Nearly all corners of this state are full of giant rivers, healthy ecosystems, thriving fish populations, and accommodating guides and charters to help you explore and experience them. Species. The Kenai River is referred to as one of the world's best sportfishing rivers and is one of the most heavily used freshwater fisheries in Alaska. With seemingly unlimited numbers of rivers, creeks, and bays to fish for in The Last Frontier, its not all that easy to choose a river for chasing steelhead. If there was ever a fish made for fly fishing, it would be the grayling. We will caravan out in front of you the first day and show you areas that may be hazardous and general areas on your map. There are many other differences between these two salmonids, ranging from size, appearance, taste, and price. Which one is right for you? PRO TIP: Need to gear up for your next steelhead adventure? (Preferred Prey and Baits), Best Pike Fishing Gear for 2023 (Field-Tested), Ugly Stik Elite Salmon/Steelhead 86 Spinning Rod, Alaska Department of Fish and Games Area Sport Fishing Report, Alaska Department of Fish and Games licenses and permits section, You can find the current regulations (as well as possible emergency orders and rule changes) for all four regions here, Steelhead Fishing in Washington (Everything You Need to Know). Tackle There is a small luncheon buffet available before noon until late in the afternoon for those fishermen that come back to the lodge. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. We now offer self-guided black bear hunting! Required fields are marked *. By Patrick Fowler Dockside May 9, 2019 Petersburg Fishing Report Youll see no lil Corkys, no tippet packages, no tippet, no snelled hooks, no lost strike indicators, no beer cans . Caught at Bell Island, roughly 50 miles north of the small town of Ketchikan located in southeast Alaska, the largest steelhead ever recorded topped the scale at42 pounds 3 ouncesback in 1970. Anglers are known to stand in partially frozen rivers to catch this beautiful fish. You and your host will then make the scenic 40 or 60 minute drive to one of our teo lodges and cabins. The Tongass National Forest is a lush rainforest with extraordinary opportunities to . xx38Y*`+a!coZo5R>CO&2. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry stops in Petersburg several times a month, and the town is a port of call for Inside Passage itineraries for several small ship cruise companies. Jamie Eddy is the maintenance guy at the retirement home in Petersburg, Alaska. Commercial Salmon Fishing in Alaska (A Complete Guide) Here's where to find them: Show Map Steelhead Fishing Spots Kasilof River - Mouth 1 1 Map Anchor River (Lower) 2 Map Stariski Creek 3 Map Crooked Creek/ Kasilof River 4 Map Anglers are known to stand in partially frozen rivers to catch this beautiful fish. BOOK YOUR TRIP Contact Us Send Message Petersburg Sportfishing 130 Scow Bay Loop Road, Petersburg, Alaska 99833, United States Phone: (435) 764-1310 Email: pertersburgsportfishing@gmail.com During King Salmon season we get visitors from all over the world who come to Alaska for the pristine wildlife and abundant fish. If you want to read up on even more American steelhead fishing destinations, here are a few more state guides that you might find useful: Hi, I'm Max. On a clear, calm night, the fishing can be superb on the rivers of Alaska, especially if plenty of moonlight hits the water surface. You can make airline reservations yourself, or we can assist you with them. We catch lots of big silvers, dollies and rainbows on spinning or fly gear in the fall. While this fish has been the Alaskan record steelhead for over 40 years, there must be even bigger fish swimming around out there! Licenses are sold at the local hardware store and hotels. A short fishing report is done at dinner that will let you know what the tides will be the next day as well as where and what kind of fish are being caught in the area. hn? Steelhead are one of the most sought-after game fish on the West Coast, and in Southeast, begin their spawning run in April and are available until late May in most of their range. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Think About Alternative Species, Too! I wasnt expecting to repeat that catch on this trip, nor was I disappointed that Id be sleeping in a comfortable berth on the Hawkeye II, rather than grinding it out, with one ear open for bears, in a small tent in the rain. This iconic and world-renowned king salmon river harbors one of the largest roadside sockeye salmon fisheries in Alaska. Fall steelhead are hearty fish. Steelhead The spring steelhead fishing season is in full swing. P.O. The shallow waters of the Karluk make this a favorite among fisherman for its ease . and experience an unparalleled Alaskan getaway. Call now (907) 784-3625. Wear polarized glasses if you have them and watch for dark red kings in the riffles and deeper holes. Arctic Grayling: Denali Highway. We do not provide canned soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. 