Sport fishing the Prince of Wales

Game Island area and

Alaska Department of Fish Revised and edited by Steve McCurdy, Prince of Wales Island Area Management Biologist Layout, design and maps by Alma Seward, Region I Sport Fish Publications Coordinator

Cover photo: Clarence Strait, Southeast Alaska © 2005 by ADF&G Division of Sport Fish

Alaska Department of Fish and Game Sport Fish Division Offices:

Southeast Regional Office Ketchikan Area Office 802 Third Street 2030 Sea Level Drive Douglas, AK 99824-0020 Ketchikan, AK 99901 (907) 465-4270 (907) 225-2859 State Headquarters Prince of Wales Island Area Office Division of Sport Fish 333 Cold Storage Road 1255 W. 8th Street Craig, AK 99921 P.O. Box 3-2000 (907) 826-2498 Juneau, AK 99801 (907) 465-4180

Recorded fishing information for Southeast Alaska: (907) 465-4116 (Juneau) (907) 225-0475 (Ketchikan)

Questions about the ADF&G Trophy Fish Program should be directed to the Headquarters office. Other ADF&G publications are available through the Public Communications Section.

ADF&G Public Communications Section: (907) 465-4112

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination on the basis of sex, color, race, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, or disability. For information on alternative formats available for this and other department publications, contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120, or (telecommunication device for the deaf) 1-800- 478-3648. Any person who believes s/he has been discriminated against should write to ADF&G, P.O. Box 25526, Juneau, AK 99802, or O.E.O., U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC 20240. Inside . . .

Introduction, geography ...... 1 Land ownership, population, economy, climate, roads ...... 2 Access to area communities ...... 3 Area facilities...... 4 Fish species in the area ...... 6 salmon 6

bottomfish 9 area

trout, char, grayling 10 shellfish 12 Run timing ...... 13 Fishing spots ...... 14 salt water 14 • saltwater map 15

roadside fresh water 16 Alaska

• roadside fishing map 18 remote lake & stream 20 • remote area map 22 ADF&G regulations, licenses,andfisheries management ...... 24 Comfort and safety ...... 25

produced by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game P.O. Box 240020

Douglas, AK 99824 Sport fishing the (907) 465-4270 (907) 465-2034 (Fax)

Prince of Wales Island

ADF&G WEBSITE ➤ www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/ statewide/sf_home.cfm Guide to sport fishing opportunities in the Prince of Wales PoW Island area n southern Southeast I Yakutat Alaska, sport fishing is our CANADA U.S. Map 1. most popular recreation, and Location of the in the Prince of Wales Island area, P Prince of Wales A opportunities abound for even the C Island ADF&G IF most discriminating anglers. IC management Juneau This guide summarizes the main O area in C Southeast sport fishing locations on Prince of E A Alaska. Wales Island and nearby areas, with N maps and related information. Please don’t hesitate to contact our staff about information not presented in the guide. Sitka

Prince of Wales Island lies off of the Petersburg mainland coast, across from Ketchikan and Wrangell Wrangell—it is the third largest island in the U.S. A waterway known as the Inside Passage separates it from the mainland. The Prince of Ketchikan Wales Island area includes a number of smaller islands clustered along its west coast. Together, they form a protective barrier from the open sea. The landscape is rugged and mountainous, with rocky coastlines and heavily forested slopes rising to 4,000 feet. Sitka spruce, Western hemlock, and red and yellow cedar dominate the forest. Dozens of small streams and lakes are scattered throughout the area.

1 Land Ownership. . . (and as late as June in the higher elevations), snow and ice cover limit Most of the area is within the access to lakes and streams. Rainfall Tongass National Forest and is averages over 100 inches per year. managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Our weather is always unpredictable— The rest is owned by Native corpora- high quality rain gear and rubber boots tions, state and local governments, are recommended year-round! and private landowners. Public access along some waterways is limited because of private land Roads . . . ownership. The USFS road map of The road system on Prince of Wales Prince of Wales Island shows most Island is more extensive than elsewhere of the privately held lands. in Southeast Alaska. Of over 1,000 miles of public-use roads on the island, Population and about 900 miles are Forest Service Economy . . . gravel roads maintained at various levels, depending on road-use patterns. The area is sparsely populated: DOT (the Alaska Department of Craig is the largest town, with a popu- Transportation) maintains the rest lation in 2000 of 1,397. The only (about 105 miles of which are paved), incorporated cities are Craig, Thorne linking the Inter-Island Ferry Authority Bay, Klawock, Hydaburg, Coffman terminal at Hollis and the airstrip at Cove, and Kasaan—all on Prince of Klawock to the island’s larger towns— Wales Island. Economic patterns Craig, Klawock, Thorne Bay, and have been historically influenced by Hydaburg. The communities of Craig, logging and commercial fishing, but Hollis, Hydaburg, Klawock, and Thorne tourism has shown recent growth. Bay are all connected by paved road, and work is in progress on the road to Climate . . . Coffman Cove. Relative to the rest of Alaska, the Kosciusko, Heceta, Tuxecan, and area is mild and moist. Winter Marble islands have about 280 com- temperatures average around freezing bined miles of Forest Service roads, but (32°F), and summer temperatures vehicle access is very limited to those average 56°F (ranging from 45° to islands, because they are not served by 80°F). From November to April any ferry system.

