Fishing at Shuyak Island

Shuyak Island is a popular sport fishing destination in August and September when silver salmon return to the island's freshwater systems to spawn.

Shuyak Island's uplands include hundreds of small lakes and beaver ponds fed from runoff, springs, and seeps. These lakes in turn feed many small creeks and streams that serve as habitat for many fish species. Of the 18 anadromous streams identified on Shuyak Island, 15 of them are a located either within or immediately adjacent to the park. These 15 streams are located in four distinct areas, which are utilized for sport, commercial, and subsistence fishing. These areas are: the southeast and southwest arms of Big Bay, the southeastern portion of Carry Inlet, and Shangin Bay.

Three species of salmon utilize the island's anadromous streams: silver, red and pink salmon. In addition, Dolly Varden and rainbow trout also inhabit these freshwater systems. Sport and commercial salmon harvest and timing are regulated by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Shuyak's saltwater bays are periodically open to commercial seining and sportfishers should be aware that up to three commercial openers may occur in Shuyak's bays between August 1 and September 15. The openings generally last between 24 and 48 hours. Immediately after the openings, sportfishing is usually slow, but rebounds within a couple of days.

Fishing Timetable

SPECIES	WHEN	LOCATION
Dolly Varden	June, July	Shangin Bay, Big Bay, Carry Inlet
Pink Salmon	July, early August	Most major streams
Coho Salmon (silvers)	mid-August to mid September	Shangin Bay, Big Bay, Carry Inlet
Halibut	June, July, August	All outside waters