Introduction

Fishing Seasons

• 📅 Chinook Salmon: Best months are May and June, though they are present year-round.
• 📅 Coho Salmon: Peak season from mid-July to late September.
• 📅 Pink Salmon: Available from August to September.
• 📅 Chum Salmon: Best caught in August.
• 📅 Halibut and Bottomfish: Productive from May through September.

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Fish Species

• 🐟 Chinook (King) Salmon: Known for their size and taste.
• 🐟 Coho (Silver) Salmon: Popular among sport fishers for their fight.
• 🐟 Pink (Humpy) Salmon: Abundant and easy to catch.
• 🐟 Chum (Dog) Salmon: Known for their distinctive markings.
• 🐟 Sockeye (Red) Salmon: Valued for their rich flavor.
• 🦈 Halibut: Large flatfish, highly prized for their meat.
• 🦈 Lingcod: Known for their aggressive nature and size.
• 🦈 Pacific Cod: Commonly found and versatile in cooking.
• 🦈 Rockfish: Various species, often caught alongside other bottomfish.
• 🦈 Sablefish (Black Cod): Valued for its buttery texture.

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Fishing Regulations

• 📜 Chinook Salmon: Regulations dictate if and when they may be harvested.
• 📜 Coho Salmon: Daily bag limit of six per person, no annual limit.
• 📜 Pink and Chum Salmon: Often numerous enough to fill daily bag limits.
• 📜 Halibut: Specific regulations on size and bag limits.
• 📜 Lingcod and Rockfish: Subject to seasonal and size restrictions.

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Access and Transportation

• ✈️ Air Travel: Commercial airline service available in Sitka.
• 🚢 Ferry System: Alaska Marine Highway system connects Sitka to other regions.
• 🛩️ Commuter Airlines: Local services link Sitka to Southeast Alaska, Canada, and Washington.
• 🚤 Boat Access: Vast marine areas accessible from local ports.
• 🚗 Road Systems: Limited road access to nearby streams and lakes.

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Local Attractions

• 🌲 Tongass National Forest: Borders the productive saltwater fishing areas.
• ⛰️ Mount Edgecumbe: Visible on clear days from Kruzof Island.
• 🏞️ Baranof Warm Springs: A smaller community with natural hot springs.
• 🏞️ Pelican: Known for its scenic beauty and fishing opportunities.
• 🏞️ Port Alexander: Offers a glimpse into the local fishing lifestyle.

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Fishing Charters

• 🚤 Charter Growth: The number of registered charter vessels in Sitka has grown significantly.
• 🚤 Charter Services: Numerous options available for guided fishing trips.
• 🚤 Popular Catches: King, coho, and halibut are the most harvested species by charter anglers.
• 🚤 Booking: Early booking recommended due to high demand during peak seasons.
• 🚤 Local Guides: Experienced local guides enhance the fishing experience.

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Community and Events

• 🎉 Sitka Farmers Market: Held seven times during the summer, featuring local produce and crafts.
• 🎉 Local Foods Network: Focuses on increasing locally produced food in diets.
• 🎉 Fishing Events: Various fishing tournaments and community events throughout the year.
• 🎉 Cultural Heritage: Rich history and culture related to fishing and local traditions.
• 🎉 Community Support: Programs like the Young Fisherman’s Initiative support new entrants into the fishing industry.

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