Area Sport Fishing Reports
Upper Copper/Upper Susitna
Archived Sport Fishing Report
August 16, 2023
Personal Use Fishing
- The Chitina Subdistrict Personal Use Dipnet Salmon Fishery on the Copper River is currently open through 11:59 p.m. Saturday, September 30. The water level in the Copper River continues to slowly drop. Dipnetters are reporting phenomenal late-season fishing and we are still receiving reports of king salmon being taken.
- The Miles Lake sonar was shut down for the season on July 29. The final sonar count was 987,906 salmon, which is 379,450 greater than the 2023 inriver goal.
- 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
- Arctic grayling fishing in area creeks should improve as these fish migrate from summer feeding areas to overwintering areas providing opportunity for some larger fish. Large lakes like Lake Louise and Paxson Lake should also provide great angling opportunity.
Lake trout and burbot
- With the cooler daily temperatures and cloudy skies, lake trout should be moving up into some shallower waters. This may open some more opportunity for shore angling these beauties.
Dolly Varden
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The Little Tonsina River and the upper Klutina River are still good choices for Dollies. Anglers can also find success fishing along the Nabesna and McCarthy Roads; the fish may not be real big but they are plentiful. 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
- If you are still looking for some salmon opportunity late running sockeye salmon are still available in the Klutina and Gulkana Rivers.
King salmon
- King salmon fishing in the Upper Copper River closes at midnight on August 10. Fishing for kings in the Klutina, Tonsina and Copper Rivers is prohibited after August 10.
- All upper Copper River king salmon fisheries are closed for the season.
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.