Alaska Fishing

 Alaskan halibut are found on the continental shelf of the North Alaskan Ocean and Bering Sea. They have been recorded on the North American coast from Santa Barbara, California to Nome, Alaska and are also found along the Asiatic coast from the Gulf of Anadyr, Russia to Hokkaido, Japan.

Alaskan halibut live on or near the ocean bottom, and prefer water temperatures ranging from 4 to 9° Celsius. Although halibut have been caught as deep as 547 meters, they are most often caught in waters from 28 to 275 m in depth.

Alaskan halibut belong to a family of flounders called Pleuronectidae. They’re among the largest fishes in the world with reported lengths up to 2.7 meters. Alaskan halibut have flat, diamond-shaped bodies and are able to migrate long distances.

Most adult fish tend to remain on the same summer feeding grounds year after year, however they make regular seasonal migrations from more shallow feeding grounds in summer to deeper spawning grounds in winter. These spawning migrations can cover hundreds of miles in north-south or east west directions. Halibut spawn in deep water. As larvae develop, they drift slowly upward in the water column and drift great distances with the ocean currents in a counter-clockwise direction around the Northeast Alaskan Ocean.

After spending two or three years in nursery areas in the Northeast Pacific, young

Alaskan halibut tend to migrate to more southerly and easterly waters. Halibut size is not age-specific, but rather tends to follow a cycle related to halibut abundance. Average fish size reflects density dependence in growth rate, where slower growth is associated with higher halibut abundance.

From November to March, mature halibut concentrate annually on spawning grounds along the edge of the continental shelf at depths from 183 to 457 meters. Major spawning sites in Alaska include Yakutat, Cape Suckling-Yakataga, Portlock Bank, and Chirikof Island. Spawning concentrations also occur in the Bering Sea. In addition to these major spawning grounds, spawning is thought to be widespread and occurs in many areas, although concentrations are not as dense as those at grounds mentioned above.

The current trend is one of decline due to high stock abundance, and fish today are smaller than fish of the same age 10 years ago, not over fishing as many claim. Maturity varies with sex, age, and fish size. Females grow faster but mature slower than males. Most males are mature by eight years of age, whereas females on average mature at about 12 years of age. We hope this information will help you appreciate this incredible species next time you are halibut fishing in Alaska.

Alaska’s Inside Passage Resorts LLC
George De Filippo, President
4925 Cervato Way
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

Toll Free: 800-926-2477
Local: 805-964-9622
Fax: 805-879-3787

Web: www.alaskalodgesandyachts.com
Email:  aipr2@ix.netcom.com

Alaska fishing vacations are the dream of a lifetime for the dedicated angler. The waters of this state teem with dozens of fish varieties. From sea to inland lakes, anglers can find challenges around every corner. And when they cast their line it is almost certain that they will come up with something. Come take a journey to one of the best fishing spots in North America.

Salmon make a great focus for Alaska fishing vacations. From the west coast to the panhandle, this state is home to multiple species of salmon. From King Salmon to Pink Salmon, the challenge is just waiting for the keen angler. The salmon’s life cycle spans from fresh to salt water and back again. All of this provides many opportunities for catching the big one. Saltwater salmon fishing is available in many parts of Alaska. Salmon are in the prime of their life during their saltwater travel. Young and feisty, they create the perfect challenge. When the spawning urge comes upon them, they begin the journey upstream to their freshwater homes. On the journey, they travel up some streams in the heart of Alaska. And it will not be a walk in the park for an angler. They are fighting to get home to spawn. And they are not going to come out of the water voluntarily.

Halibut also make a great focus for Alaska fishing vacations. Preferring the south central and southeastern coastal waters, huge bottom feeders, halibut can weigh in at over ninety pounds. During the winter and spring, they congregate in the deep waters well off shore. But in the summer months, they prefer the shallow coastal waters. This is when fishing is at its prime for the angler. It requires some skill and luck along with good equipment. Shallow to them is around 100 feet down. Good fishing charter captains can help you choose the right gear for your attempt at the great fish.

Other fish lurk for the lucky angler on Alaska fishing vacations. Trout populate many of the rivers in the panhandle region. Trout along with pike and white fish live in the waters of south central Alaska. In the Interior and along with western coast, grayling, trout, pike and cutthroat can be found in selected spots year round. No matter where you decide to cast your line, you are bound to come up with something. Take a chance and pack up your tackle.

Alaska’s Inside Passage Resorts LLC
George De Filippo, President
4925 Cervato Way
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

Toll Free: 800-926-2477
Local: 805-964-9622
Fax: 805-879-3787

Web: www.alaskalodgesandyachts.com
Email:  aipr2@ix.netcom.com