Craig, Klawock anglers face new ban on filleting fish at sea

Marine anglers returning to Craig and Klawock this summer cannot fillet, mutilate, or cut the heads off sport-caught lingcod, nonpelagic rockfish, and king or coho salmon at sea under a restriction announced by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Fish must remain whole until vessels are tied up at a docking facility where they will be offloaded, unless they have been consumed or preserved on board.

The restriction aims to maximize information collected through ADF&G creel sampling and angler interviews. That data helps manage and sustain fisheries, according to the department's May 11 Prince of Wales Island fishing report.

Creel technicians are now stationed on docks in Craig and Klawock to sample fish and interview anglers about their trips. The restriction lets staff obtain length, sex, and tagging data for lingcod, rockfish, and salmon required by Southeast Alaska management plans.

The ban applies only to marine boat anglers returning to the two ports. Anglers may fillet fish after tying up at a docking facility for offloading, or if the fish are consumed or preserved on board during the trip.

Craig Schwanke, area management biologist for Prince of Wales Island, asked anglers to be patient and respectful as creel samplers carry out the work. He can be reached at 907-826-2498 or [email protected].

The fishing report also noted that king salmon fishing has been good on the west coast of Prince of Wales Island. Steelhead season is wrapping up as fish spawn and postspawn fish appear in catches around the island.