What Hollis Anchorage offers anglers

Hollis Anchorage is a small working harbor on the west side of Prince of Wales Island, about 30 miles south of Craig. It's primarily a ferry terminal and commercial fishing base rather than a dedicated recreation area, but it gives you access to some of Southeast Alaska's most productive saltwater fishing without the crowds of more developed ports. The anchorage itself sits in a protected cove where halibut, rockfish, and lingcod hold year-round, and the surrounding waters connect to deeper channels where salmon move through seasonally.

The practical reality: Hollis is a place you pass through or base yourself near, not a destination with resort infrastructure. There's a state ferry dock, a small store, and a few cabins and lodges within a short boat ride. Most anglers either fish the immediate anchorage waters or use Hollis as a jumping-off point for day trips to nearby reefs, kelp beds, and deeper channels. The fishing is genuine—these are the same waters commercial boats work—but you need to be self-sufficient or book with an outfitter who knows the area.

Key Takeaways

  • Hollis Anchorage holds halibut and rockfish year-round in depths of 60 to 200 feet, with the best action during slack tide when fish feed actively.
  • Summer salmon runs (primarily pink and chum) move through the deeper channels and passes near the anchorage, typically peaking July through September.
  • Access requires a boat or booking with a local charter or lodge; there is no shore fishing infrastructure at the anchorage itself.
  • The Alaska Department of Fish and Game manages all saltwater fishing here under Southeast Alaska regulations, which differ from freshwater rules and change by species and season.

Halibut and bottomfish in the anchorage

The waters immediately around Hollis Anchorage are productive halibut ground. You'll find them in the 60- to 200-foot range, with the heaviest concentration on the rocky bottom and reefs that ring the cove. Jigging with large shrimp flies or casting heavy spoons works well, but most successful anglers here use live herring or squid on the bottom with a simple two-hook rig. Slack tide—the period when tidal current stops before reversing—is when halibut feed most actively, so timing your fishing around the tide tables matters more than the time of day.

Rockfish (mostly black and yellow rockfish) school on the same structure and often bite aggressively on small jigs or shrimp patterns. Lingcod are also present and will take larger baits or swimbaits meant for halibut. The advantage of fishing the anchorage itself is that you don't need a large boat or long run—a 20- to 25-foot skiff is plenty, and you can be on productive water in minutes from the dock. The disadvantage is that these are also the waters local commercial boats work, so you may share the space and deal with gear conflicts.

Salmon runs and seasonal timing

Salmon move through the channels and passes near Hollis on their way to spawning streams throughout Prince of Wales Island. Pink salmon are the most abundant, typically arriving in July and peaking through August. Chum salmon follow a similar timeline, with some overlap. Coho (silver) salmon appear later, usually August through October, and are larger and more aggressive than pinks or chums. A few chinook (king) salmon pass through, but they're not the primary draw here the way they are in other Southeast Alaska ports.

Most salmon fishing near Hollis happens in the deeper channels and passes rather than the anchorage itself—places like Clarence Strait and the waters around nearby islands. This requires a longer boat run and knowledge of where the fish are moving on a given tide. If you're fishing from Hollis, you'll either hire a charter captain who knows these routes or book a lodge that has boats and guides. The ferry schedule also matters: if you're arriving by water, you'll need to time your fishing around ferry arrivals and departures.

Tides, weather, and when to fish

Southeast Alaska's tidal range is extreme—Hollis sees swings of 20 feet or more between high and low tide. This creates strong currents in the channels and passes, which concentrate fish but also make fishing difficult during peak flow. Most anglers fish the slack tide windows, which typically last 20 to 40 minutes depending on the location and the tide cycle. Tide tables for Hollis are available through NOAA and most fishing apps; learning to read them is essential before you fish here.

Weather in Southeast Alaska changes rapidly and can shut down small-boat fishing without warning. Summer is the most stable season, but even then, afternoon wind and rain are common. Winter fishing is possible but requires a hardy boat and operator. The ferry runs year-round, so access isn't seasonal, but most recreational fishing happens May through October when weather is most predictable and salmon are present.

Getting to Hollis and finding a boat

The Alaska Marine Highway System ferry connects Hollis to Craig (about 45 minutes) and to Ketchikan and other Southeast ports. If you're flying in, Ketchikan is the main hub, and you can catch the ferry from there. The ferry schedule is published online and changes seasonally, so check before you book travel. There's no rental car service at Hollis, and the road system on Prince of Wales Island is limited, so most anglers either arrive with a boat or book with an outfitter.

Charter boats and lodges based in Craig, Klawock, and other nearby towns offer day trips and multi-day packages that include Hollis waters. These outfitters have the local knowledge, maintained boats, and tackle to fish effectively. If you bring your own boat, you'll need to arrange moorage or anchoring at Hollis or nearby. The state ferry dock has limited space and is primarily for passenger and vehicle traffic, not recreational mooring.

Regulations and what you need to know

All saltwater fishing in Alaska requires a saltwater fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or at local vendors. Licenses are available for different time periods—daily, annual, or multi-day options. The cost varies, and non-residents pay more than residents. You'll also need to follow specific regulations for each species: halibut has a daily bag limit (typically one per day in Southeast), rockfish have aggregate limits, and salmon limits vary by species and season.

Regulations change annually and can vary by specific area, so check the current Southeast Alaska saltwater fishing regulations before you fish. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game publishes these online and updates them each year. Some areas near Hollis may have additional closures or restrictions due to conservation concerns, so reading the full regulation booklet—not just the summary—is important. If you're fishing with a charter or lodge, they'll handle the licensing and know the current rules, but if you're fishing on your own, it's your responsibility to stay current.

Lodges and services near Hollis

Several small lodges and cabin operations are within a short boat ride of Hollis Anchorage. These range from basic cabins you rent and fish on your own to full-service lodges with guides, meals, and boats included. Some cater specifically to anglers; others are general tourism operations. Prices and availability vary widely, and many book up months in advance during peak season. The Hollis area itself has minimal services—a small store, fuel dock, and the ferry terminal—so plan accordingly if you're staying in town rather than at a lodge.

Craig, about 30 minutes by ferry, has more services including restaurants, grocery stores, and additional lodging options. Many anglers base themselves in Craig and take day trips to Hollis waters or use Hollis as a ferry connection point. The choice depends on your budget, how much time you have, and whether you want guided fishing or prefer to fish independently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Hollis Anchorage?

July through September offers the most consistent fishing with salmon runs, stable weather, and active halibut. May and June can be good for halibut and early salmon, but weather is less predictable. Winter fishing is possible but requires experience and a capable boat.

Do I need a guide to fish here, or can I go on my own?

You can fish on your own if you have a boat and know how to read tides and navigate. Most visiting anglers book with a charter or lodge because local knowledge of where fish are holding makes a significant difference, and outfitters handle logistics and licensing details.

What size boat do I need?

For fishing the anchorage itself, a 20- to 25-foot skiff is adequate. For longer runs to deeper channels and passes, a larger, more seaworthy boat is safer. Charter boats typically range from 28 to 45 feet and are equipped for rough water and longer trips.

Can I fly into Hollis directly?

No commercial flights serve Hollis. Ketchikan is the nearest airport with regular service. From there, you take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry to Hollis, which takes several hours depending on routing. Some visitors charter a floatplane from Ketchikan to reach remote lodges near Hollis.

What's the halibut limit, and how do I know if I'm fishing legally?

Halibut limits in Southeast Alaska are typically one fish per day, but regulations change annually. Check the current Alaska Department of Fish and Game saltwater regulations before you fish. Your charter operator or lodge will know the current rules and ensure you stay within limits.