Alaska · Southeast Alaska
ROCKFISH FISHING
IN HAINES
Haines is a solid destination for rockfish fishing, with peak season in July and good catches in June, August. Book a charter and target rockfish with local experts.
About Rockfish Fishing in Haines
The Pacific rockfish complex includes over 70 species, from the prized vermilion and copper rockfish of California to the massive yelloweye of Alaska. Found around rocky reefs, pinnacles, and kelp beds at depths from 50 to 1,000 feet, rockfish are the backbone of West Coast bottom fishing and provide excellent table fare.
Pacific Rockfish encompass over 70 species in the genus Sebastes, making them the most diverse group of sportfish on the West Coast. Popular species include Vermilion Rockfish (red snapper), Copper Rockfish, Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish, Canary Rockfish, and the massive Yelloweye Rockfish of Alaska. Colors range from bright vermilion-red to jet black to mottled copper-brown, depending on species and depth. Found from shallow kelp beds to depths exceeding 1,000 feet, rockfish are the backbone of Pacific coast bottom fishing. Many species are extremely long-lived — yelloweye rockfish can live over 120 years.
Scientific name: Sebastes spp.
Rockfish Seasonal Calendar — Haines
Month-by-month availability for rockfish in Haines, AK.
How to Catch Rockfish in Haines
Techniques & Bait
Dropping bait (squid strips, anchovy, shrimp) or metal jigs (Diamond Jigs, Crippled Herring, flutter jigs) to rocky structure in 60-300 feet is the standard technique. Shrimp fly rigs — multiple baited hooks on a dropper rig above a heavy sinker — allow multiple fish per drop. Soft plastic swimbaits on heavy jigheads (2-6 oz) bounced along the bottom are effective. For shallow species (Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish), casting swimbaits and metal jigs into kelp bed edges works well. Sabiki rigs near structure can produce fast limits.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy conventional rod (5'6"-7 ft), level-wind reel, 30-65 lb braided line, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon leader, 4-16 oz weights depending on depth. Long dropper leaders with multiple hooks (shrimp fly rigs) are standard on party boats. Sensitive rod tips help detect bites at depth.
Best Bottom Fishing Fishing Spots in Haines
Top spots where local captains target rockfish and other bottom fishing species.
Chilkat Inlet
Chilkat Inlet south of Haines is a productive waterway where king salmon, coho salmon, chum salmon, and halibut concentrate in the nutrient-rich waters influenced by glacial rivers. The inlet's shallow flats and deeper channels support diverse fisheries from spring through fall.
Chilkoot River
The Chilkoot River at Chilkoot Lake north of Haines hosts massive runs of sockeye salmon, coho salmon, and pink salmon, with brown bears fishing alongside human anglers. The river's fish weir area provides one of Alaska's most iconic fishing and wildlife viewing experiences.
Letnikof Cove
Letnikof Cove south of Haines is a sheltered inshore area where king salmon and coho salmon stage before entering the Chilkat and Chilkoot river systems. The cove's calm waters provide productive fishing in a protected setting with mountain views.
Lutak Inlet
Lutak Inlet at the head of Lynn Canal near Haines holds coho salmon, pink salmon, and Dolly Varden in its tidal waters. The inlet's proximity to town and easy road access make it a convenient fishing destination.
Other Species in Haines
More fish you can target while visiting Haines.
Rockfish Fishing in Haines — FAQ
The peak months for Rockfish fishing in Haines are July. During these months, Rockfish are most active and abundant in the Haines area.
Rockfish fishing charters in Haines are typically bottom fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Dropping bait (squid strips, anchovy, shrimp) or metal jigs (Diamond Jigs, Crippled Herring, flutter jigs) to rocky structure in 60-300 feet is the standard technique. Shrimp fly rigs — multiple baited hooks on a dropper rig above a heavy sinker — allow multiple fish per drop. Soft plastic swimbaits on heavy jigheads (2-6 oz) bounced along the bottom are effective. For shallow species (Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish), casting swimbaits and metal jigs into kelp bed edges works well. Sabiki rigs near structure can produce fast limits.
No — when you book a charter in Haines, your captain provides all required Alaska fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Rockfish regulations in Alaska include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Rockfish in Haines, you may also catch Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Lingcod, Pacific Halibut. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Rockfish in Haines?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your rockfish fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes