Mat-Su lakes stocked

Three Palmer-Wasilla core area lakes were stocked with catchable sized rainbow trout before the first weekend in May including Lucille and Canoe Lakes on Thursday May 1, followed by Matanuska Lake on May 2.

In addition, Kepler-Bradley Lakes were stocked on Monday May 2, 2025. After a stocking it may take a few days before the fish adjust to the new water conditions, but soon after they have made that adjustment, fishing success can be excellent, following the infusion of new fish to the lake population. According to information on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) website, the newly released fish averaged slightly over ten inches in length. The stocking truck will be running to several locations outside the Mat-Su Valley as well, but the Mat-Su, and especially the Palmer - Wasilla core area lakes have some of the earliest open water lakes with good conditions for stocking fish in South-central Alaska. Anglers should expect to see the list of stocked lakes grow considerably between now and Memorial Weekend ( a time many Alaskans consider the clear start for the summer camping and fishing season). For updates on the most recent ADF&G fish stocking activity, anglers may look on this department web page.

In the Palmer-Wasilla zone lakes are currently open to fishing, however, there is a stream closure to protect spawning rainbow trout populations. Further north along the Parks Highway streams are open to fishing from Willow Creek north, however, rainbow trout must be released when caught. For anglers interested in stream trout fishing, the tributary streams to the Susitna River drainage are the most heavily fished streams in the Mat-Su this time of year. When I talked with A.J. Hoffman with 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle on Monday, he mentioned that he knew of plenty of folks headed up to fish Susitna River drainage tributary streams during the weekend. He had heard a few reports on the success of some of the trips, particularly with folks catching some fish in Willow Creek both near its confluence with the Susitna River and further upstream as well. I talk quite frequently with a man I know who lives between Willow and Talkeetan, and he has reported catching grayling, Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, and a whitefish while stream fishing with a small white grub tail jig. He has generally been catching a few fish per outing, and nothing over about 14 inches so far. He mentioned that some the fish looked like they may have had a tough time making it through the winter (some were very thin and others appeared to have bruises. Conditions for the fish and people attempting to catch them, however, should continue to get better as spring continues to move forward.

River Boat Launches — Access

When I talked with ADF&G fisheries biologist, Oliver Querin, on Tuesday he told me that the gate at the Susitna Flats Wildlife Refuge boundary leading to the Little Susitna Public Use Facility campground and boat launch was opened on Monday May 5, and there were already a few people using the boat launch. People may catch a few rainbow trout, whitefish, and an occasional Dolly Varden in May on the lower Little Susitna River, but anglers should know that king salmon fishing has been closed for the 2025 season on Little Susitna River. Even catch and release king salmon fishing is closed, and anglers are required to fish with one single-hook artificial lure with a hook gap not greater than 1/2 inch.

Deshka Landing boat launch, as reported in last week’s column opened, to members, Summer Season, and annual pass holders on Monday May 5. Water conditions in the Susitna River have been quite low, but are rising with increasing temperatures. According to information posted on the Deshka Landing Outdoor Association website, the boat launch will open to day use by the general public on May 15. Reminder — king salmon fishing has been closed for the 2025 season throughout the entire Susitna River drainage.

Talkeetna River Boat Launch, according to Querin, this boat launch following a several year trend is silting in and will require some dredging. He wanted to advise people intending to boat from this site that the water is very shallow and may make for very difficult launching or re-trailering.

Susitna Landing — I heard a report from a member of the public that the river had filled in on the boat launch side just upstream from the launch. Water was extremely low early this week, making for very difficult to impossible launching conditions at the time. This site may require some work before it may become usable later this year.

Eklutna Tailrace — while there is no boat launch available at this site, Querin told me that the gate providing access to the lower parking lot had not been opened — yet. ADF&G has the expectation that it may be opened soon — possibly before Mother’s Day weekend.

I expect more people will continue to get out and fish several popular Mat-Su lakes this weekend. Stream fishing will pull people north along the Parks Highway, and people will also get out checking their boats in preparation for the summer season.

Good luck, and Fish On!

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