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[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  12/9
REGION:  Matsu Valley
WATER:  Seymore Lake
SPECIES:  Trout

REPORT: Uggh, couldn't go pike fishing, very bummed. But I had to make due so went for a quick run out to Seymoure. Fished two hours caught one fish and saw a few on my new underwater camera. Can't wait to take it out to Figure 8. There was about 8 inches of ice.

thanks to aoj for that report
 

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  4/14
REGION:  Matsu Valley
WATER:  Big Lake
SPECIES:  Burbot

REPORT: Hit Big Lake the day before the regs changed for a little bit and the burbot were biting, got three in short time and lost as many in just a couple of hours. There's still plenty of ice at least three feet where we were at if anyone is curious. No char this time, might go again to look for that monster char that's there.
 
thanks to aoj for that report

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  4/13
REGION:  Matsu Valley
WATER:  Nancy Lake
SPECIES:  Pike


REPORT: Intended on going to South Rolly Lake but didn't realize the road was closed. Decided to hike to Nancy Lake and set some tip ups with herring to see what bites. Sat for 6 hours and had a mad bandit pike mess with me, but couldn't get a hook set. The ice was still VERY thick 3 feet and vehicles still driving on the lake. Lot's of ice rumbling.

thanks to aoj for that report
 

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  4/27
REGION:  Matsu Valley
WATER:  Echo Lake
SPECIES:  Rainbows

REPORT: Went to check ice at Kepler Bradley yesterday.  Echo Lake has zero ice now.  Met a gentleman who gave me some pointers and some shrimp.  Caught a few baby bows but that was it.  Pretty windy.  Lots of people bringing their kids. The other K-B lakes are still 95% covered but it's thin ice and slush.  I'm guessing a day or two. Loberg Lake off the Trunk Rd exit has an open spot on the opposite side from the access ramp by the gravel pit.  It looks like there's another ramp by the opening that I will try get to today.  Hopefully that's all public road/access too.
 

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  4/23
REGION:  Matsu Valley
WATER:  Eklutna Tailrace
SPECIES:  Any

REPORT: Walked the length of the tailrace, water was low and clear but didn't see any fish at all.

thanks to aoj for that report
 

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  5/4
REGION:  Matsu Valley
WATER:  Kepler-Bradley SRA
SPECIES:  Rainbows

REPORT: Went to Echo Lake yesterday and today. Good fishing yesterday. The cloudy skies I think prevented the same today. Yesterday the trout were hitting anything that flashed. I used 1/8 oz spinners in bronze and silver and caught my limit. Nothing huge but good table fare. Worked the lee side of the lake using waders to get at the good cover.

Loberg Lake wasn't as productive, but the lilies are already starting to break the surface. Lots of ducks.

Tight lines.
 

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 07, 2008 

Northern Cook Inlet Management Area

Week of May 7 to May 13

Issued May 7, 2008

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• At this time, there are no Emergency Orders in effect for this area.

• The 2008 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet is now available at most vendors and any Fish & Game office. Remember, it is your responsibility to check the 2008 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary before going fishing.

• Anglers are reminded that flowing waters in the Palmer-Wasilla Zone are CLOSED to all fishing until June 15.

• Many flowing waters along the Parks Highway are catch and release only for rainbows until June 15.

• Alexander Creek and all waters within a ½ mile radius of the mouth are closed to king salmon fishing.

• Anglers are reminded that fishing for king salmon on the Deshka River is open for the first 17 miles of river only. The daily limit is one king per day and two in possession. Fishing is only allowed between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Bait is allowed beginning May 15.

• Before fishing for king salmon, remember most anglers must also purchase a king stamp. All king salmon 20 inches or longer harvested must be recorded immediately on the back of your fishing license, or a harvest record card if under 16 or in possession of a permanent license.

Fresh waters

Salmon

• The Susitna River is at least a week late breaking up this year, meaning the Susitna is not navigable at present. Boaters should check conditions thoroughly before planning a trip.

• Early king salmon fishing normally commences around mid May. Early kings can be targeted at the Little Susitna and Deshka Rivers.

• No kings have been reported caught in the Eklutna Power Plant Tailrace, but a few should start trickling in any day now. The gate to the parking area is now open.

