Alaska · Southeast Alaska
ROCKFISH FISHING
IN PETERSBURG
Petersburg 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 Petersburg
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 — Petersburg
Month-by-month availability for rockfish in Petersburg, AK.
How to Catch Rockfish in Petersburg
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 Petersburg
Top spots where local captains target rockfish and other bottom fishing species.
Wrangell Narrows
Wrangell Narrows is a narrow, winding waterway connecting Frederick Sound to Sumner Strait that holds king salmon, halibut, and rockfish along its 22-mile length. The narrows' complex tidal currents create productive fishing structure along its rocky shoreline and deeper channels.
Petersburg Harbor
Petersburg Harbor provides dock-fishing access where pink salmon, coho salmon, and rockfish hold around the harbor's extensive commercial fishing fleet docks. The harbor serves as the launch point for accessing Frederick Sound and the surrounding productive waters.
Blind Slough
Blind Slough south of Petersburg is a tidal slough holding runs of king salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead in its deeper channels. The slough's road access and protected waters provide accessible fishing near town.
Falls Creek
Falls Creek near Petersburg hosts runs of pink salmon and coho salmon during summer, with the creek's fish ladder providing viewing and fishing access. The creek mouth area in Frederick Sound attracts salmon staging before their upstream migration.
Other Species in Petersburg
More fish you can target while visiting Petersburg.
Rockfish Fishing in Petersburg — FAQ
The peak months for Rockfish fishing in Petersburg are June, July. During these months, Rockfish are most active and abundant in the Petersburg area.
Rockfish fishing charters in Petersburg 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 Petersburg, 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 Petersburg, you may also catch Pacific Halibut, Sockeye Salmon, Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Lingcod. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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