Alaska
fishing: Haines / Skagway area
Species
Haines and Skagway are located at the northern end of Lynn
Canal, the largest fjord in the world. Although close to one another, both
have their own distinctives: Haines is the southern terminus of the Haines
Highway, and Skagway is the northernmost terminus of the southeast portion
of the Alaska marine highway.
Although only 13 miles (21 km) apart from by
water, 359 miles (577 km) separate them by highway. Anglers in Haines will
find Dolly Varden, and pink, coho, sockeye and chum salmon along the road.
Nearby lakes contain cutthroat trout and sockeye salmon. The local star is
the dolly as it can be caught all year. Skagway has less opportunity on
shore, but should not be overlooked. Local lakes are stocked with trout and
area rivers, when clear of silt, are fished for dollies, and pink, chum and
coho salmon. Both areas offer good charter opportunities in the fjord; and
all 5 species of Pacific salmon along with halibut, rockfish, and lingcod
are available.
Area
Sponsor
If you are a Haines or Skagway area provider of services or goods for sport
fishermen, we invite you to
advertise in this space. We want to provide both additional
information about area fishing and an opportunity for you to make people
aware of what you do. We can take up to 125 words. We will
work with you on the exact wording so that it provides useful information for those who
read and helps you at the same time. The text can include your website address and
other contact information. We would also like to display one of your best
photos in this space (replacing the advertising now in place) -- we want to illustrate Haines/Skagway fishing and at the
same time show what you are doing. If you would like to sponsor
this page, please contact
contact Pam at 1.907.895-4919; 9 - 5 Alaska time. The cost is only
$96 for one year.
Geography
Haines is located on Portage Cove. It is 80 air miles (128 km) northwest
of Juneau and 151 road miles (243 km) southeast of Haines Junction on the
Alaska Highway in Yukon Territory. Its population is around 2,500 persons.
Skagway is located on Taiya Inlet. It is 90 air miles (144 km) northwest
of Juneau, and 108 road miles (174 km) south of Whitehorse, also in Yukon
Territory, and also on the Alaska Highway. Its population is around 1,000.
Both communities lay in areas surrounded by mountains, forests, and
glaciers.
Wildlife is commonly seen. Anglers in Haines should practice
bear awareness here, and especially along the Chilkoot River. Since roads
and cruise ships reach both these destinations, visitor pressure can at
times be heavy. Anglers should reserve ahead.
Road System and Amenities
The Chilkoot River sport fishery in Haines is one of the most intense in
southeast Alaska. Anglers flock to it in pursuit of salmon and Dolly
Varden. Cohos run strong in the fall and fishing pressure is continual.
The Chilkat River also provides similar opportunity. The Taiya River in
Skagway offers fine dolly and salmon fishing in the spring and fall when
the water clears. Pullen Creek is a haven for pinks and dollies. Both
areas offer car rentals, accommodations, and offer a variety of
excursions.
Skagway is noted for its contribution to Alaska’s gold mining
history and the White Pass and Yukon Railroad, and Haines is renowned for
the nearby Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Air service is available to either
from several cities. Communing anglers embarking from the state capitol
can experience the finest in conveyance by flying to either location and
then returning to Juneau by ferry. The ferry runs daily.
Best saltwater fishing times in the
Haines/Skagway area
(ADF&G data)
|
Species |
Availability |
Peak |
|
king salmon |
all year |
May through July |
|
coho salmon |
June through September |
August and September |
|
sockeye salmon |
June through August |
June through August |
|
chum salmon |
June through September |
July |
|
pink salmon |
June through August |
July |
|
Dolly Varden Char |
April through August |
June |
|
cutthroat trout |
May through September |
June |
|
halibut |
all year |
June through September |
|
rockfish |
all year |
June through September |
|
lingcod |
all year |
all year |
Best freshwater fishing times in the
Haines / Skagway area
(ADF&G data)
|
Species |
Availability |
Peak |
|
king salmon |
May through August |
July |
|
coho salmon |
September through November |
September and October |
|
sockeye salmon |
June through September |
July |
|
chum salmon |
June through October |
July |
|
pink salmon |
July through September |
July |
|
Dolly Varden Char |
all year except October |
July and August |
|
rainbow trout |
all year |
all year |
|
cutthroat trout |
all year |
May and June |
|
brook trout |
all year |
August and September |
Transportation
Both towns are reachable by
scenic highway. There are scheduled connector
fights from Juneau, Whitehorse, and Anchorage to each. Check
L.A.B. Flying Service and
Skagway Air Service.
There are only two parts of Alaska with rail service, but they are not
connected. Skagway has
rail service that connects to Whitehorse, Yukon. The
Alaska Marine Highway offers
ferry service year-round to both ports. Reserve ahead with any carrier.
Weather
Both areas have a maritime climate. Precipitation averages
around 60 inches (152. cm.) . Summer temperatures range from the low 50’s
F (10 C), to low 70’s F (21 C), with shoulder months being colder. As
always, dress in layers and bring adequate rain gear.
|
