What Starrigavan Bay Offers and Why It Matters

Starrigavan Bay is a protected saltwater fishery just north of Sitka that holds pink and chum salmon in summer and fall, plus halibut year-round in deeper channels. The bay sits at the mouth of Starrigavan Creek, where fresh water meets the tide, and that meeting point concentrates fish predictably. The real advantage is shelter — the bay's narrow entrance and surrounding mountains block the wind and swell that make open water fishing miserable in Southeast Alaska. On days when the Gulf of Alaska is too rough for boats, Starrigavan often stays calm enough to fish.

Access is straightforward. The bay lies about 7 miles north of downtown Sitka by road or water. A gravel parking area sits at the mouth of Starrigavan Creek, and a short trail leads to the beach. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game stocks the creek with hatchery fish, so both stream and bay fishing draw anglers year-round. Tides matter here more than in most places — the bay drains and fills dramatically, and timing your arrival around slack water or incoming tide makes the difference between productive fishing and wasted hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Starrigavan Bay holds pink salmon (July through September), chum salmon (August through October), and halibut in the deeper channels and outside the creek mouth.
  • The bay's protected waters stay fishable when the open Gulf is too rough, making it a reliable backup when weather shuts down other options.
  • Incoming tide and slack water concentrate fish near the creek mouth, so check tide tables before you go and plan to fish the productive windows.
  • Halibut fishing works year-round in the deeper water outside the bay proper, but summer and early fall bring the most consistent action.
  • The parking area and creek access are free, but you need a valid Alaska fishing license and must follow current bag limits and gear restrictions.

Salmon Runs and Seasonal Timing

Pink salmon arrive in Starrigavan Bay starting in mid-July and peak through August. These fish are smaller than other Pacific salmon — usually 3 to 5 pounds — but they fight hard and are excellent table fare. Pinks in the bay tend to be fresh from the ocean, so they are aggressive and take flies, spinners, and small spoons readily. The creek mouth is the most productive zone because the pinks stage there before entering fresh water.

Chum salmon follow the pinks, arriving in August and holding strong through October. Chums run larger — 8 to 15 pounds — and are less aggressive than pinks, but they will take small spinners and spoons if you work the edges of the current. The bay's deeper channels, particularly on the eastern side where the creek current pushes out, concentrate chums during the incoming tide. Early morning and late afternoon produce better than midday.

Both runs depend on water temperature and flow. A heavy rain can push more fish into the bay in a single day than you see in a week of dry weather. Conversely, low water in late summer can slow the runs noticeably. Check with local tackle shops in Sitka — they track the runs daily and can tell you whether the bay is producing or whether you should try the creek itself or other nearby systems.

Halibut Fishing in Deeper Water

Halibut live year-round in Starrigavan Bay, but the productive zone is outside the bay proper, in the channels and deeper water where the bottom drops to 60 to 150 feet. Summer and early fall offer the most consistent fishing because the weather is more stable and the halibut are feeding actively before winter. Jigging with 8- to 16-ounce bucktail jigs or live herring works well, and you can also drift with live bait or dead herring.

The key to halibut success here is finding the right depth and structure. The bottom is mixed sand, gravel, and rock, and halibut hold on the harder patches. A good fish finder helps, but if you do not have one, focus on the transitions where the bay floor drops off sharply. Fish the incoming tide when the current is moderate — too much current makes bottom contact difficult, and slack water can be slow.

Halibut in this area run 20 to 60 pounds on average, with occasional fish over 100 pounds. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game sets a daily bag limit and a possession limit; check the current regulations before you fish because they change year to year. Halibut are strong and require heavy tackle — 20- to 30-pound line minimum, and a sturdy rod rated for jigging.

Tides, Weather, and When to Fish

Starrigavan Bay is tidal water, and the tide swing is dramatic — up to 20 feet between low and high water. Fish concentrate near the creek mouth during the incoming tide because fresh water and baitfish are flowing out, and the salmon and halibut position themselves to intercept them. Slack water — the brief window between incoming and outgoing tide — is also productive because fish move more freely across the bay floor.

Outgoing tide can be slow, especially in late summer when the creek flow is low. If you arrive at low tide, you may find the bay so shallow near the creek mouth that wading is the only option. Plan your trip around the tide table: arrive 30 minutes before slack water or the start of the incoming tide, and fish for 2 to 3 hours as the water rises. The Alaska Tide Tables, available free online from NOAA, show exact times for Sitka; Starrigavan is close enough that those times apply directly.

