Silver salmon available throughout the Mat-Su Valley

When I asked a staff member at 3 Rivers Fly & Tackle in Wasilla if they had items worth mentioning in this fishing column, his comment was that silver salmon were now available throughout the entire Mat-Su area. Specific locations where customers of the shop had been catching silver (coho) salmon included Jim Creek, Eklutna Tailrace, Rabbit Slough, and pretty much all of the tributary stream confluences with the Susitna River from Willow Creek on up to the Talkeetna River and Clear Creek.

Last week I reported that coho salmon should be available along the Parks Highway for the past weekend, but after hearing reports from several sources I’m thinking coho salmon anglers, in this particular area, may have even better success rates over the coming August 20 /21 weekend. According to multiple reports the water levels of streams along the Parks Highway continue to drop, coho were a bit late in arriving to start with, and the fish were in prime chrome shape during the past few days. The coho salmon daily bag limit from Willow up to the Talkeetna River is 2 per person.

The coho salmon daily bag limit on the Talkeetna River drainage and in the Susitna River drainage upstream of the Talkeetna River confluence is 3 per person, The Talkeetna River and upper Susitna River drainages will likely see peak coho salmon harvest over the next two weeks.

Little Susitna and Deshka River Weir Projects Terminated Early

Extremely high water caused early termination of Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) salmon counting weir protects on two of the Mat-Su Valley’s biggest coho salmon fisheries. An ADF&G staff member told me that Deshka Weir removal was started just before the weir was overtopped by flood waters (the weir project at this location was scheduled to end early because of budget cuts / lack of Sportfish Division funding) but heavy rains and rising water caused it to end even a few days earlier than originally planned. At Little Susitna River high water overtopped the weir, before flood warning conditions brought several fallen beetle- killed spruce tress downriver and into the weir. Weir damage occurred and portions of the weir were washed downstream. ADF&G staff was working at salvaging and removing as much of the weir as possible earlier this week. Final coho salmon weir counts were 3,168 at Deshka River through August 8 — a.m., and 3,162 at Little Susitna River through August 8.

Eric Holm, who helps staff the Little Susitna River Public Use Facility Campground and Boat Launch on the lower Little Susitna River told me that during the time of highest flood conditions large trees washing during the river looked like battleships passing the boat launch. Water was flowing over the bank and within inches of the top of the fish cleaning table. Two large snags ended up deposited on the bank near the fish cleaning table, and another large spruce snag wedged into one of the stairways dropping form a handicapped access fishing platform into the river. The stairway was bent and mangled by the weight of the snag and strength of the current.

Conditions were dramatic on both rivers during the past week, however, anglers during the same time, enjoyed some of the better coho salmon catching opportunities of 2022 on both Deshka and Little Susitna Rivers. The unusually high water levels concentrated the fish into specific spots, and for anglers finding the right spots, success often occurred in a short amount of time. With dropping river levels that have occurred more recently, coho salmon migrations up both rivers seemed to have rushed forward. The large concentrations of fish low in both rivers has moved up, but anglers are still catching some prime-shape coho in the lower portions of both rivers. Expect more of the coho at these location to start taking on a rosy blush over the coming week.

Youth Coho Salmon Fishery at Eklutna Tailrace — Saturday August 20

As mentioned in last week’s column the fishery for youths under 16 years of age will occur on Saturday August 20 from 6 am — 11 pm. That portion of the Tailrace form the pedestrian bridge downstream to the tailrace confluence with the Knik River will be open only for the youth at this time, but tailrace waters upstream of the pedestrian bridge and water of the Knik River will remain open for fishing by older anglers. The daily bag limit for salmon (other than king salmon) is 3 per day — all of which may be coho salmon.

For anglers wanting to fish and catch some prime Mat-Su coho salmon, at many locations, this coming week provides the best opportunity before more salmon start maturing toward spawning.

Good Luck and Fish On!

Andy Couch is a Mat-Su Valley fishing guide who primarily targets ocean-run salmon during summer months. You can read daily fishing reports on his Fishtale River Guides website: https://www.fish4salmon.com