Trout, Dolly Varden, Grayling

• The mouths of the Parks Highway streams from Willow Creek and streams to the north should provide some action for Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, and perhaps an occasional early King Salmon.

Northern Pike

• As lake ice recedes, northern pike may be found in shallow grassy waters where they are spawning.

• Anglers may retain as many pike as they catch— there is no bag or possession limit (Alexander Lake is the only exception to this regulation).

• For road-accessible pike fishing try the Nancy Lake Recreation Area lakes, Prator and Memory lakes. Call Alaska State Parks in Palmer at (907) 745-3975 for updates on which of the Mat-Su Valley lakes are ice-free.

Lake Fishing

• The “2008 Mat-Su Valley Lake Fishing Forecast,” which provides information on lake access and fishing hotspots is available at the Palmer and Anchorage Fish and Game offices, as well as on our web pages under “Publications.”

• Echo and Kepler/Bradley lakes are open, Finger Lake along with a myriad of other lakes are now partially open. Fishing should be good to excellent in most Valley lakes.

• For a wide variety of fish, try Finger Lake. It has been stocked with Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, Arctic Char, Landlocked King Salmon, and Landlocked Silver Salmon.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 13, 2008 

Northern Cook Inlet area

Week of May 14 to May 20

Issued May 13, 2008

 

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• At this time, there are no Emergency Orders in effect for this area.

• The 2008 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary book is now available at most vendors and any Fish & Game office. Remember, it is your responsibility to check the 2008 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary before going fishing.

• Anglers are reminded that flowing waters in the Palmer-Wasilla Zone are CLOSED to all fishing until June 15.

• Many flowing waters along the Parks Highway are catch and release only for rainbows until June 15.

• Alexander Creek and all waters within a ½ mile radius of the mouth are closed to king salmon fishing.

• Anglers are reminded that fishing for king salmon on the Deshka River is open for the first 17 miles of river only. The daily limits are one king per day and two in possession. Fishing is only allowed between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Bait is allowed beginning May 15.

• Before fishing for king salmon, remember most anglers must also purchase a king stamp. All king salmon 20 inches or longer harvested must be recorded immediately on the back of your fishing license, on a harvest record card if under 16 or in possession of a permanent license.

Fresh waters

Salmon

• The Susitna River is mostly free of ice. Boaters should check conditions thoroughly before planning a trip and proceed cautiously when launching and navigating the Susitna.

• Early king salmon fishing normally commences around mid May. Early kings can be targeted at the Little Susitna and Deshka Rivers. It is still a little early but you might get lucky!

• No kings have been reported caught in the Eklutna Power Plant Tailrace, but a few should start trickling in any day now. The gate to the parking area is now open. Don’t expect good fishing until the end of May.

Trout, Dolly Varden, Grayling

• The mouths of the Parks Highway streams from Willow Creek and streams to the north should provide some action for Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, and perhaps an occasional early King Salmon. Rainbows are starting to move around as waters rise and warm. Try the mouths and lower sections of these streams.

• Reminder, Deception Creek is closed to all fishing until June 14th. Northern Pike • Northern pike may be found in shallow grassy waters where they are spawning.

• Anglers may retain as many pike as they catch— there is no bag or possession limit (Alexander Lake is the only exception to this regulation).

• For road-accessible pike fishing try the Nancy Lake Recreation Area lakes, Prator and Memory lakes. Call Alaska State Parks in Palmer at (907) 745-3975 for updates on which of the Mat-Su Valley lakes are ice-free.

Lake Fishing

• The “2008 Mat-Su Valley Lake Fishing Forecast,” which provides information on lake access and fishing hotspots is available at the Palmer and Anchorage Fish and Game offices, as well as on our web pages under “Publications.”

• Most of the valley lakes are ice free. Fishing should be good to excellent in most Valley lakes. Lake fishing is an excellent transition back into the summer season for anglers of all ages.

• Excellent grayling fishing was reported at Canoe Lake this week.

• Good rainbow fishing on Long Lake (Kepler/Bradley Complex). Only unbaited, single hook artificial lure allowed, and no retention of rainbow trout is allowed.

• The stocking truck has been busy this week. Recently stocked lakes include: Loberg, Canoe, Irene, Kepler/Bradley, Echo, and Knik!

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 20, 2008 

Northern Cook Inlet area

Week of May 21 to May 27

Issued May 20, 2008

 

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• At this time, there are no Emergency Orders in effect for this area.

