St. James Bay State Marine Park

St. James Bay State Marine Park is the largest state marine park in Alaska, USA. This park is used for recreational activities and is a stopping point for boaters en route to Juneau from Haines. It is located on the west side of the Lynn canal and is an ecosystem that is thriving with fish and game.

Resident wildlife

Wildlife present in the St. James Bay State Marine Park include some varieties of black and brown bear and mountain goats. It is also identified as the best waterfowl habitat and hunting area in the state, by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Fishing in marine waters

King salmon, Dolly Varden trout, rockfish and shellfish are popular in these waters, and fishing for these happens all year. There is a ban on fishing for halibut in January. From May to October, however, due to warmer conditions and calmer waters, fishing is at an all-time high.

Hunting in St. James Bay State Marine Park

Brown and black bears, which are concentrated in the coastal marshes due to the abundance of newly-emergent sedges and grasses, are popular game during the hunting season which stretches from mid-March to the end of May. Most of these bear hunts are by guided hunters.

St. James Bay State Marine Park is truly a wildlife haven and a heaven for hunters as well as fishermen. With its variety of fish and game, and the calm and serene waters, it is a place worth visiting by everyone.