This tranquil fishing village was once part of the expansive Czarist Russian Empire. Gaze over Crescent Bay and catch a glimpse of the onion-domed Russian cathedral from high atop Castle Hill. Visit the Sitka National Historical Park, the very spot where native Tlingits and Russian settlers fought to the bitter end. Ironically, the strife of the past has led to the creation of an eclectic community that reflects its Tlingit, Russian and American roots.

Click Here for Sitka Live Cam

Sitka History In 1799, the Russian explorer Alexander Baranof founded New Archangel, a settlement adjacent to the Tlingit village of Sitka, This was the beginning of the first permanent Russian government settlement in North America. But three years later the settlement was destroyed by the Tlingit Indians in an attempt to reclaim their ancestral home. Their brief victory ended when Baranof returned in 1804, accompanied by Russian warships, and retook Sitka in the Battle of Alaska. Sitka became the Russian capital of North America. In 1867, the Imperial Russian flag was replaced by the Stars and Stripes when the United States purchased Alaska. With the discovery of gold, and the rapid population growth that followed, Alaska's capital moved north to Juneau in 1906. Today, picturesque Sitka, across the water from snow-capped Mount Edgecombe, is known for its fishing industry, an annual summer classical music festival and, of course, its many historic visitor attractions. On a clear day Sitka, the only city in Southeast Alaska that actually fronts the Pacific Ocean, rivals Juneau for the sheer beauty of its surroundings.   King Salmon Fishing, Sitka Alaska King salmon feed year round in the abundant waters of Sitka Sound but the action is greatest from May through October. Sitka is homeport to Alaska's best saltwater salmon fishing. Fish average 25-35 lbs., and can reach 70 lbs. or more. The record for this area is 90.1 lbs. from Kelp Bay. Trolling, mooching and jigging are the methods used to hook these magnificent game fish. It's not uncommon to hook up two at a time. Four or five on at once can happen and it's unbelievable excitement. Come experience this yourself our great King Salmon fishing!   Halibut Fishing, Sitka Alaska Southeast Alaska is the source for some of the world's finest halibut fishing. Averaging 25 to 50 lbs., they can reach up to 400 lbs.! Halibut over exciting fishing action - it's quite a thrill to feel a big halibut try to pull the rod out of your hands! We use first class rods and reels for these big brutes but catch them on salmon tackle also. The halibut frequent the same areas as the salmon and its common to catch a limit of both on the same day! Ling cod are an added bonus, and they're among the finest eating fish found anywhere!