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Saltwater Fishing

Marine waters surrounding Prince of Wales Island support all five species of Pacific salmon as well as halibut, lingcod and rockfish. Common shellfish are Dungeness crabs and shrimp, with the occasional Tanner or King crab found in the crab pot. Most communities have either skiff rentals, or lodge and charter operations that offer saltwater day trips. Another option might be to try fishing from the shoreline along the coast or from a kayak. Saltwater fish species are usually pursued from May through September depending on the species. Dungeness crab and shrimp are taken year-round.

Most anglers catch salmon in salt water while trolling bait (usually pacific herring). Another technique is to find a school of salmon and work a lightly weighted jig or bait in the water column using an up-and-down motion called "mooching." Fishing for halibut typically involves "soaking" a bait or jigging a heavier weighted lure just off the bottom of the sea floor. Lingcod and rockfish are also caught this way, but often rockfish will intercept the bait or jig as it is dropping to the sea floor.

USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest Accessibility Statement
Last Modified: July 11, 2007