Area Sport Fishing Reports
Mat-Su

June 2, 2026

Palmer Management Area

Flowing Waters

• The first few king salmon have been caught at the Eklutna Tailrace. Hit this fishery early in the morning. Bait and multiple hooks are allowed. Water remains low, use caution when launching from the Knik bridge and check the tide tables before heading out. Remember to purchase your 2026 king salmon stamp along with your license for this fishery. You can record your catch with the new mobile app.
• Little Susitna rainbow fishing has been good, and the first few kings have made it over the weir. Water levels remain low.
• Many flowing waters along the Parks Highway are catch-and-release ONLY for rainbow trout until June 15.
• Anglers are reminded that flowing waters in the Palmer-Wasilla Zone are CLOSED to all fishing until June 15. This includes Cottonwood Creek off Seward Meridian.

Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Grayling

• Rainbow and dolly fishing is good at the mouths of the Parks Highway streams, such as Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, and Montana. Try smolt patterns, leeches, wooly buggers, dolly llamas, and bead heads. Grayling love gold, copper and yellow colors. Pay attention to the hatch and try nymphs, stone flies, caddis, or mosquitos.
• Willow and Montana creeks are both great places for a day trip if you want to float.
• If you want to travel further up north, fish the Chulitna River or Honolulu Creek.

Northern Pike

• Anglers can retain as may pike as they catch – there is no bag or possession limit. In the freshwaters of West Cook Inlet, the Knik Arm, and the Susitna River drainage, anglers are not allowed to release live pike back into the water.
• Big Lake fishing has been good for pike right now, you could also try Nancy, Long Lake near Willow or Prator lakes. Stick to the grassy areas where these fish spawn. This is a great time of year to try bowfishing. Try top-water lures or weedless leeches.
• If you want a boat trip for pike try Fish Creek (Kroto Slough), Hewitt lake, or Moose and Indian creeks on the Yentna River.

Local Lakes

• If you are headed out on 4-wheelers try Ruby or Wishbone lakes. Wishbone is a single, hook catch-and-release lake. Anglers report nice fish up to 20 inches.
• Nancy Lake State Park Recreation Area offers some nice quiet fishing and canoe opportunities. South Rolly, North Rolly, Tanaina, and Rhein lakes are all stocked.
• Lake fishing continues to be excellent. For good rainbow fishing try Sount Friend (Montana), Lucile, Knik, Long ( Glenn HWY mile 86), Loon, Eska (Slipper), or Kepler/Bradley Lakes.
• Kid friendly lake fishing opportunities include Matanuska, Finger, Wasilla, Rocky, and Reflections Lake.
• Echo, Finger and Carpenter Lake were all stocked this week with good sized catchable char. Trolling around the islands at Finger Lake provided good catch numbers. Spring is a great time to fish these stocks lakes.
• Stay tuned to our stocking webpage for more information as the stocking truck has been active in the Mat-Su area.

Sport Fishing Angler Access Sites

• Sheep Creek Slough: walk in angler access and camping are OPEN.
• Susitna Landing (Kashwitna): Boat Launch and Campground are OPEN. Boat launch is currently dry from low water conditions, annual dredging has been scheduled.
  • Online reservation system for the campground is up and running
• Talkeetna boat launch and parking is open, however, please be aware that this year’s late spring has resulted in unusually low water levels impacting this launch significantly. ADF&G has acquired a permit to dredge the boat launch area this spring and are actively working to provide anglers with safe access at this location.
• Bonnie Lake: Boat Launch OPEN, Day Use Only.
• Caswell Creek: Walk in angler access and camping are open.
• Eklutna Tailrace, Facility is open, Day Use Only.
• Little Susitna Public Use Facility (LSPUF): Boat Launch and Campground are OPEN.
  • Online reservation system for the campground is up and running
  • Payment via the iron ranger (Cash or Check) for Boat Launch & Day Use Parking
  • Season passes can only be purchased in person at the Palmer ADFG office.

Personal Use

Hooligan along the Susitna and Yentna are starting to slow down as the run comes to an end.

Emergency Orders

Please review the emergency orders and advisory announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.Please review the emergency orders and advisory announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.

Emergency Order 2-KS-2-12-26 Closes the Susitna River drainage to sport fishing for king salmon. In addition, sport fishing gear is limited to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure with a gap between the point and shank of the hook that is one-half inch or less in the Susitna River drainage (Units 1-6).
Emergency Order 2-KS-2-11-26 Closes the Little Susitna to sport fishing for king salmon and limits gear to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure with a gap of one-half inch or less when fishing for other species.
Emergency Order 2-KS-2-6-26 Closes all waters of West Cook Inlet Management Area to sport fishing for king salmon.

Don't forget to purchase your 2026 sport fishing license and king stamp! You can purchase and display your fishing license and king stamp, record your annual harvest (i.e. king salmon), access sport fishing regulations and locations, and so much more on your mobile device. Download the ADF&G Mobile App today. You can also purchase licenses through the ADF&G online store and print it off from the comfort of your own home.

Make sure to review emergency orders, advisory announcements, and the 2026 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing before you head out.

For additional information, please contact the ADF&G Palmer Area Office at 907-746-6300.