What Manby Shore offers and how to reach it

Manby Shore is a rocky, exposed coastline on the Gulf of Alaska side of the Yakutat forelands, roughly 20 miles southeast of Yakutat town. The water here is cold, the tidal range is extreme, and the fishing is primarily saltwater — halibut, rockfish, and seasonal runs of salmon. Access is by boat only; there is no road, no dock, and no developed facilities. Most anglers reach Manby by chartering a skiff from Yakutat or by kayaking if they have serious paddling experience and local knowledge of the tidal currents.

The shore itself is boulder and gravel, with kelp beds offshore and deep water close to land. Low tide exposes more rock and creates strong current flows as water drains back out. High tide brings the water up against the bank and can make landing difficult. The weather is unpredictable — Southeast Alaska coastal weather can shift in an hour, and the Gulf of Alaska is not forgiving. Anglers who fish Manby need to respect the tides, watch the forecast, and have a solid exit plan before conditions deteriorate.

Key Takeaways

  • Manby Shore is accessible only by boat and has no developed landing, so you must arrange charter transportation or paddle access in advance.
  • Halibut and rockfish are present year-round, but salmon runs (primarily pink and chum) occur in summer and early fall, making July through September the most productive months.
  • Extreme tides and exposed water mean you must plan your fishing window around tide tables and monitor weather forecasts before and during your trip.
  • Yakutat-based charter operators know the local conditions, tidal patterns, and current regulations better than guides from outside the area.

Halibut and rockfish in cold Gulf water

Halibut at Manby are typically smaller than those in deeper offshore grounds, but they are consistent and willing. Fish in the 20- to 40-pound range are common; larger fish are possible but not the norm. The rocky bottom and kelp beds hold plenty of cover, so halibut congregate in the deeper pockets and along the edges where the bottom drops off. Jigging with heavy spoons or live herring works well, as does drifting with bait when the tide allows a controlled drift.

Rockfish — mostly black and yellow rockfish — are abundant and aggressive. They hit readily on small jigs, spoons, and live bait. Because rockfish are bottom-dwellers and the bottom here is complex, you will lose tackle. Bring extra jigs and accept that some will stay on the rocks. The fishing is fast once you locate a productive spot, and rockfish provide good action when halibut are slow.

Salmon runs and seasonal timing

Pink salmon arrive in July and run through August, with peak numbers usually in mid-to-late July. Chum salmon follow in August and September. Both species move through the nearshore zone on their way to river systems, and Manby's exposed location means you are fishing the migration corridor. Casting spoons and small spinners from the rocks or jigging in the deeper water can produce strikes, though salmon fishing here is less predictable than halibut or rockfish.

Coho salmon are less common at Manby but do appear in late August and September. The window for salmon is shorter and more weather-dependent than for bottom fish, so if you are planning a trip specifically for salmon, confirm the run timing with a local guide before you book. Early summer (June) and late fall (October onward) are slower for salmon but still productive for halibut and rockfish if weather permits access.

Tides, currents, and safety planning

Yakutat Bay and the surrounding coast experience tidal ranges of 20 feet or more. At Manby Shore, this means the fishing zone changes dramatically between low and high tide. Low tide exposes more rock and creates strong outflow currents as water drains seaward; high tide brings calmer water but reduces the area you can fish from the rocks. Most anglers plan their fishing window around the slack tide period — the hour or two when the tide is turning and current is minimal.

The Gulf of Alaska is exposed to open-ocean swell and weather systems that can develop quickly. Fog, wind, and rain are common. Before you leave Yakutat, check the marine forecast and the tide tables for the specific date. Communicate your plan to your charter operator or a local contact, and establish a turnaround time — a point in the day when you will head back regardless of how the fishing is going. Hypothermia is a real risk if you end up in the water; wear a life jacket and dress in layers even if the air temperature seems mild.

Tackle and technique for exposed water

Bring heavier tackle than you might use in a protected bay. The water is deeper, the current is stronger, and the bottom is rough. For halibut and rockfish, a 6- to 7-foot medium-heavy rod with a conventional or spinning reel rated for 20- to 30-pound line is standard. Jigging spoons in the 2- to 4-ounce range work well; so do heavy shrimp flies on a sinking line if you prefer fly gear. Live herring or squid for bait fishing will outproduce dead bait in this current.

For salmon, lighter tackle (medium rod, 12- to 17-pound line) is more effective, and spoons in the 1- to 2-ounce range or small spinners will draw strikes. Bring extra tackle — the rocky bottom claims hooks and jigs regularly. Polarized sunglasses help you read the water and spot fish in the shallows, though the exposed nature of Manby means you will spend much of your time fishing deeper water where you cannot see the bottom.

Charter operators and local knowledge

Yakutat has several charter operators who fish Manby regularly. A local guide knows the exact spots where halibut and rockfish concentrate, understands the tidal patterns and how they change through the season, and can read the weather and make the call to fish or head back. Booking through a Yakutat-based operator is more reliable than trying to hire a guide from outside the area or attempting to navigate to Manby on your own without local experience.

Charter costs vary, but expect to pay for a full-day trip (typically 8 hours on the water) in the range that reflects Southeast Alaska coastal fishing — ask directly when you contact operators. Some charters include tackle and bait; others do not. Confirm what is included before you book, and ask the operator what tackle they recommend bringing and what they provide. Early-season trips (June) and late-season trips (September onward) may have lower demand and more flexible scheduling than peak summer.

Regulations and catch limits

Alaska Department of Fish and Game sets the regulations for Manby Shore, which falls under the Yakutat management area. Halibut has a daily bag limit (check current regulations with ADF&G before your trip, as limits can change year to year). Rockfish also have a daily limit. Salmon limits depend on the species and the current run status — pink and chum salmon typically have generous limits, but coho may be more restricted.

Fishing licenses are required for all anglers 16 and older. A non-resident saltwater license covers ocean fishing in Alaska. You can purchase a license online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or through most charter operators. Ask your guide to confirm current bag limits and any special restrictions that may apply during your trip dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Manby Shore without hiring a charter?

You can if you have your own boat and are experienced with open-water navigation and Alaska coastal conditions. If you are paddling a kayak, you need solid paddling skills, knowledge of tidal currents, and a reliable weather window. Most visiting anglers hire a charter because the logistics and safety considerations are significant.

What is the best time of year to fish Manby?

July through September offers the most consistent fishing and the best weather windows. July is peak for pink salmon and halibut. August adds chum salmon. September is still productive but weather becomes less predictable. June and October are quieter but possible if you are flexible on species and conditions.

Do I need to bring my own tackle or does the charter provide it?

This varies by operator. Some provide rods, reels, and basic tackle; others expect you to bring your own or rent from them. Ask when you book. Bringing your own tackle you are familiar with is often better, but confirm what the charter recommends for the specific conditions at Manby.

How rough is the water at Manby Shore?

Manby is exposed to the Gulf of Alaska, so it is rougher than protected bays. Swell, wind, and current are normal. On calm days the water can be manageable; on rough days it is unsafe. Your charter operator will make the call based on conditions. Expect to be wet and cold even on good days.

What should I wear for a day of fishing at Manby?

Wear a life jacket, waterproof rain gear, and layers underneath — fleece or wool, not cotton. Bring a warm hat and gloves even in summer; the wind and spray cool you quickly. Waterproof boots are essential. The water temperature is in the 40s year-round, so dress as if you might end up in it.