2-5 day small ship explorations. The Alaska record rainbow/steelhead trout is the oldest record among those tracked by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game -- a 42 pound, 3 ounce whopper caught in 1970 by David White at Bell . The steelhead of the Kenai Peninsula are unique in that there is only one run that occurs. Most of Alaskas creeks and rivers will freeze over in winter, which means you catch steelhead either before or after the ice has taken claim to these waters. Petersburg Sportfishing offers guided fishing charters in Southeast Alaska and also has un-guided fishing options for anglers that want to fish at their own pace. The idea was to cruise a portion of the Inside Passage with Thanks Alaska, stopping to prospect remote wild Southeast Alaska steelhead streams just about wherever we pleased. Swinging small waters for Southeast Alaska steelhead. Enjoy mingling with gentle giant humpbacks, as they breach and feed against a backdrop of breath taking snow cover peaks! We will do our best to help you with your request. although fish 15-20 lbs. The joy of the catch, the bait, the tackle and the outdoors in general is what Strike and Catch is all about. are not uncommon. The availability of rods and reels will reduce the number of luggage items that you would have to check in with the airlines. You can expect the steelhead still to be extremely hard-fighting and to have bright chrome colors during the fall and spring months, as they will not yet have entered the river systems. Box 681 Petersburg, AK 99833 jensenboat@gmail.com Give us a call at 1-800-352-4522 to book your next Alaska Fishing trip at Island Point lodge. this fish was caught not with sportfishing gear but in a fish trap in Petersburg (Alaska) back in 1949. . King Salmon fishing begins in May, and you can continue fishing for Silver Salmon all the way through November. Icebergs deposited on the beach at high tide near Petersburg, Alaska. Email Us, Board of Fisheries and Game: Actions & Activities, Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity Program, Alaska Resources Library and Information Services (ARLIS), About the Division of Commercial Fisheries, Western Alaska Salmon Stock Identification Program (WASSIP), Online General Season & Registration Permits, Subsistence and Personal Use Fishing Permits, CSIS Community Subsistence Information System, The Technical Papers and Special Publications Series. and char. Even novice fishermen can have success as staff members provide guidance and advice. If you have a special dietary need, please speak to the cook! The rivers steelhead, king, and sockeye runs are enormous, which means theres both plenty and lots of big fish to catch! Box 662 Douglas, MA 01516 1-800-352-4522 | Island Point Lodge Inc., Petersburg, AK 99833 | [emailprotected]. Steelhead Scouting Mission to Southeast Alaska Wild fresh run Pacific steelhead are considered by many to be the ultimate gamefish on a fly rod. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Bag and possession limit is 2 king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length, and 2 king salmon, under 28 inches in length; No annual limit. If you're interested in the Hawkeye II and Thanks Alaska call Gil's Fly Fishing International at 406-317-1062. Back in April I flew from Missoula to Petersburg, Alaskamy old stomping grounds and the place I was bornand climbed aboard the mothership, the Hawkeye II. Steelhead fishing in Alaska is no exception. Your best bet to catching these fish in the moonlight is by either trolling or casting spoons or inline spinners. It takes some getting used to, but youd be surprised at how productive night fishing for steelhead can be! None of this is true at Boardwalk Lodge. Island Point Lodge located in Petersburg, AK, offers a fantastic week of salmon as well as halibut fishing at an affordable price! The rivers are about the size of your average Montana stream, the wading is knee high to waist high, the casts are 20-30 feet and the fish plentiful. endstream endobj startxref Book your stay at Island Point Lodge and experience an unparalleled Alaskan getaway! Salmon and steelhead are caught primarily in streamssea-run and resident rainbows . The fishing opportunities are endless and the quality no matter where you go and what you fish for is, in our opinion, unmatched. The best time to target fall-run steelies is from October through November in most years. DID YOU KNOW: According to theAlaska Department of Fish and Game, the spring runs in many rivers usually exceed the fall runs. But we managed several steelhead between us, the largest weighing maybe 14 or 15 pounds, all perfectly wild fish that likely had never seen another fly. Steelhead: Catch and release fishing only, all steelhead caught must be released immediately. Based in Petersburg Alaska the Viaggio offers the perfect live-aboard platform for a steelhead voyage in SE Alaska. If youre interested in the Hawkeye II and Thanks Alaska call Gils Fly Fishing International at 406-317-1062. The opportunities are almost endless when it comes to an Alaska salmon season fishing trip to Island Point Lodge. Still my personal best. The accessibility and many lodging accommodations make the Kenai Peninsula an excellent option for those on a budget or traveling with family and its many rivers hold plenty of trophy steelies waiting to be caught. Water levels have been good for fishing with consistent snow melt from our higher than average snowpack at elevation. A nice arctic grayling caught by the author. of important cultural and economic benefits throughout the region's history. If you have a special dietary need, please speak to the cook! Alternate Fishing Times: 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Our self-guided trip is the answer to all your