2 Access to Prince of Wales Island communities P rince of Wales Island can be reached by the Inter-Island Ferry Air charter companies Authority system (IFA) or by small aircraft from Ketchikan. Floatplane offer both wheeled and floatplane service service is also available to northern for island area transportation. Car and boat rentals are also available to facilitate Prince of Wales Island from travel around the island. Wrangell and Petersburg. There is only one developed airstrip on the For a complete list of area operators, island, and it is located 2 miles contact these organizations: north of Klawock. Prince of Wales Petersburg Visitor Chamber of Information Center The IFA provides daily service Commerce c/o Chamber of to the island and is a dependable P. O. Box 490 Commerce method of travel, regardless of Klawock, AK 99925 Box 649 (907) 755-2626 Petersburg, AK 99833 weather. The IFA terminal is at (907) 772-4636 Hollis, about 35 miles west of Ketchikan Visitors Bureau Wrangell Chamber of Ketchikan, across Clarence Strait. 131 Front Street Commerce Autos, trucks, boats, and RVs can Ketchikan, AK 99901 Box 49 (907) 225-6166 Wrangell, AK 99929 be transported on the ferry, but (907) 874-3901 advance reservations are recom- mended.

The Inter-Island Ferry Authority . . . The IFA maintains year-round ferry service between Ketchikan and Hollis. The system is very busy during summer and holidays. Reservations should be made well in advance at: Inter-Island Ferry Authority 1-866-308-4848 toll-free P.O. Box 495 (907) 826-4848 telephone Craig, AK 99921 (907) 277-4829 (fax) [email protected] (e-mail)

Visit the IFA Website: www.interislandferry.com

3 Lodging and facilities in the Prince of Wales I sland area Commercial lodging facilities are available in about half of the communities shown on Map 4. A number of sport fishing lodges, small motels, and bed-and- breakfast establishments operate in the area. In addition to U.S. Forest Service facilities, there are private campgrounds and cabin rentals in some communities. Additional information on lodging may be obtained from:

Prince of Wales Island City of Coffman Cove City of Klawock Chamber of Commerce P. O. Box 18135 P. O. Box 113 P. O. Box 490 Coffman Cove, AK 99918 Klawock, AK 99925 Klawock, AK 99925 (907) 329-2233 (907) 755-2261 (907) 755-2626 City of Hydaburg P. O. Box 49 City of Thorne Bay City of Craig Hydaburg, AK 99922 P.O. Box 19110 P.O. Box 725 (907) 285-3761 Thorne Bay, AK 99919 Craig, AK 99921 (907) 828-3380 (907) 826-3275 City of Kaasan PO Box KXA Kasaan, AK 99950 (907) 542-2212

U.S. Forest Service where access is limited to floatplane, Public Use boat, or trail. Skiffs are available at many of the lakeside cabins. Sport Cabins fishing is available near all but two The U.S. Forest Service manages cabins. Reservations are required and 19 cabins, one 3-sided shelter, and can be made up to 180 days in advance 10 picnic/campground areas for at www.reserveUSA.com. public use in the Prince of Wales If you are planning road travel and Island area (see maps on pages 15, are not familiar with the Prince of 18 and 22). The cabins house four Wales Island road system, we recom- to six people and are modestly mend the USFS road map. Purchase a priced ($25–$45/night in 2004, map, make cabin reservations, or find depending on location and time of information at www.reserveUSA.com year). Most are remote cabins, or contact a Forest Service office at:

4 U.S. Forest Service offices . . .

Tongass National Forest Craig Ranger District Thorne Bay Ranger District SE Alaska Discovery Center P.O. Box 500 P.O. Box 19001 50 Main Street Craig, AK 99921 Thorne Bay, AK 99919 Ketchikan, AK 99901 (907) 826-3271 (907) 828-3304 (907) 228-6220

Summary of Prince of Wales Island area transportation services

Float Fishing/ Groc- plane Road Boat Medical hunting Gas eries service access ramp Police services Lodging license

Coffman Cove • •••• •• Craig • •••••••• Edna Bay • Hollis ••• L Hydaburg • •••• •• Kasaan • ••• • Klawock • •••••••• Labouchere Bay ••P Naukati •••P Point Baker •• • • Port Protection •• • • • Thorne Bay • •••••••• Whale Pass • •••• •

L = limited availability P = primitive launch ramp—recommended only for cartop boats or skiffs.

