Alaska · Kenai Peninsula
ROCKFISH FISHING
IN WHITTIER
Whittier 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 Whittier
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 — Whittier
Month-by-month availability for rockfish in Whittier, AK.
How to Catch Rockfish in Whittier
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 Whittier
Top spots where local captains target rockfish and other bottom fishing species.
Passage Canal
Passage Canal is the deep fjord at Whittier where silver salmon, pink salmon, halibut, and rockfish hold in glacially-carved waters. The canal's protected setting and deep water provide excellent fishing accessible directly from the Whittier small boat harbor.
Whittier Harbor
Whittier Harbor provides dock-fishing access where silver salmon and pink salmon stage around the harbor structure during summer runs. The harbor serves as the gateway to Prince William Sound, one of Alaska's most productive marine environments.
Shotgun Cove
Shotgun Cove east of Whittier is a sheltered bay where silver salmon, rockfish, and halibut hold in calm, deep waters surrounded by glaciated mountains. The cove is accessible by boat or trail from Whittier for productive inshore fishing.
Shakespeare Creek
Shakespeare Creek near Whittier hosts runs of silver salmon and pink salmon during summer, providing accessible shore-fishing close to the harbor. The creek's tidal mouth attracts staging salmon in fishable concentrations.
Other Species in Whittier
More fish you can target while visiting Whittier.
Rockfish Fishing in Whittier — FAQ
The peak months for Rockfish fishing in Whittier are June, July. During these months, Rockfish are most active and abundant in the Whittier area.
Rockfish fishing charters in Whittier 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 Whittier, 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 Whittier, you may also catch Pacific Halibut, Chinook Salmon, Lingcod, Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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