Alaska · Southeast Alaska
ROCKFISH FISHING
IN JUNEAU
Juneau is an excellent destination for rockfish fishing, with peak season in June, July and good catches in May, August, September. Book a charter and target rockfish with local experts.
About Rockfish Fishing in Juneau
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 — Juneau
Month-by-month availability for rockfish in Juneau, AK.
How to Catch Rockfish in Juneau
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 Juneau
Top spots where local captains target rockfish and other bottom fishing species.
Auke Bay
Auke Bay north of downtown Juneau is the primary harbor for the area's sportfishing fleet, and its protected waters hold king salmon, coho salmon, pink salmon, and halibut. The bay's calm conditions and easy access make it the launching point for fishing the productive waters of Stephens Passage and Lynn Canal.
Fritz Cove
Fritz Cove adjacent to Auke Bay provides sheltered inshore fishing where king salmon and coho salmon stage before entering the area's creek systems. The cove's shallow flats and deeper channel hold salmon, halibut, and rockfish in fishable concentrations.
Gastineau Channel
Gastineau Channel runs along Juneau's downtown waterfront and holds king salmon, pink salmon, and coho salmon during summer migrations. Shore anglers fish from the downtown docks and Juneau-Douglas Bridge area for accessible urban salmon fishing.
Fish Creek (Douglas)
Fish Creek on Douglas Island near Juneau hosts runs of pink salmon, coho salmon, and Dolly Varden, with a fish viewing platform providing a unique fishing and wildlife experience. The creek's easy road access makes it one of the most popular shore-fishing destinations near the state capital.
Other Species in Juneau
More fish you can target while visiting Juneau.
Rockfish Fishing in Juneau — FAQ
The peak months for Rockfish fishing in Juneau are June, July. During these months, Rockfish are most active and abundant in the Juneau area.
Rockfish fishing charters in Juneau 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 Juneau, 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 Juneau, you may also catch Pacific Halibut, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lingcod, Dungeness Crab. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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