5 Fishing in the Prince of Wales Island area M arine waters of the Prince of Wales strongly influenced by fish bound for Island area support catchable popula- spawning streams and hatcheries in the tions of salmon, halibut, lingcod, Pacific Northwest and Canada. King Pacific cod, greenling, herring, and at salmon fishing off the coast is also least ten common species of rockfish. affected by hatchery releases from the Dungeness, Tanner, and king crab, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Petersburg areas. and shrimp, scallops, abalone, and Kings are found mostly in coastal clams are also common. Other fish, marine waters as they pass through on shellfish, and invertebrate species can their migration to mainland spawning be found, but this guide covers the streams. Mature (‘spawner’) kings most common and popular species. weighing up to 65 pounds can be found All five species of in area waters from May to August, with Pacific salmon resident peak availability during June. Immature to waters of the northwest (‘feeder’) kings from 10 to 30 pounds U.S. and Canada are are around all year, but fishing is best common in the area: king from May to July. (chinook), coho (silver), There are no king salmon spawning pink (‘humpy’), sockeye streams in the area, although a few (red), and chum (‘dog’) mature king salmon stray into island salmon. streams every year. King salmon fishing KING SALMON—the in fresh water is closed unless opened largest, scarcest and most in-season by ADF&G emergency order. highly prized of the Pacific Locating king salmon in marine salmon in the area, they are waters can be difficult. They frequent renowned for their fighting nearshore areas off points of land, strength and endurance. around kelp beds, or in open water. Salmon The king salmon sport Schools of baitfish such as herring or fishery in marine waters off needlefish are good indicators of king the west coast of Prince of salmon in the area. Baitfish schools Wales and nearby islands is may be located by fathometer or found

6 Coho can be caught by trolling, mooching, flyfishing, or by casting lures from boats. Fishing success is usually best within one or two hours of a tide change. Fishing is often produc- tive in bays or estuaries near stream mouths from late August to October when the coho return to spawn in fresh water. Hatchery-reared coho are released where concentrations of sea birds are into two island streams—the Klawock observed diving for fish. Nearshore River and Neck Lake. Those released areas that extend out into tidal into Neck Lake (near the community of currents are effective ambush points Whale Pass) are a summer-run stock, for feeding baitfish, and, accordingly, and anglers can find excellent fishing for king salmon.

The most effective techniques for Before fishing, acquaint catching kings are trolling, mooching, or jigging; flyfishing is less common. yourself with the particular location where you plan to COHO SALMON—hard fighters and fish and know the sport popular targets for anglers in area salt fishing regulations for that waters. Coho range from 3 to 20 pounds or more (average 8 pounds), location. and they are abundant in coastal waters from July to September. The best saltwater fishing is from mid-July for these fish in the outlet stream of through August. In salt water, coho Neck Lake from late June through travel in large schools, are often August. Fishing for the Klawock coho aggressive, and can provide intense is best in August and September— action. They are usually caught anglers often find excellent fishing within 30 feet of the surface, but it’s from the shoreline along the road not uncommon to catch them down to between Craig and Klawock. 100 feet or deeper. cont’d . . .

7 Most area streams wider than 6 feet baitcasting, and spincasting can that enter salt water support at least also be productive.

small runs of coho. Summer-run coho SOCKEYE SALMON—regarded for enter some streams in late June, but their fighting skill as well as their most coho are fall-run fish that enter satisfying flavor, these are perhaps streams from mid-August to November. the most difficult salmon to catch in PINK SALMON—the smallest and area waters. The saltwater sockeye most abundant salmon in Prince of sport fishery is very limited. Most Wales Island area waters. They have a sockeye are caught by trolling or 2-year life cycle and weigh from 2 to 6 casting artificial lures or flies. Adult pounds (3 lb. average). ‘Pinks’ travel sockeye feed on small crustaceans coastal waters in large schools (hun- and other zooplankton in marine dreds or thousands of fish), where they waters and stop feeding once they are abundant from early to late summer. return to spawn in fresh water. Upon entering freshwater streams in However, sockeye are most com- summer, pinks develop a dorsal hump monly caught in fresh water in July which is most pronounced in males— on flies or spinners. thus the nickname ‘humpy.’ Saltwater CHUM SALMON—famous for their ‘humpy’ fishing is best in August, but large teeth, which develop most it’s also good in middle or late July. prominently in males upon entering Trolling, mooching, or casting lures fresh water. Chums are caught or flies produces nice catches in salt infrequently in local sport fisheries, water when pinks are biting. They are usually by usually brightest and preferred for anglers harvest while in open ocean or coastal trolling in waters, before they enter their spawning salt waters, streams. They often provide excellent drift fishing action when schooled near stream or casting mouths in August, and roadside fishing in streams near jutting points can be productive— for other especially in August. salmon Flyfishing is usually the most species. effective technique for catching humpies in area streams, but spinning,

8 ‘Bottomfish’ are fishes and chrome or lead-head jigs with a normally caught on or variety of optional rubber tails or skirts. near the ocean floor: Heavy, conventional tackle is standard halibut, rockfish, and for halibut. Use caution when landing lingcod. and handling halibut! HALIBUT—the most popular bottomfish in ROCKFISH—at least 10 species are area marine waters, commonly harvested in area marine these white-fleshed fish waters. These light-fleshed fish have a are delicious prepared in distinctive, appealing flavor. Most rock- any of a variety of ways. fish species weigh between 1 and 6 Pacific halibut is a toothy pounds (2 lb. on average). Yelloweye flatfish that resembles (red snapper) are the largest species; they flounder but grows much can reach weights of 30 pounds, but average about 6 pounds. Rockfish are

Bottomfish larger—adult halibut over 400 pounds have been long-lived and, depending on species, caught locally. Halibut live over 20 may live 30 to 100 years or more. years and are usually harvested at 15 Rockfish are often caught incidentally to 100 pounds. Their preferred by anglers fishing for salmon or halibut. habitat is along fairly uniform sandy, Although rockfish are available year- rocky, or muddy bottoms near abrupt round, the best sport fishing is in the dropoffs or rocky points of land. warmer months. All resident rockfish Peak fishing is in summer. Though species can be caught with herring or normally caught on or near the ocean various jigs, spoons, or flies, anywhere floor at depths below 80 feet, halibut from near-surface to bottom. If you are are sometimes caught at shallower planning to release the rockfish you depths by anglers trolling or mooch- catch, reel it up slowly to the surface, to ing for salmon. avoid rupturing its swim bladder.

Check regulation book for LINGCOD—popular marine fish halibut seasons! renowned for their prominent teeth and aggressive and territorial nature. Ling- Halibut will strike a number of cod prefer irregular rocky formations offerings—whole or chunked herring, such as caves, particularly in exposed salmon heads or tails, octopus, squid, areas with heavy tidal movement. cont’d . . .

9 Fish as heavy as 30 pounds are Adult steelhead (3–20 pounds, standard, although some exceed 50 average 7 pounds) return yearly to pounds. spawning streams in this area. The This member of the greenling island has a large concentration of family is commonly caught with steelhead streams, relative to most chrome or lead-head jigs, herring, of Alaska: 85 are documented by ADF&G. Several larger stream or heads or tails from various other systems with lakes support both marine fishes. spring- and fall-run fish, while most Check regulation book for steelhead streams support only the lingcod seasons! dominant spring-run fish. Information is limited for many of the area streams, but in most systems fewer than 200 O ther gamefish caught adult steelhead return annually. in streams and lakes are Anglers fish for spring-run steelhead steelhead, rainbow, and from early March through May (peak cutthroat trout, Dolly fishing is early April to mid-May), and Varden char, and Arctic for fall-run steelhead between late grayling. The chart on October and mid-January (peak is late page 13 shows seasonal November through December). freshwater availability of Drift fishing with spinning or bait- these fishes. casting tackle and flyfishing are both STEELHEAD—the most effective. A host of hardware, flies, sought-after game fish in and other artificials will attract strikes. island streams from ‘Steelies’ will at times smack almost November to May. The any offering, while they may go ‘off- popularity of steelhead bite’ during cold spells, low or clear stems from their fighting water, periods of heavy fishing pres- prowess and low num- sure, or for no apparent reason at all. bers, compared to salmon, Steelhead can be susceptible to other trout, and char. angler-induced mortality from being Steelhead are sea-run deeply hooked and from improper rainbow trout that, unlike handling. Anglers are encouraged to salmon, are capable of practice catch-and-release when fishing rout, Char, Grayling spawning during two or for wild steelhead because of their low

T more years. numbers and vulnerability.

10 RAINBOW TROUT—hard-fighting growing and have low population game fish which are highly prized by densities and reproductive rates. anglers. They are known for a promi- These factors, coupled with their nent red stripe on the side, but their popularity with anglers, make them overall coloration varies widely and susceptible to overharvest. Catch-and- reflects habitat or degree of maturity. release fishing is therefore encouraged. Rainbow trout are found in area Cutthroat will strike any of a variety waters both as freshwater resident and of lures or flies. Sea-run cutthroat are as sea-run races. Sea-run rainbows are usually caught in area streams in late discussed above, under “steelhead.” spring and fall. Resident ‘cutts’ often Rainbow trout up to 18 inches long hold near inlet stream mouths and inhabit many area streams and lakes. along lake margins, especially near They are present year-round, but the vegetation. best sport fishing is in spring and early Trolling with artificial lures pro- summer. duces nice fish in some lakes during Rainbows feed voraciously on summer, when fish are deeper. aquatic insects and their larvae, small Instream catch rates are highest in fish, eggs, and crustaceans. Effective spring, when salmon fry emerge from offerings therefore include flies, stream gravels. spinners, spoons, and other artificials DOLLY VARDEN CHAR—the only which imitate preferred foods. Rain- species of char native to area waters, bows are caught with flyfishing and Dolly Varden are known for following spinning gear. adult salmon upstream and feeding on CUTTHROAT TROUT—popular native eggs discharged by ripe female fish inhabiting many area waters. Like salmon. ‘Dollies’ are common both as rainbows, they occur both as sea-run sea-run and resident in many area and resident in streams and lakes, streams and lakes. inhabiting almost any freshwater Dolly Varden fishing is generally habitat—even beaver ponds and good from late spring to early fall. A backwater sloughs. variety of flies and artificials will Trophy fish over 3 pounds are catch ‘Dollies’ in lakes and streams. caught occasionally in freshwater Casting or trolling various spoons or systems. However, because area spinners adjacent to marine shorelines lakes and streams are not very and stream mouths also produces fish. productive, these fish are slow-

11 ARCTIC GRAYLING—introduced Healthy grayling populations inhabit into three Prince of Wales Island Summit Lake, Lake Melon, and Lake lakes in the 1960s and 1970s, gray- Marge. Their growth rate is slow; ling are distinguished from trout and most are only 8–12 inches long. Their char by a prominent dorsal fin. diet is mainly insects; hence flyfishing Grayling are sensitive to pollution is most effective. Small spinners or and prefer cold, clear streams. spoons will also take grayling.

