Area Sport Fishing Reports
Ketchikan

September 16, 2026

Coho Salmon

Overall, saltwater coho fishing is slightly below average, with select areas being more productive. Coho are currently moving through the Clover Pass area, with productive fishing along the troll drag from Pup to Tatoosh Islands, as well as around Grant Island. There have been reports of coho being found deeper in the water column, with fishing most productive in the morning and evening.

Late September is a great time to fish for coho in freshwater. Productive freshwater locations include the Naha River, Herring Cove Creek, Fish Creek, and Ward Creek.

Creel Sampling

We have concluded our 2026 creel sampling season and want to thank all the anglers who participated. Your participation is essential for the sustainable management of sport fisheries, guiding management decisions to ensure fishing and harvest opportunities are maintained for the future.

Trout and Dolly Varden

Trout and Dolly Varden fishing is good around the area. As salmon are spawning, egg patterns can be especially effective when targeting trout. Productive lakes and drainages along the road system include the Ward Creek drainage, Ketchikan Creek, Harriet Hunt Lake, and Carlanna Lake.

Be sure to check the 2026 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations. The Ketchikan Area Freshwater Special Regulations can be found on pages 36-38. Regulations vary depending on the waters you plan to fish.

Halibut

Fishing for halibut has been good. Productive fishing areas are South Duke Island, Point Alava, and East Prince of Wales Island.

For detailed information about charter (guided) and unguided halibut regulations please visit NOAA’s website.

Lingcod

Lingcod season is currently open until November 30. In Southern Southeast Inside Waters:

• Residents: One fish per day; two in possession; no size limit.
• Nonresidents: One fish per day, one in possession, size limit 30–35 inches in length or 55 inches or greater in length. Annual limit of two fish, one of which is 30 to 35 inches in length, one of which is 55 inches or greater in length, a harvest record is required.

Rockfish

Rockfish can be caught year-round. Stop by the Fish & Game office or visit the website for resources on identifying rockfish species. All sportfishing vessels are required to have at least one deepwater release device on board.

Slope Rockfish

• Resident and nonresident anglers:
  • Daily bag limit of one fish; possession limit of two fish; no annual limit

Demersal Shelf Rockfish

Demersal shelf rockfish are the following species: yelloweye, quillback, canary, China, copper, tiger, and rosethorn.

• Resident anglers: Daily bag limit of one fish including yelloweye; possession limit of two fish; no annual limit.
• Nonresident anglers: Retention closed on August 25.

Pelagic Rockfish

Pelagic rockfish species include black, dark, dusky, widow, and yellowtail.

• Three per day; six in possession.

Trip-Planning Resources

An excellent resource for planning a trip is the gofishak interactive map for Ketchikan, which provides information on popular fishing locations, species run timing, fishing gear selections, and boat and angler access.