questions. Fortunately, a couple groups, including Americas Salmon Forest and Trout Unlimited, have identified 77 critical areas that must have protection to ensure a future for Southeasts wild salmon and steelhead. A fall run of fish starting in August, usually peaks in October and is fishable until the end of the month. The spring runs usually stretch from March to early June, and the best fishing for steelhead now would be late March to mid-May. We will process each fish into 1lb fillets, vacuum pack and freeze them, and they will be boxed and ready for you to take home. Theres no better feeling in the world! Anchor River - Very active day for Silvers and many Dolly's as well. Steelhead are the first fish to enter our streams. There are three main ways of fishing for Alaska steelhead; fly fishing, spin fishing, and float fishing. King salmon enter during late-May and early-June and there are always some fish spawning in areas near the highway during early-July. Its a relatively basic and simple way of fishing, and it is this simplicity that makes float fishing for steelhead so compelling. "There aren't too many fences here," he says as he navigates two visiting anglers up into the Southeast Alaskan rainforest in search of coastal cutthroat trout. Your trip to our fly out Alaska wilderness fishing lodge will be a trip to remember for the rest of your life! Depending on what they are feeding on at the time, you can succeed with both wet flies, dry flies, nymphs, or streamers. There are an amazing variety of species, ranging from Alaska's "usual suspects"; anadromous species such as salmon, Dolly Varden and steelhead, but it also extends to pristine fishing for brook trout, grayling, cutthroat and rainbow trout. After the harsh winter, when the ice has finally disappeared, the spring-run steelhead will start to make their way upstream. High river conditions but has been dropping. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. King Salmon- run in May, June & the first two weeks in July, Halibut- run May thru September (best is July to middle of September), SIlver Salmon- run in August thru September. After several days of cruising on the Hawkeye II, I know thisI want to go back to Petersburg, climb aboard again, and spend another blissful week watching some of the worlds finest scenery glide by. Small spots are also scattered along the top of the head, along the sides, on the dorsal and both lobes of the caudal fins. Have the time of your life during the Alaska fishing season on the best Alaska fishing trip! It is truly civilized steelheading. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. The biggest exception is the Situk, near Yakutat, which has seen runs of more than 15,000. Learn more about the fishing here. Since these fish are just returning from their feeding grounds out in the sea, you can expect them to be incredibly healthy and well-fed. Meals are very important to us at The Alaska Steelhead Company. Spin fishing can lead to plenty of fish in your net, especially during the fall runs, when water temperatures are still a little higher, and the fish are actively feeding. Alaska is known as one of the top angling destinations in the world because of the incredible Salmon runs, bountiful Rainbow Trout, record Halibut and famed Crab fishing to name a few. Many changes to the upper river and be aware of the Brown Bear sign. Alaska is primarily known for its incredible landscapes and world-class fishing. 62 0 obj <>stream Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Two runs, an early-run (May, June) and late-run (July, August, September) combine for an average annual escapement of 2.8 million fish with 4 million returning over the past few seasons. The average Alaska steelhead has a length of 20 to 30 inches and a weight of approximately 8 to 12lb. The fishing on the Tsiu River is nothing short of spectacular. (Preferred Prey and Baits), What Do Pike Eat? You may bring your own reel and use our rods if you wish. CALL US @ (907) 518-1888 There is nothing better than closing an incredible day of fishing by watching one of the most beautiful sunsets one can ever see! It provides access to outstanding fishing opportunities, as well as hunting and wildlife viewing. Skip to content. No big cruise ships. Expect the dinners to be local and fresh, consisting of sushi, scallops, shrimp, halibut, salmon, king crab, clams, oysters, caribou, beef, just to name a few. Small Norweign fishing village. Depart from your preferred airport and arrive in Anchorage, AK. w! The steelhead run begins and peaks in May. Additionally, subregions may also have different rules and regulations within each of the four main regions. Chef Felix Barron begins the day before sunrise by preparing good, strong coffee and a hearty breakfast. Steelhead are the migrating version of a Rainbow Trout and are a top fighter for their size. Bring a sack lunch. %PDF-1.6 % Alaska Department of Fish and Game Switch to Section: ADF&G Home Fishing Hunting Subsistence Viewing Education Species Habitat Regulations About Us Join Us News and Events Management & Research Licenses & Permits e-Library Maps & GIS Contact Us Breakfast and Dinner times will be posted by the cook. These elusive and challenging fish can test an angler's patience and persistence, but the reward is hooking into a fish that is famous worldwide for its line-peeling runs and spectacular, acrobatic fight. Steelhead Only a few of the Peninsula rivers, the Kasilof River, Anchor River and Deep Creek have a steelhead run which winds down in the spring and starts again late fall. Fly fishing is the most popular way to catch steelhead in Alaska. Although our main focus is steelhead most of our season we also target Silver Salmon, Dolly Varden & Rainbow Trout. Both of our lodges and guest cabins are perched on the edge of a 200 ft. bluff overlooking Cook Inlet, glaciers, and the famed active volcanoes Redoubt, Iliamna, Spur and Augustine. Copyright 2022, Petersburg Sportfishing - All Rights Reserved. Full day Charters last from 8-9 hours. It covers everything from the best steelhead rivers, seasons, and fishing charters, to information about regulations, licenses, and record catches. Want to take your fish home? ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. The last time I was there was 1978 working for the Forest Service. With 4 species of wild salmon, the largest wild steelhead run in Alaska, resident Rainbows, Cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden, its no wonder so many anglers venture from far and . With thousands of miles of clean, undammed rivers, the fisheries here are some of the most pristine in the world. Steelhead fillets are somewhat cheaper and have a milder flavor to them. Southeast Alaska Fishing Lodges- 10 Hacks to Savings and Success By Joe Byers Large cruise ships do not come here and it's off the beaten track for most visitors traveling on their own. Book With Yellow Dog Today. The spring steelhead fishing season is off to a strong start. The Hawkeye II is a 68-foot Willard fiberglass vessel with three staterooms (each with bathroom), a full kitchen, a lounge for chillin out and dining, a pilothouse, a rear deck for fishing and, maybe most important, two skiffs that can be hoisted off the top of the ship and launched on the water. Fishing for steelhead at night in Alaska can be highly productive in areas where it is legal to target them during the dark hours of the day. They spend most of their time in the river waiting to spawn in the spring. A few hours of driving from Anchorage will land you in a regular steelhead paradise, pre-spawn through post-spawn. Southeast Alaska fishing is world-renowned, and sport anglers can stay busy year-round fishing for wild trout, steelhead, all five . Take in the view of beautifully sculpted icebergs and an abundance of wildlife! Dont hesitate to step away from the typical spinning reel or fly rod approach and try your hand at trolling. The cabin is accessible by float plane or by a boat-trail combination, dependent on tides. Prior to arriving, you will need to book your flight from Anchorage to Kenai, AK through Grant Aviation or Ravn Alaska. Alaska fishing: Petersburg area Listen to a RealAudio interview (7:03) with Alaska Department of Fish and Game Area Sport Fish Biologist Dean Beers (907/772-3801) for additional information about fishing Alaska's Petersburg area. The Lodge will provide the following beverages: coffee, tea, Tang, and lemonade. , @Xl r?O ) Your email address will not be published. It was no punishment spotting and taking a break from casting, either. 406-585-8667 888-777-5060 Destinations My Favorites Search Menu Plan your trip Where In the World? and ranks among the best Kodiak steelhead fishing rivers. Addicted Alaska 2, "Winter Chrome Blend" the adventure continues! Tlingit people have been hunting and fishing in the Petersburg area for over 2,000 years. Bradford Canal was loaded with pinks. Southeast Alaska's vast, unspoiled landscape and natural beauty attracts visitors from all over the world, but it is the incredible fishing that brings anglers flocking for an unforgettable fishing vacation. You can find the current regulations (as well as possible emergency orders and rule changes) for all four regions here. The Alaskan Sportfishing adventure is waiting for you, join our trip today! Alaska Department of Fish and Game Switch to Section: ADF&G Home Fishing Hunting Subsistence Viewing Education Species Habitat Regulations About Us Join Us News and Events Management & Research Licenses & Permits e-Library Maps & GIS Contact Us %%EOF KPKSS|Er:!--j k.d FyA:;\?-`8` (t\onA_3B>N;YMDrk'{ X)9'h.K-cy\4b@@0O `gd20 :K With an annual return of 4,500-8,000 fish, the Situk hosts the largest steelhead run in the state. ACCORDING TO STATE RECORDS, 309 streams in Southeast Alaska are known to hold steelhead, and most of them have runs of fewer than 200 fish. Island Point Lodge will make available to our clients all rods and reels for trolling, casting and halibut fishing. We wandered through the Tongas National Forest, the lungs of North America, and considered what could be lost if protections for the Tongass are not reinstated. Although some creeks get a trickle of fish all winter, the main run starts picking up in April with the peak of the run generally happening between May 1st and May 15th. 20lb+ specimens are rare but do get caught pretty much annually, so theres always a chance of hooking up to a real monster steelhead! Make sure to bring extra flies and always match the hatch as closely as you possibly can! Coincidentally, they are found in most water systems in Alaska, and in great numbers. This beautiful and wild clearwater river offers excellent fishing opportunities for huge steelhead, all five Pacific salmon types, Dolly Varden, and resident rainbows, making it a varied and fun water to target.