Shellfish 16– 14–

Dungeness crab and 12– shrimp are popular 10– targets, especially in 8– 6–

summer. Crab and PERCENT shrimp are usually 4– caught in traps, pots, 2– 0 or ring nets baited JFMAM JJ ASOND with fish heads, tails, MONTH and viscera. Seasonal availability of shrimp and Dungeness crab in Prince of Wales Island area salt waters.

WARNING! The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation recommends no harvest of mussels, clams, scallops, and other filter-feeding bivalves in the Prince of Wales Island area for human consumption. Those shellfish can transmit paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), a potentially lethal neurotoxin, to humans. Additional information or questions should be directed to: ALASKA DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 3601 C St., Suite 1324 555 Cordova Sreet Anchorage, AK 99503 Anchorage, AK 99501-2617 (907) 563-0318 (907) 269-7640

12 Fish TIMING CALENDAR

Fresh water

Salt water

Fish symbols indicate the beginning, peak, and end of adult presence of each species. Larger symbols, or concentrations of symbols, represent peak fishing times. 13 Fishing spots . . . in Prince of Wales Island salt waters T he more productive saltwater battle begins with the fish. The weight locations for salmon and bottomfish are release allows an angler to use a more shown on Map 2 (at right). Coastal sensitive rod and lighter line. waters are most effectively fished by Use a 6-ft to 8-ft trolling rod with boat. Your boat should be at least 14 medium to heavy action, and a conven- feet and seaworthy, with full Coast tional reel filled with at least 200 yd of Guard-required equipment on board 20- to 40-lb-test monofilament line. (see Alaska Boating Safety require- Depending on conditions, use 2- to 24- ments on page 25). Craig, Klawock, oz. lead weights. Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, Hollis, and Hydaburg have public boat Herring is the bait of choice, fished launches. There are also primitive whole with a slight bend, in cut-plug marine boat launches—for skiffs and fashion, or in filleted strips on a single car-top boats only—in several area or tandem hook (size 2/0 to 5/0) rig on communities. 2- to 6-ft leaders. Effective artificial lures include spoons or plugs which Roadside saltwater sport fishing is imitate baitfish. available but limited for pink and coho salmon, rockfish, halibut, shellfish, and MOOCHING—a slower, more vertical Dolly Varden—marginally for steel- method of fishing a wide range of head and cutthroat trout. depths. Mooching is done from an anchored boat, or a drifting boat, or TROLLING—the traditional method while trolling very slowly. ‘Moochers’ for catching salmon. Trolling involves usually target king or coho salmon, but towing a flasher or dodger (optional) they can also catch pink salmon, trailed by bait or artificial lure behind halibut, and rockfish. the boat. Many prefer to troll parallel More flexible, 71/2-ft to 10-ft rods and close to shoreline. are used, with conventional or spinning Trolling with downriggers is effec- reels and 15- to 30-lb-test mono- tive in deeper waters, especially for filament. Whole, cut-plug, or strips of king salmon. It is not unusual to catch herring fished below a 2- to 16-oz. halibut when using downriggers. As a weight are the most common set-ups. fish strikes, the line is released from Vertical jigging with a variety of metal the downrigger weight, and a direct jigs or spoons is also popular.

14 1 BOTTOMFISHING—for catching halibut, rockfish, lingcod, or other bottom- dwelling fish below a drifting or anchored boat. Use a 5-ft to 8-ft rod with heavy action, and a conventional reel with 30- to 100-lb-test line. The heavier gear gives added strength to free snagged terminal tackle and to heft 2 large fish from a rocky bottom. Terminal tackle consists of heavy monofilament or wire leader, single or tandem 3 “J” (standard) or circle hooks from 3/0 to 10/0, and sliding 4 or fixed 6- to 24-oz. weights. Herring, octopus, squid, or salmon heads or tails can be cont’d . . . 5

Saltwater BEACH/WATERFRONT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

Map Area no. name Access Facilities

11 Memorial Beach R 2 picnic tables 2 Sandy Beach R 6 picnic tables 3 Point Amargura P/B cabin w/woodstove 44Trollers Cove P/B cabin w/woodstove 5 Kegan Cove P/B cabin w/woodstove Map 2. Salmon and bottomfish sportfishing areas around R = road P = plane B = boat Prince of Wales Island.

15 used for bait. Artificial lures like of backing matched on an 8-ft to 10-ft spoons, lead-head or chrome jigs with fly rod (7-weight or heavier).

or without rubber tails, skirts, or bait, SPINCASTING—used from boat or are also effective. shoreline to catch salmon, sea-run FLYFISHING—productive for near- trout, rockfish, or Dolly Varden. Open surface feeding fish such as coho and or closed-face spincasting or pink salmon or certain rockfish baitcasting gear works best when fish species, but may also produce fine are seen at surface or in shallow catches of any common marine fishes nearshore waters. Tackle depends on discussed here. Streamers and other the size of fish pursued: 7-ft to 9-ft fly patterns which imitate baitfish rods with matched spinning or may be effectively presented with baitcasting reels filled with 10- to 20- high density, shooting head, sink-tip lb-test monofilament line perform or standard sinking lines. Use a high- well. Use spoons, spinners, small capacity fly reel with at least 100 yd metal jigs, and herring or other bait.