Weather in Southeast Alaska changes fast. The bay is protected, but wind from the north or northeast can still make conditions rough. Summer offers the most stable weather, but even then, afternoon winds are common. Early morning — first light through mid-morning — is usually the calmest and most productive window. Bring rain gear regardless of the forecast; Southeast rain is reliable.

Access, Parking, and What to Bring

The Starrigavan Bay parking area is located on the Sitka-Halibut Point Road, about 7 miles north of downtown Sitka. The lot is gravel, free, and usually has space even on busy weekends. A short trail from the parking area leads to the beach and the creek mouth. The trail is easy and takes less than 10 minutes. No facilities are at the site — no restrooms, no water, no shelter — so bring everything you need.

For stream fishing in Starrigavan Creek itself, you can wade from the beach or walk up the creek bed. The creek is shallow and wadeable most of the year, but water temperature is cold year-round — wear waders or be prepared for shock. For bay fishing, you can fish from shore with a long cast, or bring a small boat. If you use a boat, be aware that the bay entrance is narrow and can have a standing wave during strong tidal flow; enter and exit at slack water or during light current.

Bring a valid Alaska fishing license, a tide table or phone app showing Sitka tides, rain gear, and a headlamp if you plan to fish early or late. Bring more water and food than you think you need — the walk back to the car is short, but the fishing can be absorbing and time disappears. If you are targeting halibut, bring heavy tackle, a gaff or net, and a cooler with ice; halibut are large and need to be handled carefully.

Regulations and Bag Limits

Alaska's fishing regulations change annually, and Starrigavan Bay falls under Sitka-area rules. Pink salmon typically have a daily bag limit of 6 fish, and chum salmon usually allow 4 fish per day. Halibut limits vary by year and by whether you are fishing from shore or a boat; check the current Alaska Department of Fish and Game Sport Fish Regulations before you go. These limits are set to maintain healthy populations, and they are enforced — violating them can result in fines and loss of fishing privileges.

You must have a valid Alaska fishing license. Non-residents can purchase a 14-day license or an annual license online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website, or at tackle shops in Sitka. The license is inexpensive and required for anyone over 16 fishing in Alaska. Catch-and-release does not require a license, but if you keep any fish, you need one.

Nearby Alternatives When Starrigavan Is Crowded or Slow

If Starrigavan Bay is crowded or the fishing is slow, several other options are within a short drive or boat ride. Starrigavan Creek itself, upstream from the bay, holds hatchery fish and can be more productive than the bay during certain tides. The creek is smaller and more intimate, and it is a good choice if you prefer stream fishing to saltwater. Nakwasina Sound, just south of Sitka, offers similar salmon and halibut fishing in a larger, more open setting — it is rougher water but often less crowded.

For halibut specifically, the waters off Kruzof Island and around Salisbury Sound hold larger fish and deeper structure. These locations require a boat and are exposed to open-water conditions, so they are best on calm days. Local charter operators in Sitka can take you to these spots if you do not have your own boat. The trade-off is cost and time, but the fishing can be excellent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Starrigavan Bay from shore, or do I need a boat?

You can fish from shore for salmon near the creek mouth and for halibut if you cast far enough into the deeper water. A boat gives you access to the deeper channels and more productive halibut ground, but shore fishing is productive during the incoming tide when fish move close to the beach. Most anglers who fish the bay regularly use small boats, but many catch fish from the beach.

What is the best time of day to fish Starrigavan Bay?

Early morning through mid-morning is usually calmest and most productive. Fish the incoming tide or slack water for the best results. Afternoon winds are common in summer, and the bay can get rough. Evening fishing can work, but you lose light quickly in the narrow bay, and the walk back to the car in darkness is not ideal.

Do I need a guide to fish Starrigavan Bay?

No, the bay is straightforward to fish on your own if you understand tides and have basic saltwater fishing experience. A guide is helpful if you want to learn the halibut spots or if you are new to Southeast Alaska fishing, but many anglers fish the bay successfully without one. Local tackle shops in Sitka can point you to productive areas and current conditions.

What happens if I fish during the wrong tide?

Fishing during outgoing tide or slack water is slower but not impossible. You will catch fewer fish and may spend more time waiting. The incoming tide concentrates fish and makes them more aggressive, so timing your trip around the incoming tide maximizes your chances. If you arrive at the wrong time, you can still fish, but expect a slower day.

Is Starrigavan Bay safe for small boats?

The bay itself is protected and safe for small boats in calm weather. The entrance can have a standing wave during strong tidal flow, so enter and exit at slack water or during light current. In rough weather, stay out — the bay is exposed to wind from the north and northeast, and conditions can deteriorate quickly. Check the weather forecast and local conditions before launching.