Prince of Wales Spring Bear 2026

[RB]

As the title says POW Spring Bear 2026. Anyone on this forum going? Have the tag and going solo end of May first part of June and looking for those in Washington that may be going. Just like offshore fishing it is great to have others to talk to during/after the day to compare notes and check in with for safety. I have a tentative place and rig with a lodge and went in September last year to scout some. PM me if you do not want to talk open on the forum. Best of luck for your seasons in 2026!

Bob

RB

[jrebel]

Sounds like a great hunt.  Wish I was going as spring bear is one of my favorite times to hunt.  Can't wait to hear how you do!! 

[hiway_99]

I put in for the last couple years but haven't been luck enough to draw.  Definitely following along to learn and hear about your adventure.  Good luck and shoot a masher

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[Heiny]

Will be up there first part of May. Staying on the north end of POW, but hunting Kupreanof. Did the same last year on Kuiu. Very fun hunt with great fishing.

[trophyhunt]

Dream spring bear hunt, my best friend went many years ago and killed a monster bear!!!!  I will have to look into that hunt for the future, best of luck!

[HereDuckyDucky]

I have done it many times. Shoot me a PM if you have questions. Happy to help.

RW

[redi]

Best of luck. Sounds like a great adventure

[RB]

Sounds like a great hunt.  Wish I was going as spring bear is one of my favorite times to hunt.  Can't wait to hear how you do!!

Thanks 

[RB]

I put in for the last couple years but haven't been luck enough to draw.  Definitely following along to learn and hear about your adventure.  Good luck and shoot a masher

Sent from my SM-S928U using Tapatalk

Thanks 

[RB]

I have done it many times. Shoot me a PM if you have questions. Happy to help.

RW

PM sent Thank you! 

[The Butcher]

Good luck Bob!  Hope you get a monster!

[RB]

Good luck Bob!  Hope you get a monster!

Thank you!

[Chesapeake]

Best advise I think I could give would be to identify an available bear sealer and then plan your hunt to allow time to meet up with the sealer and get your bear sealed.

Are you hunting by boat or the road system? North or south(central) end of the island?

Might could have some general advice but I generally hunt from a boat so maybe not relevant.
I like mid may myself, get to far along into June and they seem to be rubbed and everything is green. But so far this year has been a heavy snow year. If winter hangs around long late May could be prime.
Also lingcod tends to open 15-ish of May, so thats a consideration if fishing as well. Kings may also still be open in May. They can shut them down or reduce limits early summer some years.


18-19” seems about average, some folks get 20”+ bears. Can be hard to get good hide and large skull in same boar. Maybe decide ahead if your looking for one or the other.
Dont shoot a dink or a sow. There are plenty to take your time and get a good one.

[RB]

Best advise I think I could give would be to identify an available bear sealer and then plan your hunt to allow time to meet up with the sealer and get your bear sealed.

Are you hunting by boat or the road system? North or south(central) end of the island?

Might could have some general advice but I generally hunt from a boat so maybe not relevant.
I like mid may myself, get to far along into June and they seem to be rubbed and everything is green. But so far this year has been a heavy snow year. If winter hangs around long late May could be prime.
Also lingcod tends to open 15-ish of May, so thats a consideration if fishing as well. Kings may also still be open in May. They can shut them down or reduce limits early summer some years.


18-19” seems about average, some folks get 20”+ bears. Can be hard to get good hide and large skull in same boar. Maybe decide ahead if your looking for one or the other.
Dont shoot a dink or a sow. There are plenty to take your time and get a good one.

Will be hunting the road system. Purchased an annual fishing license too when I bought my Bear tag the other day will get a King Salmon stamp if I fish for them. I have a nice Lamiglass rod and reel that will fit in my gun case if I want to freshwater fish while there. Not looking for a record, just a nice Boar. Could not do mid May due to family obligations, and work schedule. Some fresh Lig would be amazing that is my favorite white fish! Thank You for the reply! 

[Chesapeake]

If your land bound a king stamp wouldnt be of much use.

Hunting the road system you’ll probably want to key on newer clear cuts with grasses in them as well as beaches you can get to that have grassy back bays, estuaries or muscle beds.
I prefer the beach hunting cause its easier to get a good look at a bear to size it up and look for cubs. Can be hard in brushy clear cuts, and anyones guess when one runs across the road and folks jump out of the rig to shoot.

If you tell me what town your staying in, or what forest service cabin you've rented I can maybe point out some spots for you to look.

Not sure what you’d fish the streams for in May. Steelhead, cutthroat, dollies…
If you rent a skiff you could chase saltwater fish and bears on the beach.