching in the Sound. Many anglers reached their limits within a few hours. The 2025 Southeast Alaska king salmon sport fishing regulations are now in effect from April 3, 2025, through April 30, 2026. Alaska residents may keep one king salmon 28 inches or greater in length. Nonresidents may keep one king salmon 28 inches or greater, with an annual limit of one.

Halibut fishing was steady, especially near St. Lazaria and the outer coast. Lingcod fishing remains good, especially for Alaska residents who continue to have access to productive grounds in deeper waters. Anglers report consistent catches as the season progresses, with steady opportunities to target this species. Nonresident anglers should be mindful that their season remains open only through June 14 before the midseason closure begins.

Fish Baranof guests starting the season strong with a mixed bag of lingcod and kings.

Early Season Action and Lingcod Opener

May fishing in Sitka brings excitement as the season wakes up. Boat launches buzzed as locals and visitors chased early king salmon, which were already showing near favorite spots like Biorka Island. Bottomfish trips yielded halibut, pelagic rockfish, and, starting May 16, lingcod. Reports showed strong lingcod fishing right from the opening day.

For the 2025 season, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has set the following regulations for Sitka lingcod: Alaska residents may retain one lingcod per day, with a possession limit of two, and there is no size restriction. The season for residents runs from May 16 through November 30. Nonresidents are allowed one lingcod per day and one in possession during two open windows: May 16 to June 14 and August 16 to November 30.

Freshwater lakes and streams also came alive, with Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout moving as the ice receded.

For the most up-to-date information, always check Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s emergency orders and regulations before you go. Tight lines from Sitka!

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Solid halibut haul with Fish Baranof in Sitka.