Last Modified September 2, 2025
Summer Winds Down and Fall Fishing Begins
August 28, 2025
Fishing in Sitka during late August 2025 has been superb, with excellent catches of coho, king salmon, halibut, and bottomfish. Cohos are arriving in strong numbers and getting bigger daily, often with limits reached. King salmon reopened for nonresidents on August 4, but with stricture regulations: only one per day over 28 inches, and a one-fish annual limit for nonresidents. Sockeye numbers at Redoubt Lake are exceptionally high, while pink and chum salmon are abundant near river mouths.
Halibut fishing has been steady, with boats reporting catches up to 100 pounds, and rockfish plus lingcod are biting when conditions allow. Weather has fluctuated from rough seas early on to calmer, productive fishing recently. Lingcod season is open for nonresidents from August 16, with specific size requirements.
Overall, the season has delivered diverse and reliable action; August visitors experienced memorable trips and filled coolers. Expect larger silvers and continued bottomfish opportunities into September.
Saltwater fishing in Sitka continues through November for lingcod, while most charters and lodges begin winding down by the end of September. Local anglers can still fish through the fall months, so opportunities remain available even after peak season. The season’s end typically coincides with the close of our fishing reports, but saltwater remains open for hardy resident anglers into late fall.
Strong Silver Runs, Steady Kings, and Prime Halibut Action Mark August in Sitka
August 15, 2025
Early August in Sitka has brought exciting and productive multi-species fishing action across saltwater and freshwater areas. Coho salmon have begun arriving as expected this time of year, with many anglers focused on silver salmon fishing. The silvers are hard fighters and growing larger as the season progresses, offering excellent sport. Alongside coho, pink and chum salmon continue to provide abundant action near the mouths of rivers and tidal areas, adding to the variety for both boat and shore anglers.
King salmon fishing remains solid with resident anglers catching impressive fish in the 25- to 30-pound range. Nonresident king salmon fishing reopened on August 4, allowing a limited harvest under strict regulations (one fish per day, 28 inches or larger, with an annual limit of one).
Halibut fishing continues to be strong both inside calmer waters and offshore, with anglers landing halibut up to 100 pounds reported recently. Rockfish, including yelloweye, are also providing consistent action despite some weather-related challenges affecting offshore trips. Overall, Sitka continues to deliver some of Alaska’s best late summer saltwater fishing opportunities for a mix of salmon, halibut, and bottomfish.
Weather recently has been variable with some rough seas early in the week, but calmer conditions are forecast to return, improving access and fishing quality. Anglers heading out should be prepared for shifting seas and keep an eye on updated regulations, but the diversity and abundance of fish on the bite make this a great stretch for Sitka fishing as August unfolds.
Sitka Delivers Prime Multi-Species Fishing in Late July
July 25, 2025
Coho have been arriving in force, offering fast-paced fishing, with several boats reaching full limits and encountering robust, hard-fighting fish that are getting larger each week. Alongside silvers, the abundance of pink and chum salmon has added to the diversity and excitement offshore. Halibut fishing has also been excellent, both in numbers and size, making for memorable deep-sea outings. Regardless of fluctuating weather, bottom fishing for halibut, black rockfish, and lingcod continues to be rewarding. Overall, Sitka is living up to its reputation as one of Alaska’s premier multi-species fishing destinations, offering late July visitors some of the state’s finest saltwater angling opportunities
Early July
July 11, 2025
Sitka is delivering fantastic midsummer fishing with steady action across the board. King salmon fishing remains solid with anglers continuing to report good catches, including some impressive fish in the 25- to 30-pound range. For July 2025 in Sitka, Alaska resident anglers may keep one king salmon per day, 28 inches or longer, with no annual limit. Nonresidents are allowed one king salmon per day, 28 inches or longer, but are limited to only one king salmon per year.
Coho salmon are showing in growing numbers and getting bigger each week, while pinks and chums are plentiful both in the ocean and heading into their freshwater spawning runs. Halibut fishing is consistent and productive, and bottomfish opportunities are excellent, though there is a reduced bag limit of two pelagic rockfish per day for nonresidents and three per day for residents in 2025, so be sure to check current regulations. With healthy salmon, halibut, and rockfish populations, anglers can expect a mixed bag and an exciting time on the water this July in Sitka.
Great Bottomfishing
June 27, 2025
On June 22nd, two anglers returned with big smiles and hefty halibut, another testament to Sitka’s world-class halibut fishery. Weather conditions have generally been favorable, with highs in the 50s and 60s and plenty of sunny days. Early June brought some rougher seas and choppy water, but anglers adapted well and the ocean calmed as summer progressed.
The main challenge this season has been stricter king salmon regulations, with nonresidents limited to one fish per day and per year. Despite this, spirits remain high and the fishing has been nothing short of spectacular.
June brought continued success, especially for king salmon. Charter operators reported more than 50 king salmon and rockfish landed in just two weeks, with some boats hooking over 15 king salmon in a single outing. The largest king salmon weighed over 29 pounds. Rockfish and halibut have remained steady targets, with halibut fishing described as excellent throughout both months. Lingcod, yelloweye, and sablefish have also provided great action for those seeking bottom fish.
Early Season
May 30, 2025
May 20th, we welcomed Jeremy Mellick and family, who was inspired to visit after seeing Fish Baranof and Sitka featured on an episode of Addicted Fishing. Jeremy’s trip was a memorable one, highlighted by landing a massive 127.5-pound halibut, a catch that will be remembered for years. The excitement continued on May 22nd when another group of anglers came back with a mixed bag of delicious halibut, lingcod, and rockfish, showing the diversity and abundance of Sitka’s fishery this spring.
The 2025 fishing season in Sitka started with excitement and impressive catches for both locals and visitors. With our new boat rental location officially open, the first groups of the year were quick to get on the water and enjoy the action. On May 17th, our inaugural renters returned grinning, arms full with lingcod and king salmon, which set a positive tone for the weeks ahead.
