2025 Pelagic Rockfish: Ketchikan Fishing Report Update
In this Ketchikan fishing report, we are outlining the new conservative management measures from ADF&G that reduce the daily bag limit for pelagic rockfish across Southeast Alaska.
Southeast Alaska Pelagic Rockfish Limit in 2025
Information provided by Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is announcing a reduction in the pelagic rockfish limits for 2025 in Southeast Alaska for all anglers. The affected areas include all the marine waters in the Yakutat, Haines & Skagway, Juneau, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Petersburg & Wrangell, Prince of Wales, and Ketchikan management areas. These regulations will be effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The regulations are:
All Anglers
- The daily bag limit is three pelagic rockfish, six in possession, no size limit.
Pelagic rockfish harvest has been on an increasing trend across the region. In the interest of conservative management, the Board of Fisheries took action in January 2025 to reduce the regional bag and possession limit for pelagic rockfish for all anglers. Additional restrictions apply for nonresident anglers fishing in the Sitka area, please see the advisory announcement specific to the Sitka area for these regulations.
Staying current on these limit changes ensures a smooth day on the water. Check our Ketchikan Alaska Fishing Charter for 2025 availability. We specialize in Cruise Ship Fishing and provide these regular Ketchikan Fishing Reports to keep our guests informed. Join us on The 4 C’s and let’s go fishing!
2026 Ketchikan Fishing Report Update: What to Expect
As we head into the 2026 season here in Ketchikan, the 4 C’s is ready and we are already seeing some great activity on the water. While the rockfish regulations remain a key part of our conservation efforts, we are looking forward to another fantastic year of targeting all five species of Pacific Salmon.
Preparing for Your Charter
To ensure you have the best experience out on the water, remember that Southeast Alaska weather can change in a heartbeat.
Layer Up: Wear synthetic or wool layers to stay warm even if it gets damp.
Rain Gear: While I keep some emergency spares on the boat, it is very important for guests to bring your own high-quality rain gear and waterproof boots. Staying dry is the secret to staying comfortable while we’re pulling in fish.
Logistics: For those arriving on cruise ships, I specialize in excursions with easy pickups at Berth 3 and Berth 4 in downtown Ketchikan.
Whether we are bottom fishing for halibut (remember, we release the big 80lb+ spawners to keep the population healthy!) or hitting the salmon runs, my goal is to get you on the fish safely and professionally.
Have questions about the 2026 run? Texting is the best way to reach me directly while I’m prepping the boat or out on the water.
Check back soon for our next Ketchikan Fishing Report as the season kicks into high gear.