A large part of the population make their livelihood from it.
Most communities host annual fishing derbies which draw hundreds of anglers.
Fishing the lakes and streams of the Tongass National Forest is popular. Cutthroat trout grow to trophy size in some of the larger lakes. Salmon and steelhead trout, returning to the rivers, attract both humans and bears eager to face the challenge of catching a fresh meal. Know before you go. All depend on a healthy habitat for their continued health and abundance.