Yakutat Management Area
Fishing Opportunities

The Situk River steelhead fishery is the largest steelhead fishery in the state, accounting for nearly half of the steelhead caught annually in Alaska. The primary fishery takes place from April to June, with peak effort occurring in May. A small number steelhead also enter the Situk in the fall to overwinter in the drainage. These fish are targeted by a winter fishery. However, the smaller number of fish, inclement weather, and lack of river access limit this fishery. Good angling for steelhead is found in winter by anglers that like less competition and more solitude, but can also endure frozen guides, snow, and often very cold temperatures.

The average length of a Situk River steelhead is approximately 30 inches, and in some years and as many as 5% of the population is estimated to be of ‘trophy’ size (greater than 36 inches). During peak migrations the catch rates of steelhead on the Situk River are often in excess of 10 fish per day, per angler, especially on guided trips. Anglers fishing by foot can walk up from the Lower Landing river access, or upstream and downstream from the 9 Mile Bridge access. Boat based anglers can float from the 9 Mile Bridge boat ramp downstream 14 miles to the Lower Landing take out for a long day of fishing.

-Yarn ball flies of multi colors, and red or orange beads

- Leach pattern flies, and small nymphs

- Orange, silver, red or blue colored spinners or spoons

- Multi colored jigs with or without a bobber

- Leaders of 10 lb. test or less

- Bait is not allowed

 

From Yakutat airport take the Situk Lower Landing road 8 miles to the lower end of the river at tidewater.

Access to the upper river is achived from Forest Highway 10, traveling 9 miles out of Yakutat to 9 mile Bridge.

Float trips can be launched from 9 Mile Bridge and end at the Lower Landing for a 14 mile float.

Steelhead

Begin: April 91
Ends: June 181

Before you go fishing please check the regulations.