A plethora of fish happenings

As we approach the summer solstice there is quite a lot happening with fisheries news, both in the Mat-Su Valley, and in other locations where many Mat-Su Anglers participate. For anglers who enjoy stream fishing, many locations in the Palmer - Wasilla Zone open to fishing on Thursday June 15. These streams had previously been closed to protect spawning rainbow trout. Kids may now legally fish many of the small streams for trout and Dolly Varden. Trout harvest from these streams opens on the same date. A location I have interest in trying is Goose Creek that crosses Point Mackenzie Road about a mile or two after the turn off from Knik Goose Bay Road. At times this location can have some decent-sized Northern pike right near the road, but there is not much room to move around before a person is slopping around in swampy water. It would be best to fish this location soon, or with weedless lures, as the weeds will be clogging it up before long.

Northern Pike

A. J. at 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle (907-373-5434) told me people had been talking about catching pike from some of the Nancy Lake system and also from slower water areas off the lower Susitna River. Northern Pike are considered an invasive species in the Mat-Su Valley and anglers are encouraged to harvest all the fish they catch. By regulation it is illegal to put Mat-Su Valley pike back in the water alive. With restrictive king salmon regulations this year, some anglers have been taking time to capitalize on pike. In some of the less-fished locations a larger pike may provide several meals. When fishing for pike the strike can be the most exciting part of making the catch. Many anglers enjoy fishing with topwater lures which increases the excitement visually.

In addition to mentioning the stream openings in the Mat-Su Valley this week, Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) fisheries biologist, Samantha Oslund, reminded me that Saturday June 17 will be kids day at the Eklutna Tailrace king salmon fishery. From 6 a.m. — 6 p.m. the prime fishing location from the pedestrian bridge down to the tailrace confluence with the Knik River will be open only to youth under 16 years of age. Starting last Saturday I’ve been hearing anglers have been catching some of the first king salmon of the season from this location. For anglers over 15 years of age, tailrace waters upstream of the pedestrian bridge and waters of the Knik River side-channel downstream of the tailrace terminus will remain open to general public fishing. Bait like cured salmon roe, shrimp, or herring is often preferred for catching king salmon in this location, although weighted spinners are also popular. As a reminder — Eklutna Tailrace /Knik River side-channel is the only Mat-Su location where ocean-run king salmon may be harvested in the Mat-Su Valley this weekend.

Mat-Su’s Peak King Salmon Fishing?

ADF&G projected low king salmon returns throughout Upper Cook Inlet this year, and in the Mat-Su Valley, Little Susitna River and the Yentna River drainage are the only additional locations open to king salmon fishing (on a catch and release only basis). When fishing Little Susitna River and Susitna River flowing waters single-hook artificial lures are also required at this time. Although king salmon numbers and catches have been modest at best, the coming weekend and possibly next week could provide some of the best king salmon catches of the season based on historic run-timing. With modest king salmon escapement numbers as measured at both Little Susitna River weir and Deshka River weir, the Department will be considering possible management changes later in June and July as well.

Trout, Grayling, Dolly Varden

Danielle with Phantom Tri River Charters in Talkeetna (907-733-2400) told me the Talkeetna River had briefly muddied after some rain, but since cleared up again. She said their charters and drop off groups continue to catch primarily rainbow trout and arctic grayling, and also a smaller number of Dolly Varden. Pressure has been light on the Talkeetna River drainage so far this season. Note: As part of the Susitna River drainage king salmon fishing is entirely closed on the Talkeetna River and its tributary streams this year.

A.J. and Samantha Oslund both mentioned that rainbow trout fishing has remained good in the Susitna River tributary streams between Willow and Talkeetna — dependent upon water conditions. Cool Weather without much rain provides lower and cleaner water flows which usually provides the best success rates this time of year.

Road Trip Fisheries

Copper River Personal Use Salmon Fishery

The first Copper River personal use dip net fishery opening occurs starting June 15 — June 18, and Samantha Oslund mentioned that traffic had picked up in the Palmer ADF&G office with people coming in to pick up personal use permits. This fishery is by permit only. Only Alaska residents with a sport fishing license may purchase one permit per household. Each head of household is allowed 25 salmon per year with 10 additional salmon allowed for each additional household member. Only one king salmon may be harvested in this fishery per permit.

Russian River Sanctuary Area Opens

ADF&G announced that the Russian River sanctuary area below the Russian / Kenai River confluence would open starting June 15. The sport fishing sockeye limit remains at 3 salmon per person at this time, I already heard one good fishing report from this fishery that only opened on June 11. Remember this is a fly fishing only area. The Russian River itself is a beautiful clear trout-sized stream that on big years can host returns of over 40,000 sockeye salmon in both an early run that occurs at this time, and also in a later run that peaks in late-July and early August.

Kasilof River Personal Use Set Gillnet Fishery Closed for Season

Because of a low return of Kenai River king (Chinook) salmon ADF&G recently announced by emergency order that the Kasilof River Personal Use Set Net Fishery would be closed for the 2023 season. While not open at this time, the personal use dip net fishery will open as scheduled.

Ocean Fishing

My sister’s family recently returned from a family camping / halibut fishing trip to the Kenai Peninsula. Each family member caught and harvested a limit of halibut, and they even had enough fish to share with my wife and I. June and July are often considered the months which provide the best weather / smooth water conditions in Upper Cook Inlet combined with a time when halibut are often plentiful in shallow waters near shore. July 1 is also the opening date for Ling Cod fishing out of Seward and within Upper Cook Inlet.

Fish On!

Andy Couch posts fishing report updates on his Fishtale River Guides website at: https://www.fish4salmon.com/2023-fishing-reports/june-2023-alaska-fishing-reports/