What Neva Strait Offers Anglers

Neva Strait is a narrow passage of saltwater between Chichagof Island and the Alaska mainland, roughly 15 miles north of Hoonah. It connects to Chatham Strait to the south and opens into deeper water to the north, making it a tidal funnel where salmon, halibut, and rockfish concentrate during their seasonal movements. The strait itself is not a destination you fish for hours—it's a transit route and a staging area where fish pause before moving into rivers or deeper channels, which means timing and tide matter more than location.

Access is limited to boat. There is no road to Neva Strait, and no lodges or services on its shores. Most anglers reach it from Hoonah by water taxi, private boat, or charter. The passage is exposed to weather and can turn rough quickly, so you need either a skipper who knows the water or the experience to read conditions yourself. Summer is the only practical season—June through September—because winter storms and ice make the strait dangerous.

Key Takeaways

  • Neva Strait is a tidal passage where salmon and halibut concentrate during seasonal runs, not a place to anchor and fish all day.
  • Access requires a boat; water taxis from Hoonah are the most common route for anglers without their own vessel.
  • Timing around tide changes is critical—slack water and the first hour of incoming tide are when fish feed most actively.
  • Summer months (June through September) are the only reliable fishing window; weather can close the strait with little warning.
  • Halibut fishing is often better than salmon in Neva Strait itself, though salmon runs pass through on their way to rivers.

Seasonal Fish Runs and What to Target

Chinook salmon move through Neva Strait from May into early July, heading for rivers on the mainland side. They're large—often 30 to 50 pounds—but the window is short and the fish are focused on reaching fresh water, not feeding aggressively. You'll catch them, but you're competing with their instinct to move on. Coho salmon follow in July and August and are more willing to strike, especially near the mouths of small creeks that feed into the strait.

Halibut is the more reliable target. They hold on the deeper edges of the strait year-round during the open season, and summer brings the best conditions to fish for them. Expect fish from 20 to 80 pounds, with occasional larger ones. Rockfish—mostly black and yellow—are abundant and willing, making them a good option if salmon aren't cooperating or if you want consistent action.

Pink salmon run through in odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.) in August and September, and they can be plentiful when the cycle is right. They're smaller than other salmon—3 to 5 pounds—but they fight hard and are good eating.

Tides, Weather, and When to Fish

Neva Strait is a tidal passage, which means water moves through it constantly. Fish feed most actively during slack water—the brief window when the tide changes direction—and during the first hour of incoming tide. Outgoing tide often slows the bite. Plan your fishing around tide tables; a good skipper will time your arrival to hit the slack or the start of the incoming tide.

Weather in Southeast Alaska changes fast. The strait is exposed to storms rolling in from the Gulf of Alaska, and conditions can go from fishable to dangerous in an hour. June and July are generally more stable than August and September, though summer storms can happen anytime. If you're hiring a water taxi or charter, confirm they have a weather window before you commit to a trip. If conditions close the strait, you may lose a day or have to fish elsewhere.

Fog is common and can reduce visibility to a few hundred yards, but it doesn't usually stop fishing—it just makes navigation slower. Bring rain gear and dress for water temperature, which stays in the 45 to 50-degree range even in summer.

Tackle and Techniques for Neva Strait

For halibut, use a heavy jigging rod (6 to 7 feet, rated for 20 to 30-pound line) with a conventional reel. Drop a 2- to 4-ounce jig tipped with squid or herring to the bottom, then work it with short, sharp lifts. Halibut respond to movement, and you'll feel the take as a solid thump. Bring multiple jigs because you'll snag bottom in the deeper sections.

For salmon, a medium spinning rod (7 to 8 feet) with 12- to 15-pound line works well. Use small spoons (1 to 1.5 ounces) in silver or chartreuse, or small plugs. Cast near current breaks and structure—points where the water changes speed or depth. Salmon in a tidal passage are moving, so cover water rather than staying in one spot.

Rockfish take almost anything: small jigs, spoons, or soft plastics. They're not picky, and you can fish them on lighter tackle than halibut, which makes them a good option if you want to enjoy the fight.

Getting There and Logistics

Hoonah is the jumping-off point. The town has a small airport (served by floatplane from Juneau) and a ferry terminal. From Hoonah, you can hire a water taxi to Neva Strait—the ride is roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on conditions and which part of the strait you're targeting. Water taxi operators in Hoonah know the fishing and can drop you at productive spots or take you on a guided trip.

If you have your own boat, Hoonah has fuel and basic supplies. The strait itself has no shelter or services, so bring everything you need: food, water, extra fuel, first aid, and communication (a VHF radio or satellite messenger). Cell service is unreliable.

Lodging is in Hoonah. Several small hotels and bed-and-breakfasts serve anglers. Book ahead, especially in July and August. Some lodges offer package deals that include water taxi and guide services.

Regulations and Permits

You need an Alaska fishing license to fish saltwater in Neva Strait. Non-residents can buy a 3-day, 7-day, or annual license through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or at sporting goods stores in Hoonah. Saltwater licenses are separate from freshwater licenses, so confirm which one you need.

Halibut has a daily bag limit (currently two fish per person per day, but check current regulations before you go). Salmon limits vary by species and season. Rockfish have a daily limit as well. Regulations change year to year, so visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or ask your water taxi operator to confirm current rules before you fish.

No special permits are required for Neva Strait itself. It's open water in a national forest, and there are no private lands or restricted areas you need to worry about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Neva Strait without a guide?

Yes, if you have a boat and know how to navigate tidal water. Many anglers hire a water taxi to drop them at a spot and pick them up later, then fish on their own. If you're unfamiliar with the area, a guide or experienced skipper is worth the cost—they know where fish hold and can time your fishing to the tide.

What's the best month to fish Neva Strait?

July and August offer the most stable weather and the best combination of salmon and halibut. June can be good for chinook, but weather is less predictable. September is still productive but storms become more frequent.

How deep is Neva Strait, and where do I fish?

The strait ranges from 60 to 200 feet deep depending on where you are. Halibut hold on the deeper edges and in channels. Salmon are more likely near the surface or in shallower areas near current breaks. Your skipper or guide will know the specific spots.

What if I get seasick on the way out?

The ride from Hoonah can be rough if weather is building. Take seasickness medication before you leave. The water in the strait itself is often calmer than the open water you cross to get there, so you may feel better once you start fishing.

Do I need to bring my own tackle, or can I rent it?

Bring your own tackle if you can. Hoonah has a small sporting goods store, but selection is limited. Some water taxi operators and guides have extra rods available, but don't count on it. Bring backup tackle and extra line.