Lake fisheries provide respite from busy salmon fisheries

Talking with Mat-Su Angler’s Club President Steve Totten and past-president Julie Busch, I found that both Steve and Julie’s husband, Greg Busch, have been greatly enjoying the tranquility of Mat-Su Valley Lake fishing, and the opportunity to fish for good numbers of fish without competing with crowds of other anglers for a spot.

Many Mat-Su lake fisheries can be enjoyed with light or no competition even during late morning, afternoon or evening hours. Julie commented that Greg has been enjoying the opportunity to explore new and varied locations, along with renewing a love for fly-fishing at the same time.

For more information about a plethora of Valley lakes providing various fishing opportunities, contact the Palmer Alaska Department of Fish and Game office at 746-6300. Biologist Samantha Oslund is one of the most knowledgeable staff members on this subject. Sales staff at Sportsman’s Warehouse and Three Rivers Fly and Tackle in Wasilla will also provide fishing report information from Mat-Su Valley lake fisheries.

Deshka River king salmon

A week ago I reported that as of June 4, 335 king salmon had been counted past the ADF&G’s Deshka River salmon counting weir. As of June 11, the number has increased to 2,138 and Fish and Game biologists are paying close attention to the daily counts.

While salmon run timing can vary from one year to the next, over the past three years the quarter point of the Deshka River king salmon escapement has occurred June 13-14. This means to be on track to attain the Deshka king salmon escapement goal minimum, about 3,250 kings should have gone past the weir by June 13-14 of this year. The actual numbers for June 13-14 should be available on the Department of Fish and Game website by the time this column is published.

If Deshka River king salmon numbers lag behind schedule, expect to see further restriction(s) to the Deshka River sport king salmon fishery in short order. An interesting note: when talking with one of the ADF&G fisheries technicians at the Deshka River weir on Tuesday, I was told department staff was only counting one larger-sized king salmon for every three to five smaller king salmon passing the weir. To most of us participating in the sport fishery below the weir, a larger-sized king salmon would likely be 15 pounds or larger, while a smaller-sized king salmon would likely be 10 pounds or less.

At any rate, Deshka River has been providing the highest success rate for king salmon within a 20 minute or less boat ride from the road system of any stream in the Mat-Su Valley.

Susitna River Unit 2 tributaries now catch-and-release

By ADF&G emergency order, all Unit 2 Susitna River tributary stream portions open to king salmon fishing are now only open to fishing on Saturday, Sunday and Monday only with no retention of king salmon allowed. It is hoped these regulations may provide some fishing opportunity while at the same time allowing the attainment of king salmon escapement goal numbers for each of these streams, so that king salmon populations may once again rebuild to their former abundance levels.

Talkeetna River king salmon fishery

The Talkeetna River system remains open to king salmon fishing, although use of an artificial lure with only one single hook is required, and anglers are limited to harvesting of only two king salmon per year from the entire Susitna River drainage. According to Tri-River Charters in Talkeetna, the first king salmon has already been caught from Clear Creek (a Talkeetna River tributary), but the main river is currently high and muddy. Expect Talkeetna River drainage king salmon catch rates to jump up significantly by June 20, or perhaps, sooner if water in the Talkeetna River clears up.

Little Susitna River king salmon fishery

King salmon catch rates for guided anglers on the Little Susitna River have been less than expected so far. Even with ADF&G’s emergency regulations requiring use of artificial lures with one single hook, and a reduced harvest limit of only two king salmon per year from the Little Susitna River, each fishing guide I’ve talked to about king salmon abundance is wondering if the department may need to further restrict or even close the Little Susitna River fishery early for the 2012 season. For that reason, you may want to check with the department concerning regulations before venturing out on your next Little Susitna River king salmon fishing trip.

Boating event scheduled at Susinta Landing

Jeff Boatright at Susinta Landing reports that the Sea and Ski Skidoo group from Anchorage has reserved camping space at the landing for this coming Father’s Day weekend, and will showcase Wooldridge boats. For more information, contact Lori Price at (907) 337-2744

More ’squitos are now available at most Mat-Su fishing locations

This is a simple reminder to those who have not ventured out in the past week. The buzzing bugs are back and biting, so be prepared with a head net, bug repellent or whatever you use to keep the mosquitoes away while enjoying your next Mat-Su fishing adventure. Have fun — after all, life is a fishing trip.

Andy Couch owns and operates Fishtale River Guides (fish4salmon.com) is a Mat-Su Anglers Club member (matsuanglers.org) and member of the Mat-Su Borough Fish and Wildlife Commission.