Seward: Yelloweye rockfish closure extended through June 30

Recreational anglers fishing the North Gulf Coast and Resurrection Bay may not retain yelloweye rockfish from April 1 through June 30, 2026, under an emergency order that went into effect April 1. The order also restricts rockfish bag and possession limits through mid-September in all salt waters from Gore Point to Cape Fairfield, including the popular fishing grounds near the entrance of Resurrection Bay.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game reduced rockfish bag and possession limits to three fish per day and six in possession, with only one nonpelagic rockfish allowed. The restrictions run from April 1 through September 15. The yelloweye closure aligns North Gulf Coast conservation measures with similar seasonal protections in Prince William Sound during the yelloweye reproductive cycle.

Brittany Blain-Roth, North Gulf Coast Area Management Biologist for the Division of Sport Fish, issued a May 22 fishing report noting that anglers have reported fair catch rates of a variety of rockfish near the entrance of Resurrection Bay and along the Gulf Coast. The report reminds anglers that yelloweye rockfish season is closed through June 30.

Halibut fishing has been fair for anglers traveling outside of Resurrection Bay, with catches of small to medium-sized halibut reported. Fishing inside Resurrection Bay has been slow but should improve as more halibut push inshore. Fishing for Pacific cod has been excellent inside Resurrection Bay, with anglers advised to try fishing a small chunk of herring right off the bottom near the Sea Life Center, the mouth of Lowell Creek, or off Lowell Point.

King salmon fishing has been slow inside Resurrection Bay. Anglers are advised to try trolling herring from Tonsina Creek to Caines Head to target hatchery king salmon bound for the Seward Lagoon. The first sockeye have arrived at the mouth of Resurrection River, and fishing has been slow to start but should continue to improve. Freshwaters in Resurrection Bay are closed to salmon fishing at this time. Lingcod season is closed until July 1.

First Lake was stocked with rainbow trout last week and fishing has been excellent. Anglers are advised to try bait under a bobber along shaded and treed areas of the lake.

Anglers are reminded to purchase their 2026 sport fishing license and king stamp, which can be obtained through the ADF&G Mobile App or the ADF&G online store. Anglers should review emergency orders and the 2026 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet before heading out. For additional information, contact the Anchorage Office at 907-267-2218.