Last Modified July 15, 2025
July 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.
June 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 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.
