What You'll Find at Goddard Hot Springs

Goddard Hot Springs sits on Baranof Island about 15 miles south of Sitka, accessible only by boat or floatplane. The area draws anglers for its combination of thermal springs, saltwater access, and nearby streams that hold cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden. The springs themselves warm a small lagoon where you can soak between fishing sessions — a rare luxury in Southeast Alaska's backcountry.

The main draw for fishing is the creek system that feeds into the lagoon and the saltwater flats immediately outside it. Tidal movement through the narrow inlet creates predictable feeding windows, and the warmer water from the springs influences where fish hold. This is not a destination for high catch numbers; it's a place where the setting and the fishing combine into something worth the effort to get there.

Key Takeaways

  • Goddard Hot Springs is reachable only by charter boat or floatplane from Sitka, and you'll need to arrange your own transportation.
  • The creek holds cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden year-round, with the strongest fishing in summer and early fall when water levels are lower.
  • Saltwater fishing in the lagoon and nearby flats targets Southeast Alaska species including halibut, rockfish, and lingcod depending on the season.
  • A cabin is available for rent through the U.S. Forest Service, though it books months in advance and requires you to bring all your own food and gear.
  • Tides control fishing windows here more than anywhere else nearby — slack water and the first two hours of incoming tide are typically most productive.

Getting There and Staying

You have two ways in: charter a boat from Sitka or fly by floatplane. Charter boats take longer but cost less if you have a group; floatplanes get you there in 20 minutes but run higher per-person. Either way, arrange this before you arrive in Sitka — the operators who know Goddard are booked weeks ahead during summer.

The U.S. Forest Service maintains a cabin at Goddard that sleeps four and rents for a nightly fee that varies by season. You book it through Recreation.gov, and availability fills quickly from June through September. The cabin has a wood stove, bunks, and a covered porch, but no running water or electricity. You bring all food, fuel, and fishing gear. Winter stays are cheaper and less crowded, but weather can trap you longer than planned.

If the cabin is booked, you can camp on the beach nearby or arrange a drop-off and pick-up with your charter operator. Bring a tent rated for Southeast Alaska rain and wind, and camp above the tide line.

Freshwater Fishing in the Creek

The creek system holds cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden that respond to small flies and spinners. Summer and early fall offer the best conditions — water levels drop enough to make wading easier, and fish are active in the cooler months. Spring runoff makes the creek high and silty, and winter access depends on weather and your willingness to deal with short daylight.

Fish the pools and runs closest to the lagoon first, especially during the first two hours after slack water when tidal influence pushes fresh saltwater into the creek. Cutthroats in this system run 8 to 14 inches; Dolly Varden are similar size but more aggressive on flies. The creek is short enough that you can cover most of it in a day, so plan to fish it thoroughly rather than move constantly.

Flies that work include small streamers (size 6 to 8), Adams and Elk Hair Caddis patterns, and nymphs in olive and brown. Bring more flies than you think you'll need — the brush is thick in places, and you will lose gear to trees and rocks.

Saltwater Fishing Around the Lagoon

The lagoon and the flats just outside the inlet hold halibut, rockfish, and lingcod depending on depth and season. Halibut fishing peaks in summer and early fall; rockfish are present year-round but most active in cooler months. The inlet itself creates a natural choke point where fish concentrate during tidal movement.

Fish the flats on incoming tide when water depth increases and baitfish move in. Slack water and the first hour of outgoing tide are slower. Halibut respond to live herring or squid on the bottom; rockfish take small jigs and shrimp flies. Lingcod are less common but show up around rocky structure in deeper water.

Bring a small boat or kayak if you want to fish beyond the immediate lagoon. The water is cold and the weather can change fast, so wear a life jacket and stay within sight of shore. If you're fishing from the beach, focus on the inlet mouth where current concentrates food.

Tides and Seasonal Timing

Tides here swing 15 to 20 feet and control everything. Slack water (the moment between incoming and outgoing) lasts only 20 to 30 minutes, and the first two hours after slack are when fish feed most actively. Plan your fishing around tide tables — you can get these from NOAA or from your charter operator before you arrive.

Summer (June through August) offers the longest daylight and most stable weather, but also the most crowded conditions and higher prices. Fall (September through October) brings lower water levels in the creek, fewer visitors, and active fish preparing for winter. Winter is quiet and cheap, but daylight is short and weather is unpredictable. Spring runoff (April and May) makes freshwater fishing difficult.

What to Bring and What to Know

Pack rain gear, a warm layer, and waterproof boots — Southeast Alaska weather changes fast and stays wet. Bring more food than you think you'll eat; resupply is not an option once you're there. A headlamp is essential in fall and winter when daylight ends by 4 p.m.

Fishing tackle should include both freshwater and saltwater gear. Bring extra flies and lures because the brush and rocks will take them. A small tackle box of basics — hooks, weights, leaders, and line — lets you repair gear or tie on the fly.

Cell service does not exist at Goddard. Tell someone in Sitka where you're going and when you expect to return. If weather delays your pickup, you have shelter and supplies at the cabin, but no way to call for help. Charter operators and the Forest Service know this and plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Goddard Hot Springs in winter?

Yes, but weather is the limiting factor. Daylight is short (roughly 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in December), and storms can trap you at the cabin for days. The cabin is cheaper in winter, and fish are still present. Only go if you're comfortable with isolation and unpredictable conditions.

Do I need a guide to fish Goddard?

No, but a guide familiar with the tides and the creek system makes the first trip easier and more productive. Several Sitka-based guides offer trips to Goddard. If you go on your own, study tide tables before you arrive and fish the inlet mouth and lower creek pools first.

What's the best time to book the cabin?

June through September books out 2 to 3 months ahead. If you're flexible on dates, September and early October offer good fishing with fewer people. Winter and spring are easier to book but come with weather risk and shorter days.

Can I catch salmon at Goddard Hot Springs?

Salmon pass through the area during their runs (pink and chum in summer and fall, coho in fall), but Goddard is not known as a salmon destination. The creek and lagoon are better for cutthroat and Dolly Varden. Saltwater fishing for halibut and rockfish is more reliable.

How much does it cost to fish Goddard?

Costs vary by season and group size. Floatplane charter runs roughly $300 to $500 per person round-trip; boat charter depends on the boat and distance. The cabin costs between $60 and $100 per night depending on season. Budget for food, gear, and transportation to Sitka before you start.