Location

• Petersburg, Alaska is in the southeastern part of the state and on the northern edge of Mitkoff Island, in an area known as Frederick Sound. It is approximately halfway between Juneau and Ketchikan. Petersburg is only accessible by plane from Juneau or Anchorage or via the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Service.
  
  

History

• The town was settled by a Norwegian named Peter Buschman in 1890. Buschman first noticed its proximity to LeConte Glacier and thought ice from the glacier would be ideal for packing fish. He later built a cannery, a sawmill and docks for commercial fishing vessels. A shrimp processor opened a business in Petersburg in 1916. The original cannery remains in operation today.
  
  

Significance

• Commercial fishing is the largest industry in Petersburg, according to the city's Chamber of Commerce. Approximately 3,100 people live and work in Petersburg year round and the overwhelming majority work in the fishing industry. During the summer, the cannery hires seasonal workers. Commercial fishing boats in Petersburg also hire seasonal deckhands and fishermen.
  
  

Docks

• The largest docks in Petersburg are in South Harbor. They are used by the commercial fishing vessels in the area. The docks of North Harbor, which are between two fishing canneries, are easily accessible from downtown. Middle Harbor has a much smaller dock, which is used by smaller fishing vessels in the area.
  
  

Species

• Petersburg is well-known for its king salmon, coho salmon and chinook salmon. Other fish that are caught in the area are trout, cod, halibut and rockfish. Fishermen also bring in a lot of shrimp, shellfish, crab and scallops.
  
  

Seasons

• Commercial fishing seasons vary. In and around Petersburg, chinook salmon can be fished year round, except for a short period in late September through early October. Golden king crab can be taken from mid-February through mid-June. Red urchins and geoducks can be gathered by diving all year long. Cod can also be fished year-round.
  
  

Fishing Charters

• Dozens of fishing vessels in Petersburg are available for private charter. Visitors can fish for halibut or salmon and trips range from a few hours to five days. Many of the charters provide fishing equipment. On a charter, tourists can get a glimpse of the local glaciers and observe humpback and orca whales in their natural habitat.