Yakutat Fishing Report: Situk Dolly Varden Fishing ‘Excellent’

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

Yakutat Fishing Report

June 05, 2024

Freshwaters

Sockeye Salmon

There are a few sockeye salmon in the Situk River. The weir has passed about 100 sockeye upstream so far. There are only a few small schools holding downstream of the weir to the mouth. Numbers should continue to build throught the coming weeks.

Dolly Varden

Dolly fishing is excellent right now on the Situk. Dollies are spread throughout the drainage and are feeding on salmon fry and smolt exiting the system.

Saltwaters

King Salmon

Sportfishing for king salmon is open in Yakutat area marine waters. Reports from marine anglers have indicated slow fishing for kings in Yakutat Bay. Fishing is really spotty and there seems to be a lack of bait fish inside the islands. Water temps are on the cold side of average, which may explain why there is a lack of bait and subsequently a lack of king salmon. Based on reports, fishing is more successful along the outer coast waters than inside the bay. Most anglers troll spoons or herring behind a flasher.

Halibut

Halibut fishing is decent with some nice fish being brought in. Some dogfish have already been reported in the area reeking havoc on halibut anglers and their fishing gear, but aren’t at full strength yet so fishing is still pleasant. Fishing for halibut should improve over the next couple of months.

Lingcod

Lingcod fishing is excellent in the Yakutat area. Lingcod are spread out throughout the area but like to hang out near rocky structures or pinnacles. Tytpically using herring as bait, or using any type of jig will work.

Rockfish

Fishing for rockfish should be excellent in the Yakutat area. Try using small dart jigs near shallow rocky structures.

For further information, please get in touch with the Yakutat Area Sport Fish management biologist Jason Pawluk at (907) 784-3222.