Early season cold water success

When In phoned Saul at 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle in Wasilla this week, he reported they were hearing about people catching rainbow trout from several lakes in the Palmer / Wasilla area. However, even with people practicing catch and release he mentioned trout in some of the more heavily fished locations were becoming wary and more difficult to catch. Saul also told me he had caught a 29-inch rainbow trout this past week from an ADF&G stocked Mat-Su lake. He also said he had a picture of it, so I know if he is at the store I will be asking to see that photo the next time I visit.

Fishing guide, Corey Berg mentioned he had already run a trip on Lucille Lake and that they had caught some rainbow trout in the 14 -16 inch range, saw some larger fish, but could not catch them. He was fishing late in the day when the water temperature was likely the warmest, but it still registered a rather frigid 49 degrees. Being out on any waterbody in a boat, raft, or float tube will likely cool anyone’s appetite for fishing before long this time of year — especially if not carefully dressed to maintain core body heat while out on the water. Dressing for success in this case means plenty of warm clothes, a winter hat, and don’t forget a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) for everyone onboard -- wear them they provide one extra layer of insulation and are much easier to put on before going overboard..

Some of the best shore fishing of the year can occur soon after ice has left the lakes with some of the larger rainbow trout often cruising shallow water areas along the shoreline. The fish often stage or patrol specific small areas, while not spending much time in other areas, so finding one or two specific “sweet spots,” may produce most of the success for a lake trip in early May. As one travels further north along the Parks Highway some or most lakes may still have rotten ice cover this weekend.

When fishing cold water, reaction strikes often only occur after repeated presentations, or later in the day after water temperatures have warmed up. This is especially true on clear days when temperatures tend to start out several degrees cooler compared to mornings with overcast weather.

All the catches I’ve heard of from stocked lakes appear to be holdover fish that made it through the ice fishing season. I checked the online stocking search this week, but did not find any new Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) stockings in the Mat-Su area since some of the more popular Palmer-Wasilla core area lakes became ice free. I’ve also been asking ADF&G staff about any news about 2025 open-water stockings, but have not heard anything new, yet. I expect the Department will make that a news item when the first stocking of catchable trout occur in the Mat-Su this year.

Open water also means that boat owners are out doing checkout runs on boats / motors. Two of the popular spots I have used in the past are the City of Wasilla Lucille Lake boat Launch and the Alaska State Parks Campground / boat launch at Finger Lake. Both of these are pay to use sites with maintained launch areas and calm waters.

Coming Events:

May 8, 2025 Mat-Su Borough Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) Meeting — The commission soon hopes to be on summer break. This could be the last regular meeting before that happens. More information here soon: https://matsugov.us/agendas?board=84

May 15, 2025. Special Public Meeting on Mat-Su Game — FWC hosts ADF&G Additional information to be posted here: https://matsugov.us/agendas?board=84

Deshka Landing Outdoor Association Annual Membership Meeting — Coming up on May 10, 2025 at 2 p.m. often the boat launch and parking areas are not open to use until after this meeting.

Deshka Landing Boat Launch — I continue to watch the weather cam at this location for updates on the boat launch and Susitna River conditions: https://deshkalanding.com/weather-cam/ Water conditions are low, and there was a good amount of ice in the launch lagoon earlier this week. It would not surprise me if one of the Deshka Landing Outdoor Association board members were to check out the launch conditions and make the first boat launch of the season from this location by this weekend.

It would be advisable this time of year, to call the landing before trailering a boat up to Willow. 907-495-3374.

Good Luck and Fish On!

While Andy Couch is a member of the Matanuska - Susitna Borough Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Matanuska Valley Fish and Game Advisory Committee, statements opinions expressed in this column are his own, unless specified otherwise.