ALASKA FISHING
Fishing & Activities
Doc Warner’s is unique because both salmon and halibut, along with other species, are located close to the lodge. You can catch fish without a long boat ride.
At Doc Warner’s, you plan your itinerary. Each day you choose what you want to fish for, where you want to fish and how long you want to stay there. The fishing area is approximately 200 square miles and includes several
streams and rivers so there’s plenty of room for everyone.
Our guests generally take home 65-70 pounds of filleted fish. Expect to be popular at your neighborhood block party when you get home.
Fishing
Our Fishing at Doc Warner’s in Excursion Inlet, Alaska
1. Salmon
At Doc Warner’s, we have all five species of salmon: King (Chinook), Silver
(Coho), Chum (Keta), Pink (Humpy), and Red (Sockeye). Since their runs
overlap throughout the season, you can time your trip to better your
chances at getting the species you want.
King Salmon
Most prevalent during June and early July. King Salmon are
usually found a little deeper and tend to dive when hooked. King Salmon’s
firmer texture makes it great pan fried, smoked or as a fillet on the grill.
Silver Salmon
The most acrobatic, are available July through Sep
and range from 4-14 pounds. They are found all over in the water column
and often run once hooked. They have firm meat which makes them great
for the grill or pan frying. Extremely nutritious.
Chum Salmon
Available in the early part of the season and are found in
deeper waters. They range from 5-15 pounds. After King Salmon, their meat
has the most Omega-3s. This makes them a high protein and healthy choice.
The additional fat content makes them a great choice for smoking without
drying out.
Pink Salmon
The most plentiful of all Salmon and can be found all
season. They are a two-year fish, meaning they return to spawn after two
years. An estimated 75 million Pink Salmon return to Southeast Alaska each
year, many of those swim through Icy Strait on their way to spawn. Pink
Salmon work well in chowders.
Red Salmon
The most rare in Icy Strait. Catching one of these beauties,
while not common, is a real treat. They are generally smaller but very tasty.
Their dense meat is great for smoking or on the grill
Bag Limitations
King Salmon bag limits change annually. The other Salmon bag
limits have remained the same for several years. Current Salmon
regulations can be found at Sport Fishing Regulations – Southeast Alaska on
the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. We are unguided in area 2C.
2. Halibut
Pacific Halibut range from 20-150+ pounds and are always present. We
have pioneered several methods for catching these behemoths so fishing for
them is always an option. Being scavengers, they prefer a flat sandy bottom
where they can lay and wait for food to come to them on the current.
Current Halibut regulations can be found at Sport Fishing for Halibut In
Alaska on NOAA Fisheries’ website. We are unguided in area 2C.
3. Pacific Cod
Pacific Cod are often found in fish sandwiches at fast food restaurants.
Pacific Cod is also called Gray Cod and historically hasn’t had a limit in our
area. They are a softer white meat and are good for tacos. Their skin is
tough, making it easy to use them for bait and reducing “bait checks.”
Current Regulations can be found at Southeast Alaska Personal Use
Groundfish Fishery on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. We
are in the Southeast Alaska Area
4. Rock Fish
Doc Warner’s is home to several varieties of Rock Fish. Pelagic Rock Fish
live in the water column, not near the bottom or shore. They live from 7-30
years. The limits change with each species of Pelagic Rock Fish. Rock Fish
have a soft, sweet meat, often being called a “poor man’s lobster.” They
make great fish tacos. While there are also non-Pelagic Rock Fish in the
area, these fish are bottom dwellers, live very long lives and are closed to
fishing.
Current Regulations can be found at Sport Fishing Regulations – Southeast
Alaska on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. We are
unguided in area 2C.
5. Dolly Varden
Dolly Varden are a type of char, not a trout as commonly defined. They, like
Salmon, spawn in fresh water, go to salt water for most of their life and then
return to fresh water to spawn. Dolly Varden are capable of spawning
several times during their lifetime. We often see them when the salmon
come into spawn as they feed on Salmon eggs. They are greenish with pink
spots on their back.
Current Regulations can be found at Sport Fishing Regulations – Southeast
Alaska on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. We are
unguided in area 2C.
6. Pollock
Under the dock, you can often find Pollock during the season. Pollock is
often used to make imitation crab meat. It is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, B
vitamins, and minerals.
Current Regulations can be found at Southeast Alaska Personal Use
Groundfish Fishery on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. We
are in the Southeast Alaska Area
7. Herring
There’s nothing like fishing with fresh bait. While we provide frozen
Herring, Halibut certainly prefer fresh over frozen. Herring jigs are
available for purchase in the Pro Shop. On your way to the fishing grounds,
take some time to catch your own fresh bait.
Current Regulations can be found at Southeast Alaska Personal Use
Groundfish Fishery on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. We
are in the Southeast Alaska Area
8. Dungeness Crab
For those who want to try their luck at Dungeness Crab, we have crab pots
available in the Pro Shop. Once you have your catch, you can cook and eat it
onsite, or we will package it for you to take home. The regulations are very
strict so be confident before setting a pot.
Current Regulations can be found at Southeast Alaska Personal Use
Groundfish Fishery on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. We
are in the Southeast Alaska Area
Fishing Regulations
Doc Warner’s abides by all state and federal regulations and expects our
guests to abide by them too. Regulation booklets are available at the lodge.
Before heading out to fish, check with the staff to make certain you know
and understand the fishing regulations in Alaska and federal regulations in
effect. It is the angler’s responsibility to be informed.
Let's Plan Your Adventure
Contact us for more information and to start planning your incredible fishing trip!
info@docwarners.com
801-298-8060