Area Sport Fishing Reports
Upper Copper/Upper Susitna
June 20, 2019
PERSONAL USE Copper River Chitina Subdistrict is currently open and will remain open through Sunday June 30 at 11:59 p.m. Dipnetters may retain a king salmon during the fishery. Parking is extremely limited at O’Brien Creek and there is no boat launching there. Boaters are currently launching from the east bank (McCarthy side of the Chitina McCarthy Bridge) of the Copper River. However, the river is rising and will eventually cut off this launching option.
ADF&G advises all dipnetters to wear life jackets whether fishing from a boat or shore
SPORT FISHING
Lake trout are active this time of year and with water temperatures on the mild side. Try Lake Louise, Paxson, and Summit lakes for easy roadside access. Reports from Lake Louise are that the fishing is still good for lakers.
King salmon numbers are still increasing in the Gulkana River and fish can be found throughout the river. We are getting reports of great fishing above Sourdough as well as in the lower reaches of the river. Gulkana River tower counts are the highest ever recorded through this date. Remember when fishing below the Richardson Highway Bridge you are limited to unbaited flies only. Both kings and sockeye have reached the counting tower and counts are tracking above projection for this date. As of today fishing conditions are about perfect on the Gulkana River, but call ahead before coming up incase rain has muddied the river.
Sockeye salmon are in the Klutina and catch rates are improving with many anglers getting their limit of three. Expect fishing to continue to pick up through the month. Based on current sonar passage, it is very unlikely that any changes to sockeye salmon bag limits will occur during 2019.
The Copper Basin abounds in streams and lakes full of Arctic grayling and Dolly Varden. Most Arctic grayling will be found in lakes or larger rivers like the Gulkana. Dolly Varden can be found in most streams. The upper Klutina is an especially fun fishery for Dollies during the spring and early summer. You will need an access permit from Ahtna to enjoy this fishing from shore this year.
Check our roadside guide for fishing in the Upper Copper Upper Susitna Management Area. It lists nearly every sport fishery in the area, species present and milepost location.
STOCKED LAKES
All roadside stocked waters have fresh fish in them ready to be caught. We stock rainbow trout, Arctic grayling and Arctic char in area lakes.
