Fresh Water Fishing

with

Tidewater Charters

Captain Kirk often uses his airboat when taking parties to "out of the way" places.

Tidewater Charters offer what many describe as the finest fishing in Alaska, both on the sea and in the rivers systems. We have the boats to accomodate either type of trip. 

On the Situk River in particular, we can trailer a rental a rafting boat to the Nine Mile Bridge, from which you can get a 10-12 hour float.  We have rental boats for only $35 dollars per day with a $20 dollar "placement fee" for the tow to the landing.

Saltwater / Freshwater Fish

Every member of the salmonoid family spawns in the local river systems, so the list of local andromonous fish includes:

• Steelhead
• Chinook Salmon
• Silver Salmon
• Sockeye Salmon
• Pink Salmon
• Char

Yes, the list is complete.  If you think something is missing, remember that every salmon goes by two names, so here is a translation list.

A handy fish calendar

Andronomous fish are migratory, so there are preferred times of year to fish for them in the Yakutat area.  Here is a handy calendar for your reference.

Fish Facts

Steelhead fishing begins in late March, with a world class run in the Situk River.  This run will last through the end of May.

King salmon exceeding 25 lbs are routinely caught in both fresh and salt water, and the run beings in April.  In freshwater, they may be caught through July, although they may still be found in saltwater later in the year.

Sockeye Salmon begin their migration into the fresh water systems of Yakutat in late May.  They will continue to run through July.  This spectacular salmon is noted for both its fighting ability and table quality.

Silver Salmon begin to run as July turns into August. The silvers form large schools and you  will find incredible numbers in both fresh and salt water.  The Silver Salmon run through late September.

It is not unusual to find Kings, Pinks, Sockeye, and Silvers together in the fresh water systems.

Fishing Gear

Fisherman bring their own fishing rods, reels, and tackle for freshwater stream fishing

Shirley's Bed and Breakfast has a small tackle shop.  We offer a variety of lures and bait which have proved successful in Yakutat.

We recommend line strength between 8 lb and 16 lb for stream fishing.  Heavier weights are advised for King Salmon.  Both king and silver salmon are attracted to a variety of lures including deep diving plugs, spoons and spinners.

Sockeye Salmon and Steelhead are attracted to a variety of egg patterns presented on or near the bottom.  Brightly colored yarn tied to a 2/O steelhead hook works well. Steelhead fishing has its own followers who use specialized tackle.

Captain Kirk recommends a good quality medium action fishing rod.  Fish are often lost with heavy action rods, due largely to overplaying the fish.

Shirley will share with you her secrets of preparing crab, shrimp, salmon, and beer batter halibut.  With access to a beautiful modern kitchen, you can enjoy your freshly cooked catch of the day.

What to bring

• Quality fishing tackle including extra rod, reel, and line.
• Neoprene waders 3-5 mil.
• Poly Propolene underwear.
• Top quality rain gear.
• Knee High rubber boots.
• Suitable hat.
• U/V rated sunglasses.
• A good camera
• A great desire to catch fish!

Preservation and Transportation of your fish

Shirley's Bed and Breakfast has two chest freezers for storage of fish.

However, we recommend that you take advantage of our local fish processor who will clean, fillet, and commercially vacuum pack and blast-freeze your fish to minus 40 degrees. This process will greatly encrease the freezer life of your hard-earned catch.   There is an added cost for this special handling.

Shirley' Bed and Breakfast has freezer boxes available for shipment on Alaska Airlines.

Air cargo is always available for excess weight shipments.

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