Silver lining appears for Valley salmon fishing season

MAT-SU — Anglers anxiously trying to fill the void in their freezers left by poor king salmon returns are beginning to be paid off.

Silver salmon — the Valley’s other hotly targeted species — are becoming more consistent, said Department of Fish and Game area management biologist Dave Rutz.

“I wouldn’t call it hot and heavy yet,” Rutz said, “But maybe fair.”

On the road system, Rutz recommends Jim Creek or the Eklutna Tailrace. Anglers fishing on the Parks Highway streams downstream from the highway have had some success, but patience is required for the payoff.

From a boat, head downstream from the Burma Road launch on the Little Susitna River or to the mouth of the Deshka River.

“The water on the Deshka is low,” Rutz said. “They are hanging at the mouth waiting for the water to rise.”

Fishing for silvers should increase over the next few weeks, and Rutz suggested using salmon eggs where bait is allowed. Otherwise, try a Vibrax No. 2 or No. 3, Mepps, Pixie spoon or corkie rig.

Red salmon are beginning to show up as well, Rutz said. Larson Creek and the Little Susitna at Nancy Lake Creek are both producing fish. But for the best results, Rutz directed anglers to Cottonwood Creek. Salmon fishing on Cottonwood is only allowed on the weekends and from the mouth to a ADF&G marker one mile upstream of the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge access road.

Rainbow trout fishing remains strong on the Parks Highway streams. Pike is a sporty alternative to salmon fishing, but Rutz warned the bite can turn off on warm days.

Contact Todd L. Disher at todd.disher@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.