Herring Cove is a remote saltwater destination in Southeast Alaska with strong seasonal runs and limited road access

Herring Cove sits on the west side of Chichagof Island in Southeast Alaska, roughly 60 miles west of Juneau. The cove itself is a small, protected inlet where Pacific herring spawn in spring and where halibut, rockfish, and lingcod hold year-round in deeper water. Access is by floatplane or boat only — there is no road, no lodge, and no services on-site. Most anglers reach it as part of a guided trip or by chartering a boat from Juneau or Sitka.

The draw here is solitude and the chance to fish waters that see far fewer anglers than the popular streams and bays closer to towns. Spring herring season (March through May) brings the most activity, but the cove produces fish in summer and fall as well. Winter weather makes access difficult and dangerous, so the practical season runs April through October.

Key Takeaways

  • Herring Cove has no road access or facilities; floatplane or charter boat from Juneau or Sitka is the only way in.
  • Spring herring runs (March–May) are the main draw, but halibut and rockfish are present year-round in the deeper parts of the cove.
  • You will need a valid Alaska fishing license and must follow Southeast Alaska saltwater regulations, which vary by species and season.
  • Charter costs and floatplane rates vary widely; expect to budget for transportation as the largest expense of any trip.
  • Weather in Southeast Alaska changes rapidly; bring rain gear, warm layers, and be prepared for trips to be delayed or cancelled.

What Fish Are in Herring Cove and When They Peak

Pacific herring are the signature species here. They spawn in the cove during spring, typically from late March through May, and the herring runs attract both commercial and recreational anglers. Herring are small (8 to 12 inches) but abundant during the spawn, and they are good bait for larger fish as well as targets in their own right on light tackle.

Halibut are present year-round in the deeper channels and outer edges of the cove. Summer (June through August) is the most reliable time to find them, though spring and fall can be productive. Rockfish — including black, yellow-eye, and quillback — live in rocky areas and kelp beds throughout the cove. Lingcod move in during spring and stay through fall. Salmon (primarily pink and chum) pass through in summer and fall on their way to spawning streams, but they are not the main target here the way they are in other Southeast Alaska locations.

Regulations and Licensing Requirements

You must have a valid Alaska fishing license to fish Herring Cove. Non-resident licenses are available for 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, or the full year; costs vary but a 7-day license is typically the choice for visiting anglers. You can purchase licenses online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or in person in Juneau or Sitka before you depart.

Saltwater regulations in Southeast Alaska are specific to species and season. Herring have a spring spawn season with specific dates and bag limits that change year to year — check the current regulations before you go. Halibut has a daily bag limit (typically one per day) and a minimum size (currently 32 inches). Rockfish and lingcod also have bag and size limits. Regulations can shift, so verify current rules with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game or your charter operator before the trip.

Getting to Herring Cove: Floatplane and Charter Options

Floatplane is the fastest route. Several operators based in Juneau offer floatplane charters to remote Southeast Alaska locations, including Herring Cove. A typical floatplane trip from Juneau to Herring Cove takes 45 minutes to an hour each way. Costs vary by operator and fuel prices but generally run several hundred dollars per trip for a group. Some operators offer day trips; others can arrange drop-off and pick-up for multi-day stays if you have a cabin or camp set up.

Charter boat is the alternative. Fishing charters and water taxis based in Juneau or Sitka can reach Herring Cove by boat, though the trip takes longer (3 to 5 hours depending on sea state and starting point) and depends on weather. A charter boat allows you to fish on the way and return with a full load, but costs are comparable to floatplane and the journey is less predictable. Water taxi services are cheaper than fishing charters but do not include a guide or fishing expertise.

Before booking, confirm that your operator has current knowledge of access conditions and any seasonal closures. Some areas of Southeast Alaska have temporary restrictions, and conditions change. A reputable operator will tell you upfront if conditions are unsafe or if the cove is inaccessible on your planned dates.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Saltwater gear rated for halibut and rockfish is standard. A medium-action rod (6 to 7 feet) with a reel that holds at least 200 yards of 20- to 30-pound braid works for most species here. Herring can be caught on ultralight gear, but you will want something heavier for halibut. Bring multiple rods if you can, since you may want to switch between herring jigs and heavier bottom rigs without re-rigging.

