Halibut Fishing Solid In Resurrection Bay Area

The following is courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

Fall Fishing Report 2021

*Just a reminder to all our anglers, please do your part to help slow the spread of Covid-19 by practicing social distancing while sport and personal use fishing, and wearing a face-covering when social distancing is not possible and if you are needing fishing supplies from your local store.

General Area Description: Salt waters within 200 miles of shore from the longitude of Gore Point to the longitude of Cape Fairfield. All fresh waters between Gore Point and Cape Fairfield.

Freshwater Fishing 

Hooligan

• Dipnetting for hooligan is closed for the season.

Rainbow Trout/Dolly Varden

• Dolly Varden is beginning to migrate back into Seward area creeks. Try creek mouths for Dolly Varden this time of the year especially creeks where chum and pink salmon spawn. Casting small spinners and spoons can provide some good action.

Salmon

• The Resurrection River, downstream of the Seward Highway and Nash Road to the ADF&G markers is open to salmon fishing, except king salmon. Only unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures or flies are allowed. Snagging is NOT permitted in freshwater.
• Coho salmon have slowly started moving into the freshwater. It is common for coho to move up into creeks and rivers when water levels increase with rain. When we start getting some good rain, look for more coho to move up into the freshwater.

Saltwater Fishing 

Halibut/Lingcod/Rockfish

• Halibut fishing has been reported good. Anglers have been catching medium-sized halibut when the weather has allowed them to get out.
• Rockfish limits year-round are four fish per day, eight in possession of which only one per day and two in possession can be nonpelagic rockfish. Check the 2021 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for species identification information.
  • A deepwater release mechanism is required on all sportfishing vessels in Alaska, and they must be used to release rockfish back down to a depth of capture or 100 feet, whichever is shallower. Ever heard of the deepwater release? Check out our webpage for more info!
• Lingcod season is currently open except for inside Resurrection Bay and has been reported as fair. The bag and possession limit is one fish that is 35 inches long or longer with the head attached, or 28 inches or greater with the head removed. A person may not gaff a fish that is not of the legal size or that is to be released.

Salmon

• From September 1 – April 30 the king salmon limit in Resurrection Bay is one per day, any size and one in possession. There is no annual or seasonal king salmon limit in effect, and there is no king salmon harvest reporting requirement, but a king stamp is required. King salmon fishing has been fair for boaters. Boat anglers trolling for kings are still having the best luck. Mooching has been productive for some as well.
• Coho salmon are coming into the bay. Fishing has been good for coho salmon near the head of the bay. Many shore anglers are having success where Scheffler Creek meets the saltwater of Resurrection Bay right in town. Anglers are having the best success during the transitional tides. Shore fishing for coho salmon on the other side of Resurrection Bay (i.e. Spring Creek) has been slow.
  • Don’t forget that the bag limit for silver salmon outside of Resurrection Bay is 3 per day/3 in possession while the bag limit inside Resurrection Bay is 6 per day/6 in possession. Anglers that have caught 6 silvers inside Resurrection Bay may not leave the bay.

Local Lakes 

• If you are looking to get away from crowds, try fishing Troop Lake. Fishing in Troop Lake continues to be good. Try casting small spinners or flies. There is limited shore access so hiking in an inflatable can get you more access around the lake.

Emergency Orders 

Please review the Emergency Orders and Advisory Announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.

• There are currently no emergency orders in effect for the North Gulf Coast management area.

Don’t forget to purchase your 2021 sport fishing license and king stamp! Help maximize social distancing and purchase your 2021 sport fishing license and king stamp through the ADF&G online store and print it off from the comfort of your own home. Also, make sure to review Emergency Orders and the 2021 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing before you head out.

For additional information, please contact the Anchorage Area Office at (907) 267-2218.