Dog Salmon Fishpass
Description:
Tucked away in the forests of Prince of Wales Island, the Dog Salmon Fishpass offers visitors an excellent opportunity to view a variety of species of spawning salmon throughout the spring and fall. This Alaska steep pass was constructed through a partnership with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Ketchikan Pulp Inc., and the Forest Service. Attracted by the abundant food, bears, eagles and other fish-eaters are often seen at the site. A viewing platform and interpretive signs help visitors understand the fish pass.
Viewing Information:
Visitors can see steelhead trout, coho, chum, sockeye, and pink salmon using the ladder throughout the spring, summer and fall. February through May is the best time to see steelhead in the stream system. Sockeyes run from mid to late June, pinks and chums are in the creeks from August to September and cohos can be seen from August through October.
The area also provides opportunities to see a variety of southeast Alaska wildlife. Black bears are often seen at the fishpass taking advantage of the abundant salmon. Bald eagles also frequent the area to feed on the salmon. Songbirds and Sitka black-tailed deer are also common.
Safety First:
Bear Sense page for more information about how to behave in bear country.
Stay on the trail, road and viewing platform. Do not attempt to get down to the fishpass itself or any other part of the construction.
Please remember to pack out any garbage you may bring in and help keep the area clean.
Directions:
From the ferry terminal in Hollis it is ten miles west on the paved Craig-Klawock-Hollis highway to the unpaved Hydaburg road. Craig is 21 miles west of the Hydaburg road on this same highway. There is a sign here identifying the Hydaburg road turn-off.
Approximately 8.8 miles down this road there will be an unpaved, one lane road on the left, directly after a large gravel turnout. This is the Polk or #21 road.
The fishpass is another 16.7 miles on this road and will be on the right. There is a sign here also. It is a short drive through a clearcut to a large parking area. The fishpass is a short walk from the parking area down an old gravel road.
Ownership & Management:
USDA Forest Service, Tongass National Forest; Craig Ranger District (907) 826-3271
Closest Town:
Craig, Alaska
Best Viewing Season:
Spring-fall