. . . in P o W fresh waters along the roadside The extensive island road system affords tremendous freshwater road- Fishing methods vary according to side sport fishing for salmon, trout, target species and type of waterway. and char. Small to medium-size Drift fishing, flyfishing, and spinning streams and lakes abound within a or spin-casting are used in streams (hip short walk from the local roads. boots or chest waders with felt soles Selected roadside waterways are are recommended). Skiffs, canoes, or shown on Map 3 (page 18), and the inflatable rafts are used to flyfish, troll, species found in each are listed in the and spincast on lakes. Shoreline table on page 19. fishing along lakes can also be produc- Salmon and steelhead are caught tive, provided access is not limited by mainly in streams. Sea-run (anadro- shallow lake margins, swampy mous) and resident rainbows, cut- muskegs, or dense vegetation. throat, and Dolly Varden are caught DRIFT FISHING—the most popular in streams and in lakes. method used for catching steelhead cont’d . . .

16 and salmon, as well as other trout and Most area streams are small and Dollies, in area streams. A promising have vegetated banks, so backcasts stretch of water often flows into or may be restricted—roll casts will out of a pool or undercut streambank. reduce snags. Egg and shrimp imita- Depending on what you are fishing tions will catch steelhead, salmon, for, choose a 6- to 9-ft rod with light other trout, and Dollies. Lake margins to medium action. A matching spin- near inlet stream mouths and around ning or baitcasting reel with 4- to 15- downed trees or vegetative cover are lb-test monofilament line is effective. favorite spots for trout and Dollies. Salmon egg imitations, small plugs, Dry flies that imitate adult mosqui- spoons, and spinners will yield good tos, other black flies, mayflies, or results. stoneflies are effective lures for trout A proper drift is achieved when the and Dollies during hatches in late cast is quartered upstream to slightly spring and summer. Lures with downstream and the weight touches sinking patterns that imitate juvenile stream bottom regularly every 1 to 3 salmon, sculpin, and insect larvae also seconds. A strike can actually be felt catch fish. or indicated when the line stops. SPINCASTING—a frequently used Water conditions dictate the weight technique for catching game fish in needed. Too much weight causes fresh water. Open or closed-face reels snags; too little creates an unnatural and 4- to 8-lb-test monofilament with drift. Use split-shot, pencil lead, or various spinners and spoons work 1 1 lures from /16 to /2 oz. Some anglers well. fish their lure at depths of 1 to 4 feet, with a bobber or other float. ICE FISHING—a limited winter pastime for some hardy anglers. Trout FLYFISHING—effective in stream and Dolly Varden can be found in riffles, runs, and pools for all fresh- several roadside lakes and streams water game fish in the area, depend- during winter, but exercise extreme ing on pattern used, species targeted, and fishing conditions. For steelhead caution when venturing onto the ice. and salmon, use 7- to 9-weight fly During mild winters, the ice cover may rods and corresponding lines on reels be too thin for safe ice fishing. with a good drag system; for other species, 3-to 7-weight outfits work well. freshwater roadside map on next page ▼

17 1

2 3

4

5 Map 3. 6 7 8 9 Freshwater 10 roadside 11 sport fishing areas around 12

Prince of 13 15 14 Wales Island. 16 17

18

19

20

21

22 23 24

Wild Steelhead . . . Wild steelhead and resident cutthroat trout populations are fragile in many waters throughout this area. Catch-and- release fishing is encouraged for steelhead and cutthroat. Please follow the recommended techniques on page 21 for releasing fish without injury. Help Alaska conserve this irreplaceable wild resource for future generations.

18 PoW Freshwater Roadside SPORT FISHING LOCATIONS

Map Fish species available key Area name (see code key below) Access Facilities

1 Red Bay Lake SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(f), RB, CT P/T/R♦ USFS cabin, woodstove, skiff 2 Twin Island Lake DV, CT R♦ no facilities 3“108” Creek SS, CS, PS, DV, SH(f), RB, CT R♦ no facilities 4 Neck Lake DV, CT R♦ has skiff or canoe launch ramp 5 Tunga Lagoon Cr./Lake SS, DV, CT R♦ no facilities 6 Sarkar L./Creek SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s/f), RB, CT P/B/R♦ USFS cabin, woodstove, skiff 7 Sweetwater Lake SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT P/T/R♦ USFS cabin, woodstove, skiff 8 Eagle Creek SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s/f), RB, CT R♦ no facilities 9 Luck Lake SS, RS, CS, PS, DV,SH(s), RB, CT R♦ has skiff or canoe launch ramp 10 Hatchery Creek SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT R♦ has skiff or canoe launch ramp 11 Logjam Creek SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s/f), RB, CT R♦ no facilities 12 Staney Creek SS, CS, PS, SH(s), DV, RB, CT B/T/R♦ USFS cabin, woodstove (USFS campgrounds are located at Staney bridge and Horseshoe Hole with 2 campsites each) 13 Shaheen Creek SS, CS, PS, SH(s), DV, RB, CT R♦ no facilities 14 Thorne River/ SS, RS, CS, PS, R USFS campsite, 3 picnic tables Gravelly Creek DV, SH(s/f), RB, CT 15 Balls Lake SS, RS, PS, DV, SH(s/f), RB, CT R USFS Eagle Nest campground: 11 campsites, 11 picnic tables, launch ramp for skiff or canoe 16 Control Lake SS, RS, PS, DV, SH(s/f), RB, CT P/B/R USFS cabin, woodstove, skiff 17 Angel Lake SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s/f), RB, CT R♦ no facilities 18 Lake (Ellen) #3 SS, RS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT R♦ 2 USFS campsites 19 Klawock R./Lake SS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s/f), RB, CT R no facilities 20 Maybeso Creek SS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), CT R no facilities 21 Harris River SS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT R USFS campground 22 Cable Creek SS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT R no facilities 23 Twelvemile Creek SS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT R♦ no facilities 24 Dog Salmon Creek SS, RS, CS, PS, R♦ no facilities DV, SH(s), RB, CT

