|
KINGS & BUTS
Salmon and Halibut,
a piscatorial convergence.
Sitka, Alaska is famous for it's pristine waters, spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and culturally rich history. It is located on the outer coast of Baranof Island, midway between Seattle and Anchorage and is serviced daily by air carrier and the Alaska marine Hwy. What it is less well known for is its multimillion-dollar spring herring spawn. It partners with the humboldt current to produce an ecosystem of monumental proportions.
Visitors have been welcomed in Sitka for about the last 8,000 years. The flowing together of Tlingit, Russian and American influences has created a cultural atmosphere that delights all travelers to the area. Beginning in 1804, Russia developed Sitka into a major Pacific port and capitol of their Pacific colonial territories. In 1867 the Russian Empire sold the Alaska territory to the United States and ratified the treaty with a hilltop ceremony in Sitka.
Fishing still tops the list of outdoor activities in Sitka. The waters around Sitka boast the highest saltwater sportfishing catch rate in the nation for king salmon. In addition, silver salmon, pink salmon, halibut, ling cod, and yellow eye are caught in season.
The spring herring run kicks off the fishing season with their arrival in late March. Soon after their appearance the King Salmon migrate into the sound to feed and the halibut move in from deep water offshore to spawn. The silvers show up in mid-July, soon followed by the pinks and reds. Sandwiched within the parade are the sea run Dolly Varden and cuththroat trout. Over 4 million pounds of fresh seafood a season are shipped from Sitka. Within the sound, a King Salmon derby is open to all comers the last week in May and ending the first Sunday in June. It usually takes a 60+ pounder to win.
Your days program starts with mooching for King's in the early morning, then going outside the bay for barndoor halibut and ling cod during the middle of the day and returning to the bay for King's late in the afternoon if you didn't get your limit in the morning.  Generally your well intentioned plan will be dictated by the weather pattern and leaving the bay could be foolish. On some days, trolling the inside passes is the most productive.
Rule #1, If fishing is your agenda, do not pack a suitcase. Two boxes of fillets, per person, can be brought back with no additional baggage charge if you take only a carry-on bag. A processor in town can freeze and vacuum pack your catch for the trip home. The dress code while in town is casual.
Licenses are required, and are sold by your charter operator or at one of the sporting goods stores in town. The charter boat fleet is generally comprised of Parkers and Sea sports, both made in Bellingham; a few Sea Hawks's, out of South Carolina; and the occasional Osprey. You won't find many center consuls or flying bridge models in this area. These sturdy fishing boats are in the 24' - 29' range and come equipped with heaters, radar and GPS systems. A list of charter operators is available from the Sitka Convention & Visitors Bureau, (907) 747-5940.
On our second morning we bent a propunfortunately, and lost most of the days fishing due to a close encounter with an unseen log. Fortunately, Sitka isn't short on places to see and things to do if stream fishing is not to your liking. The area offers endless miles of biking and hiking trails. Due to the mild climate, wildlife abounds. There are bald eagles everywhere. Humpback whales arrive in the early summer and stay through early winter. Sea otters can be found as singles or rafting together in large groups. Brown bear, blacktail deer, puffin, the list is almost endless.
Sitka is also located in the middle of the finest sea kayaking country in the world. The Inside Passage offers thousands of miles of sheltered waterway, and there are no restrictions on camping in the Tongass National Forest. The US Forest Service maintains recreational cabins throughout the Tongass National Forest, which can be reserved and rented for your exclusive use for all of $25 per night.
If camping does not come to mind as your first choice when you are considering accommodations, there are many hotels and motels to fit most budgets. Most charter packages include lodging and meals or restaurant meal vouchers. There are several excellent restaurants from which to choose. Another option is one of the coastal island bed-n-breakfast type lodges. Dove Island Resort offers a very pleasurable recreational experience of boating, fishing, dining and good fun.
|
