Rain hampers Sitok coho fishing

The following is provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

Yakutat fishing report

September 18, 2023

An excellent resource for planning a trip is the interactive gofishak map of Yakutat, which provides information on popular fishing spots, species run timings, fishing gear selections, and access to boats and anglers.

Fresh water

Coho salmon

Coho fishing in the Setauk River has been difficult over the past two weeks due to heavy rain and high water levels. Yakutat continues to have a steady stream of storms moving through it that has kept Setoc River levels above 700 cfs since September 8. As a result, rising water levels have made coho hunting more difficult. Boat anglers will have better access to fishing spots while foot anglers will be more limited.

Salt water

King Salmon

Sport fishing for salmon is open in the marine waters of the Yakutat region. King hunting is very slow. The best location to reach the King will be within the islands near Log Dump or Johnstone Pass. Most anglers fish spoons or herring behind stripers in about 40-80 feet of water along the shoreline or around the crests.

• Anglers are required to obtain a King Salmon Stamp when targeting king salmon.
• All salmon under 28 inches in length must be released.

Coho salmon

Saltwater fishing for coho salmon has become difficult recently due to several storms moving through the area. The best fishing still occurs on the outer part of Kantauck Island, near Point Munoz and Ocean Cape. The fishing is decent within the islands as well. The border is captured. Anglers catch herring, spoonbills and hoochie using flashers, or you can catch them once you find a school. Anglers must be able to identify the different salmon species so as not to inadvertently or illegally keep king salmon.

halibut

Reports from fishermen indicate that halibut fishing remains difficult. With bad weather and reduced halibut abundance, anglers are having a hard time connecting with the fish. The majority of halibut caught are still smaller fish. As pink salmon and coho salmon move into Yakutat Bay, halibut fishing within the islands is expected to improve.

Sunday

Lingcod fishing remains excellent. Try using jigs, darts or cut herring near rock structures or pinnacles.

Rockfish

Rockfishing is excellent in the Yakutat area. Try using small jigs, throwing darts, or fishing for herring near any rock structures or underwater pinnacles for best results.

For more information, please contact Yakutat Area Sportfish Department Biologist Jason Pawluk at (907) 784-3222.