We’re fired up to launch our 2026 charter fishing season in Sitka, Alaska!
Our captain is currently getting our new 45-foot NorthRiver charter boat dialed in for the season, while our deckhand is busy tying leaders for salmon and halibut. While we can’t predict the weather (though we’re definitely praying for calm seas and sunshine), all signs point to an outstanding fishery for fishing Sitka Alaska 2026.
King Salmon Outlook
If 2025 was any indication of what’s ahead, we’re in great shape. Recently released Alaska Department of Fish & Game king salmon escapement data shows that all Sitka-area indicator streams are at or above escapement goals, the first time this has happened in many years. This is excellent news for wild Alaska king salmon stocks.
For non-resident anglers, we typically see:
- 1 king salmon per day
- An annual limit set in April via emergency order
Even if annual limits are reduced in 2026, we expect strong catch-and-release opportunities, which is what makes king fishing in Sitka so special.
Halibut Regulations
The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) has released regulations for our area:
- 1 halibut per day under 34 inches, or
- 1 halibut per day over 80 inches
- Closed every Thursday from June 18 – September 10
Guided Angler Fish (GAF) Tags
We offer GAF tags for purchase, which allow anglers to:
- Keep a halibut of any size
- Retain halibut in addition to daily bag limits
- Fish and retain halibut on closure days
Let us know when booking if you’d like to add GAF tags for your Sitka Alaska fishing trip in 2026.
Rockfish & Lingcod
If you love rockfish, Sitka delivers:
Yelloweye Rockfish
- Residents: 1 fish/day
- Non-residents: 1 fish annually
- Open July 1 – August 25
Pelagic Rockfish (Black Rockfish, etc.)
- Residents: 3 fish/day
- Non-residents: 2 fish/day
Lingcod regulations for 2026 have not yet been released, but we’re optimistic anglers will be able to retain these excellent-eating fish. We’ll update as soon as regulations are finalized.
Blackcod (Sablefish) Outlook
If weather allows us to reach deep water, we expect the blackcod fishery to be outstanding. Biomass has been steadily increasing for several years.
- 4 fish/day
- 8 fish annual limit per angler
If you’ve never caught or eaten blackcod, put this at the top of your bucket list. Blackcod are incredibly rich, oily, and packed with healthy omega-3s. Be sure to ask our captain for his favorite recipes!
Book Your 2026 Sitka Alaska Fishing Trip
We can’t wait to welcome our returning guests and make new friends on the water this season. Dates are already filling quickly.
Call: 1-907-738-3017
Email: northpacificsaltwater@gmail.com
Lock in your Sitka Alaska fishing adventure today, we’ll see you on the water!