Fish species codes: Access codes: CS = chum salmon RS = sockeye salmon B=boat CT = cutthroat trout SH = steelhead trout P=floatplane DV = Dolly Varden (s) – spring run R=improved road PS = pink salmon (f) – fall run R♦ = unimproved road RB = rainbow trout SS = coho salmon T=trail 19 . . . in P oW remote lakes and streams

emote lakes and streams are prefer internal frame or soft packs), and plentifulR in the Prince of Wales other compact equipment and goods are Island area, and especially inviting good choices for remote trips. to anglers seeking solitude and a more For your safety when sport fishing in pristine nature experience. Some a remote area: remote areas are shown on Map 4 (page 22), and the table on page 23 •make sure someone responsible (and lists species and access. not accompanying you) knows your schedule and means of travel Remote waters are reached by floatplane, boating in combination • if you hire a charter flight or other with hiking, or hiking in from a road. transport, be sure the pilot knows Remote waters are not for all anglers, when and where to pick you up as no public facilities or services exist • take along enough food for a least near most of them. A few of the four extra days, and a gun or other remote systems, however, do have means of obtaining food if necessary Forest Service cabins close by. • carry a good supply of waterproof The same salmonids which inhabit matches and additional fire starter roadside waters are also found in • carry a complete First Aid kit, along remote systems, with the addition of with flares, mirror, or other visual Arctic grayling, which were stocked signal devices in three remote area lakes in the 1960s and again in 1972. • be wary of and avoid all contact with black bears, which you may encoun- The same methods are used as in ter as they travel and feed along area freshwater roadside fishing. The streams primary difference between remote and roadside sport fishing is the • don’t drink water until it has been planning and choice of equipment. boiled for a least five minutes Smaller inflatable rafts or float tubes • don’t travel alone. may be the only practical fishing vessel for some fly-in lakes. Pack-

rods, backpacks (floatplane pilots remote lake and stream map on page 22 ▼

20 Catch-and-release Fishing

If you’ve planned your trip well and have put in some time fishing, you are probably catching fish. If you don’t intend to keep a fish you catch, or can’t keep it because of our regulations, let it go in the manner described below. There are minimum size requirements for

king salmon and cutthroat, rainbow, shley Dean and steelhead trout harvested in A essentially all Southeast waters, If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the so catch-and-release fishing is a leader off as close as possible to the critical element in our fisheries. fish and leave the hook in. Proper techniques must be used, in order to keep mortality rates If the fish is hooked in the outer of released fish to a minimum: parts of its mouth, use needle-nose pliers to dislodge hook. (If you know ahead Do not net fish that you plan of time you will be releasing the fish you to release. catch, bend down the barbs on your hooks to facilitate removal.) If you plan to release a TIP Visiting anglers often practice fish, there is no need to take it catch-and-release for the first few from the water. If you’re fishing days of their fishing trip and will at a shoreline, release your fish selectively keep fish at the end of the in deeper water to prevent it trip to take home. This is also a good from thrashing around in way to insure the fish you do take with shallow water where it may you are in the best condition when you be bruised or injured. reach home.

21 Map 4. Remote lake and stream sport fishing areas around Prince of Wales Island.

1

2

3 4 Fish species codes: CS = chum salmon 5 CT = cutthroat trout DV = Dolly Varden PS = pink salmon 6 RB = rainbow trout RS = sockeye salmon SH = steelhead trout 7 (s) – spring run (f) – fall run 8 9 10 SS = coho salmon 11