Tackle should include small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) for herring, larger jigs and spoons (1 to 4 ounces) for halibut and rockfish, and a selection of hooks and weights for live herring bait. Bring more tackle than you think you will need — snags and lost gear are common in rocky coves, and you cannot run to a tackle shop from Herring Cove.

Weather in Southeast Alaska is unpredictable. Rain is frequent, and temperatures range from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit even in summer. Pack waterproof rain gear, warm layers (fleece or wool, not cotton), a warm hat, and gloves. Bring sunscreen and bug spray — no-see-ums and mosquitoes can be fierce in calm weather. A headlamp or small flashlight is useful if you are staying overnight or fishing early and late in the day.

Camping and Overnight Stays at Herring Cove

There are no lodges, cabins, or commercial facilities at Herring Cove itself. If you want to stay overnight, you will need to arrange camping or bring your own shelter. Some anglers camp on the beach (check tide tables and weather forecasts carefully), while others hire a charter boat to anchor in the cove and sleep aboard. A few private cabins exist on nearby islands and inlets; your charter operator or floatplane service can point you toward options if they exist and are available.

Camping on the beach requires a tent, sleeping bag rated for cool, damp conditions, and a stove (no fires allowed in most of Southeast Alaska). Bring fresh water or a way to filter it. Bear canisters or bear-proof food storage are essential — this is active bear country, and improper food storage can be dangerous and is illegal. If you are unfamiliar with backcountry camping in Alaska, hiring a guide or booking a charter that includes lodging is a safer choice.

Best Times to Fish Herring Cove

Spring (late March through May) is peak season for herring and the most popular time to visit. Herring runs are predictable, the days are getting longer, and the weather, while still cool and wet, is more stable than winter. Early spring (late March and April) can be excellent but also unpredictable — some years the run is strong early, other years it peaks in May.

Summer (June through August) offers longer daylight, warmer temperatures, and reliable halibut and rockfish fishing. Herring are gone, but other species are active. Summer is also the busiest season, so expect more boat traffic if you are seeking solitude.

Fall (September and October) brings salmon and can be productive for halibut and rockfish. Weather deteriorates as October progresses, and by November, access becomes difficult. Winter (November through February) is not practical for most anglers — weather is severe, daylight is minimal, and charter and floatplane services are limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish Herring Cove?

No, but a guide is helpful if you are unfamiliar with the area or saltwater fishing. Most floatplane and charter services can connect you with a guide, or you can hire one independently. A guide knows where fish are holding, what tackle works best, and how to read the tides and weather — all valuable in a remote location where you cannot easily move to a different spot if conditions are poor.

What is the best tide for fishing Herring Cove?

Slack water (the period between tides when current is minimal) is usually best for bottom fishing halibut and rockfish, because your jig stays in the strike zone longer. Herring fishing is less tide-dependent. Incoming and outgoing tides can be productive too, especially if you are drifting. Your charter operator will know the local tide tables and can plan the day around them.

Can I fly-fish at Herring Cove?

Herring Cove is primarily a saltwater location with deep channels and rocky bottom — not ideal for fly-fishing. Herring can be taken on small flies during the spawn if you find shallow water, but most anglers use conventional tackle. If fly-fishing is your main interest, ask your guide or charter operator about nearby streams or shallower bays where it might be more productive.

What happens if weather cancels my trip?

Most charter and floatplane operators will reschedule or refund if weather makes travel unsafe. Confirm the cancellation policy before you book. Southeast Alaska weather can change rapidly, so build extra days into your schedule if possible. If you are on a tight timeline, you risk losing your deposit or trip cost if conditions are unsafe.

Are there bears at Herring Cove?

Yes. Black bears and brown bears are present in Southeast Alaska. If you are camping, store all food in bear canisters or hang it properly. Make noise while moving around camp. Do not approach bears or leave fish scraps on the beach. Your charter operator or guide will brief you on bear safety before the trip. Most encounters are avoidable with common sense and proper food storage.