Area Sport Fishing Reports
Upper Copper/Upper Susitna
Archived Sport Fishing Report
July 12, 2023
Personal Use Fishing
- The Chitina Subdistrict Personal Use Dipnet Salmon Fishery is currently open through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 23.
- Miles Lake sonar passage remains well above daily projected passage. During the past week, between 20,000 - 30,000 fish a day have been passing the sonar. Cumulative passage for the season stood at 771,081 fish as of July 11, which is 270,000 fish above expected for this date.
- During July 3 – 9, there were 159,743 salmon counted past the Miles Lake sonar. The preseason projection for this period is 33,100 salmon, resulting in a surplus of 126,643 salmon.
- Fish passing the sonar today are about three weeks away from reaching Chitina. Check on the numbers yourself at the ADF&G fish count web page.
- The Copper River level is currently holding between 15 and 16 feet at Chitina. The river generally fluctuates from 13 to 17 feet over the course of a season. Sunny, hot weather over the next 4-7 days may lead to increased flows so be cautious. Copper River water level near Chitina can be monitored online by NOAA/National Weather Service.
- Call the Chitina Personal Use Fishery Hotline at 907-822-5224 for more information on the Chitina dipnet fishery.
Sport Fishing
For a guide to where all the accessible fisheries are, check out Sport fishing Alaska rivers and lakes in the Upper Copper/Upper Susitna River Basin. This guide lists all the fisheries, species available and mile markers along all the major highways crossing the Upper Copper and Upper Susitna Area.
Arctic grayling
- Paxson Lake is a good, consistent choice for Arctic grayling, as is Lake Louise. If you have an ATV, you can find good-sized Arctic grayling throughout the summer by running out the Swede Lake trail to Swede Lake or the Middle Fork of the Gulkana River.
Lake trout and burbot
- Lake Louise and Susitna Lake are always good choices for Lake trout in the summer. Paxson Lake and Summit Lake in the upper Gulkana River drainage are also great options. You can explore other lakes like Swede and Little Swede Lakes south of the Denali Highway or Sevenmile Lake north of the highway.
Dolly Varden
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The Little Tonsina River and the upper Klutina River are always a good option for Dollies. Anglers can also find success fishing along the Nabesna and McCarthy Roads. For smaller Dollies you can have a great time fishing the Tiekel River that runs along Richardson Highway on the way to Valdez.
Sockeye salmon
- Sockeye salmon numbers are on the rise in the Klutina River, providing good to excellent fishing this year. The Tonsina River may also be a good choice for sockeye salmon. Sockeye numbers on the Gulkana River have been low for the early sockeye salmon run there.
King salmon
- The kings just keep coming. The Copper River is experiencing and excellent king salmon run this year. The Gulkana River is running clear and fishing is still good throughout the river and excellent above Sourdough. Water temperature has risen and kings are on the move upstream.
- The Klutina and Tonsina Rivers opened for king salmon fishing on July 1. Fishing remains a little slow, but should really pick up towards the last week of July through the end of the season on July 31.
Emergency Orders
Please review the Emergency Orders and Advisory Announcements listed at the top of this report in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip. Also, be sure to review the 2023 Northern Sport Fishing Regulations Summary Booklet for the area you are fishing before you head out.
Press Release
ADF&G News
- Download the ADF&G Mobile App today. You can purchase and display your fishing license and king stamp, record your annual harvest (i.e. king salmon, halibut), access sport fishing regulations and locations, and so much more on your mobile device. You can also purchase your license and dipnetting permits online at the ADF&G online store.
- Also, check out ADF&G's new gofishak interactive map to discover popular fishing locations and information on species run timing, fishing gear selections, and boat and angler access tips.
For more information
For more information, please call the Glennallen office at (907) 822-3309.