Area Sport Fishing Reports
Upper Copper/Upper Susitna
September 2, 2021
* Just a reminder to all anglers, please do your part to help slow the spread of Covid-19 by practicing social distancing while sport and personal use fishing as well as when shopping for fishing supplies from your local store, and by wearing a face covering when social distancing is not possible.
Personal Use
In the Copper River, the Chitina Subdistrict personal use fishery is currently open through September 30.
The retention of king salmon is prohibited during both of these periods, and for the remainder of the season.
Informational Hotlines for Chitina Personal Use Fishery
- Anchorage: 907-267-2511
- Fairbanks: 907-459-7382
- Glennallen: 907-822-5224
Sport Fishing
Freshwater Fishing
Lake trout fishing should remain good throughout the ice-free period on all area lakes. Lake trout will be moving into shallower waters for spawning during late September and October. Although lake trout may be concentrated during spawning, they don’t bite as well as other times of the year. If you do fish spawning groups, go easy on the catch and release.
Rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, and Dolly Varden will be starting their migrations from summer feeding areas to their overwintering habitats in the main tributaries. Look for some good to great late season angling for these fish in the Gulkana and upper Klutina Rivers as well as some of our smaller streams.
For a guide to where all the accessible fisheries are, check out Sportfishing 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.
Salmon
Although the run is winding down quickly, sockeye salmon are still being caught in the Klutina River and many look bright. The late runs of sockeye salmon bound for spawning areas in the Gulkana River drainage are building and should provide for some good late-season sockeye fishing. If you have a boat or are floating by and don’t mind a little walk, the sockeye salmon limit in the West Fork Gulkana has been 6 fish per day and 6 in possession since August 1. These are primarily hatchery fish.
Emergency Orders
Please review the Emergency Orders and Advisory Announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip:
For more information
Call the Glennallen office at (907) 822-3309 with any additional questions.
Interactive Fishing Location Maps
NEW! Check out the #wefishak page on the ADF&G website for the new gofishak interactive map to discover popular fishing locations and information on species run timing, fishing gear selections, and boat and angler access tips!
Don’t forget to bring your 2021 sport fishing license. Help maximize social distancing by purchasing your sport fishing license at the ADF&G Online Store. You can print your license from the comfort of your home. Also, be sure to review Emergency Orders and the 2021 Northern Sport Fishing Regulations Summary Booklet for the area you are fishing in before you head out.
