07-24-2004, 03:26 PM
Upper Copper Upper Susitna Area
Sockeye salmon fishing continues to be slow on the Gulkana and Klutina Rivers. The Gulkana River is warm and low from the lack of rain but reports of sockeye catches have been reported. The Klutina River king salmon fishing has dropped off dramatically and sockeye catches are fair. King salmon fishing in the all Copper River tributaries (including the Gulkana, Tonsina and Copper River mainstem) closed July 20th. The exception is the Klutina River mainstem from 19.2 mile of the Klutina Lake Road downstream to the markers at the mouth, which is open through July 31st.
The hot weather has warmed the water and insect activity should be at its peak for grayling fishing. The smaller streams have very little water and the angler should head for larger rivers and streams. Rivers to try are the Little Nelchina and the Gulkana Rivers.
Silver Lake on the McCarthy Road has been producing good catches of rainbow trout from the recent stocking. Two and Three Mile Lakes near Chitina are also experiencing good fishing and are worth stopping on the way to McCarthy. With the recent warm temperatures and lack of rain, lower than normal water levels are occurring and more growth of water vegetation has been taking place. The use of a smaller boat or belly boat is recommended for better access to the fish.
Lake trout have moved into deeper water and trolling with large spoons and plugs with downriggers should get the lure to the proper depth, generally 20 feet or deeper. Large colored jigs are also good bounced off the bottom. Paxson, Summit and Lake Louise with its connecting lakes of Susitina and Tyone have good populations of lake trout. For remote fly-in lake trout fishing try Crosswind or Copper lakes. As always check the regulations for seasons, bag limits, size and gear restrictions before fishing.
Sockeye salmon fishing continues to be slow on the Gulkana and Klutina Rivers. The Gulkana River is warm and low from the lack of rain but reports of sockeye catches have been reported. The Klutina River king salmon fishing has dropped off dramatically and sockeye catches are fair. King salmon fishing in the all Copper River tributaries (including the Gulkana, Tonsina and Copper River mainstem) closed July 20th. The exception is the Klutina River mainstem from 19.2 mile of the Klutina Lake Road downstream to the markers at the mouth, which is open through July 31st.
The hot weather has warmed the water and insect activity should be at its peak for grayling fishing. The smaller streams have very little water and the angler should head for larger rivers and streams. Rivers to try are the Little Nelchina and the Gulkana Rivers.
Silver Lake on the McCarthy Road has been producing good catches of rainbow trout from the recent stocking. Two and Three Mile Lakes near Chitina are also experiencing good fishing and are worth stopping on the way to McCarthy. With the recent warm temperatures and lack of rain, lower than normal water levels are occurring and more growth of water vegetation has been taking place. The use of a smaller boat or belly boat is recommended for better access to the fish.
Lake trout have moved into deeper water and trolling with large spoons and plugs with downriggers should get the lure to the proper depth, generally 20 feet or deeper. Large colored jigs are also good bounced off the bottom. Paxson, Summit and Lake Louise with its connecting lakes of Susitina and Tyone have good populations of lake trout. For remote fly-in lake trout fishing try Crosswind or Copper lakes. As always check the regulations for seasons, bag limits, size and gear restrictions before fishing.