12

13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26

27

28 29

30 31

22 PoW Remote Lake and Stream SPORT FISHING LOCATIONS

Map Fish species available key Area name (see code key on map) Access Facilities

1 Salmon Bay L./Creek SS, RS, CS, PS, P/B/T USFS cabin, woodstove, skiff DV, SH(s/f), RB, CT 2 Shipley Bay L./Creek SS, RS, CS, PS, P/B USFS cabin, woodstove, skiff DV, SH(s), RB, CT 3Trout Creek SS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT P/B/R* no facilities 4 Barnes Lake SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT P/B USFS cabin, woodstove, skiff 5 Lake Galea/Honker L. SS, RS, DV, RB, CT P/T/C USFS cabin, woodstove, skiff 6Warm Chuck L./Creek SS, RS, CS, PS, P/B/R* no facilities DV, SH(s), RB, CT 7 Shinaku L./Creek SS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT, G P no facilities 8Black Bear Lake RB P USFS cabin, woodstove, skiff 9 Salmon Lake SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s/f), RB, CT P/B/T USFS cabin, woodstove, skiff 10 Karta Lake SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s/f), RB, CT P/B/T USFS cabin, woodstove, skiff 11 Karta River SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s/f), RB, CT P/B/T USFS cabin, oil stove 12 Wolf Lake RB P no facilities 13 Lake St. Nicholas DV, CT P no facilities 14 Old Franks Lake & stream SS, RS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT P/B no facilities 15 Soda Lake/Creek SS, RS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT P/T no facilities 16 Rock Lake RB helicopter no facilities 17 Clover Lake RB P no facilities 18 Summit Lake Arctic grayling P no facilities (USFS cabin with oil stove at Lake Josephine, about 2 mi NNW) 19 Lake Marge Arctic grayling P no facilities 20 Hetta L./Creek SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT P/B no facilities 21 Eek Lake SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT P no facilities 22 Nutkwa L./Creek SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT P/B no facilities 23 Miller Lake SS, RS, CS, PS, SH(s), RB P no facilities 24 Kugel Lake RB P no facilities 25 Kegan L./ Creek SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT P/B USFS cabin, woodstove, skiff 26 Klakas L./ Creek SS, RS, CS, PS, P/B no facilities DV, SH(s/f), RB, CT 27 Johnson Lake SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT P/B no facilities 28 Hunter Bay Creek SS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT P/B no facilities 29 Hessa L./Creek DV P/B no facilities 30 Essowah Lake SS, RS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT P/B USFS cabin, woodstove, skiff 31 Nichols Lake SS, RS, CS, PS, DV, SH(s), RB, CT P/B no facilities

B = boat P = floatplane R = improved road R* = unimproved road T = trail

23 Sport fishing regulations, licenses, and fisheries management Sport fishing license fees and Also inquire at the Craig Sport Fish requirements are explained in the annual Division office (826-2498) before Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations angling, to see if inseason emergency Summary, and sport fishing licenses orders (EO’s) have been issued for the can now be obtained on our ADF&G area you intend to fish—EO’s do not Sport Fish Licensing website : appear in the regulations summary booklet. They are issued either ☛ www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/license because emergency situations require by telephone: immediate restrictive measures, or, ☛ (907) 465-2376 conversely, because it has become possible to liberalize some fishing by mail: opportunities—oriented mainly at ☛ ADF&G Licensing increasing harvests of hatchery fish. P. O. Box 25525 Checking for inseason EO’s has Juneau, AK 99802-55225 become especially important with or from vendors throughout the state. regard to king salmon, since inseason bag limits and other regulations very In general, fishing regulations are often differ from “baseline” regula- open to review and possible change by tions in the summary booklet. the Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF) Sometimes, sport and commercial every three years. New regulations fishers find themselves fishing the from BOF action take effect in spring, same waters, and questions arise as to following the previous winter’s meeting. methods or numbers of fish taken by It is the BOF who actually determine one group or the other. In areas where when and how the various fisheries sport and commercial fishers share the operate and how many fish each user same waters, it is to the benefit of group may harvest. ADF&G then man- each party to exercise consideration ages the fisheries under BOF direction, for one another. to provide maximum harvest levels There is plenty of room for both while insuring sufficient numbers of to co-exist, if a few courtesies are fish escape to perpetuate the run. extended by all parties.

24 Comfort and Black bears Safety are common Weather around Prince of Wales throughout Island is very changeable, so boots Prince of and rain gear are a must. Short boots Wales Island. are fine for some areas or for use Seeing one of them with rain gear, but hip boots and/or can be a memorable part of one’s trip; chest-waders are preferable for most however, bears should be avoided shore-based fisheries. If you are whenever possible. The danger asso- camping, be sure to take along an ciated with bears is generally abundance of rain-fly material. overrated, but bears are definitely unpredictable—encounters should Excellent populations of mosquitoes, never be taken lightly. When in bear white-sox, no-see-ums, and flies habitat: (1) make noise so as not to inhabit the area and can be depended surprise one; (2) do not keep food upon to give you trouble if you do stored in or near your tent; (3) keep not have a good supply of insect a very clean camp; and (4) do not repellent. Sometimes different brands camp on a game trail or alongside a of repellent are needed to deter the stream full of spawning fish. When various types of insects. Insect- all is said and done, common sense proof tents are a necessity, and head is the best protection. nets are needed in some areas.

Alaska Office of Boating Safety Before you head out on open water, be sure you are prepared! Your boat should be at least 14 feet and seaworthy, with full Coast Guard-required equipment. Have a small ‘kicker’ engine in addition to the main engine, a VHF or CB radio, marine charts, and PFDs for everyone on board. The U.S. Coast Guard website and the Alaska Boating Safety website contain all the necessary information:

☛☛www.alaskaboatingsafety.org www.uscgboating.org

25