Kings arriving in Valley streams

Valley Life editor

The frenzy has begun.

All it takes is the news of one fish -- a big fish, but still only one fish -- and the parade of boats begins. This year, that sign popped up outside 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle, and told of the first known king salmon caught on the Little Susitna River, on May 10.

Since then, boats have been parading down Knik Goose Bay Road and up the Parks Highway, where some fish are being reported caught already.

"I've heard of a couple of kings being caught at the Deshka and a couple being caught down on the Little Su, so you know it's starting," said Dwight Greisler, who was picking up some last-minute king salmon tackle at Wal-Mart. "We're heading up to the Deshka.

"We'll see what happens. It usually is pretty slow until Memorial Day weekend, and then a million people show up to catch a thousand fish it seems. At least now you won't have to fight for a spot," he said.

This early in the season, another spot to try is Eklutna Tailrace, which is located off the Old Glenn Highway. Be ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, though, as combat fishing comes early to this fishery. The fish there are all stocked, so you won't find a monster king salmon, but there are salmon nonetheless.