Craig, Alaska Fishing

Craig, Alaska Fishing

salmon image by Warren Rosenberg from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Fishing in Alaska usually brings to mind salmon jumping straight out of the water, but the state is home to a variety of other fish as well. Craig, which is in the Prince of Wales area, is filled with coho, steelhead and trout. Before you try fishing in Craig, learn what works and consider using a charter or guide service.

Mooching

Mooching is a type of fishing that's popular with Craig locals. Begin by attaching a double hook to a 6-foot leader and then add herring as bait. Drop the line to the bottom of the water or as far as it goes, as you move the boat forward, and then slowly pull the hook back to the surface. This is a good technique for Craig fishing because it attracts fish at different depths. Salmon and other fish feed at different levels in the water, and you might miss them by dropping the bait and sitting. By moving both the boat and the line, you'll attract more fish.

Prince of Wales Sportfishing

Prince of Wales Sportfishing offers guided or charter fishing tours around Craig, and that can helpful for those unfamiliar with sportfishing. It's possible to catch large salmon in Craig, with beginners catching fish of 30 to 50 pounds. Guides teach you how to properly bring in a big fish and how to catch more fish.

Prince of Wales Sportfishing
(888) 943-4746

Freshwater Fishing

The season for freshwater fishing in Craig runs from early spring until late fall. By the end of October or beginning of November, anglers stop fishing because the cold temperatures freeze the water and stop the fish from moving and biting. Trout are one of the only types of fish that bite during the winter and only in areas without ice in the water, such as Dolly Varden.

Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater fishing differs from freshwater fishing because the seasons runs year-round. However, before you get on the water, check the weather report and look for warnings issued by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. During certain periods of winter, the department issues emergency orders that bring fishing on the water to a halt. Fishing is allowed from the shore and the water, but in the winter it's best to fish on the water. Salmon tend to move farther out to find warmer water, which means they're at lower depths.

Article Written By Jennifer Eblin

Jennifer Eblin has been a full-time freelance writer since 2006. Her work has appeared on several websites, including Tool Box Tales and Zonder. Eblin received a master's degree in historic preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Write for Trails.com
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