• Anglers are reminded that flowing waters in the Palmer-Wasilla Zone are CLOSED to all fishing until June 15.

• Many flowing waters along the Parks Highway are catch and release only for rainbows until June 15.

• Alexander Creek and all waters within a ½ mile radius of the mouth are closed to king salmon fishing.

• Anglers are reminded that fishing for king salmon on the Deshka River is open for the first 17 miles of river only. The daily limits are one king per day and two in possession. Fishing is only allowed between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Bait is allowed beginning May 15.

• Before fishing for king salmon, remember most anglers must also purchase a king stamp. All king salmon 20 inches or longer harvested must be recorded immediately on the back of your fishing license, on a harvest record card if under 16 or in possession of a permanent license.

Fresh waters

Salmon

• The Susitna River is free of ice. Boaters should check conditions thoroughly before planning a trip and proceed cautiously when launching and navigating the Susitna.

• A few kings have been reported caught on the Deshka River, fishing should start to pick up by this weekend, but will be fair at best.

• Anglers have also been king fishing on the Little Susitna. No kings have been reported caught yet.

• One king salmon was reported from the Eklutna Tailrace this week. Fishing should be good at the Tailrace by the end May.

• On the west side of Cook Inlet, a few kings should be showing up in the Chuit, Theodore, and Lewis Rivers. Remember, the Theodore and Lewis rivers are catch-and –release only for king salmon.

Trout, Dolly Varden, Grayling

• The mouths of the Parks Highway streams from Willow Creek and streams to the north should provide some action for Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, and perhaps an occasional early King Salmon. Rainbows are starting to move around as waters rise and warm. Try the mouths and lower sections of these streams.

• Reminder, Deception Creek is closed to all fishing until June 14th.

Northern Pike

• Northern pike may be found in shallow grassy waters where they are spawning.

• Anglers may retain as many pike as they catch— there is no bag or possession limit (Alexander Lake is the only exception to this regulation). Reports of big pike at Alexander Lake!

• For road-accessible pike fishing try the Nancy Lake Recreation Area lakes, Prator and Memory lakes. Call Alaska State Parks in Palmer at (907) 745-3975 for updates on which of the Mat-Su Valley lakes are ice-free.

Lake Fishing

• The “2008 Mat-Su Valley Lake Fishing Forecast,” which provides information on lake access and fishing hotspots is available at the Palmer and Anchorage Fish and Game offices, as well as on our web pages under “Publications.”

• Fishing should be good to excellent in most Valley lakes. Lake fishing is an excellent transition back into the summer season for anglers of all ages.

• Grayling fishing remains excellent at Canoe Lake.

• Big Lake and Big Beaver lake fishing reported good to excellent for rainbows.

• Good rainbow fishing on Long Lake (Kepler/Bradley Complex). Only unbaited, single hook artificial lure allowed, and no retention of rainbow trout is allowed.

• Recently stocked lakes include: Loberg, Canoe, Irene, Kepler/Bradley, Echo, Matanuska, and Knik!

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  5/22
REGION:  Matsu Valley
WATER:  Little Su
SPECIES:  Kings

REPORT: We had no luck today, heard 3 fish where caught.
 

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  5/23
REGION:  Matsu Valley
WATER:  Nancy Lake
SPECIES:  Pike

REPORT: No lure in my arsenal worked. Herring on a bobber worked. Forgot how much fun that is to watch your bobber get towed around before they take it under. Lost a lot due to early hook set and fighting through weeds. Caught 6. My dad lost the biggest one, about 8lbs, in the prop. My fault for not getting it out of the way. Shallow bays are as good as weed beds. We found them in both.
 

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 27, 2008 

Northern Cook Inlet area

Week of May 27 to June 3

Issued May 27, 2008

 

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• At this time, there are no Emergency Orders in effect for this area.

• Anglers are reminded that flowing waters in the Palmer-Wasilla Zone are CLOSED to all fishing until June 15.

• Many flowing waters along the Parks Highway are catch and release only for rainbows until June 15.

• Alexander Creek and all waters within a ½ mile radius of the mouth are closed to king salmon fishing.

• Anglers are reminded that fishing for king salmon on the Deshka River is open for the first 17 miles of river only. The daily limits are one king per day and two in possession. Fishing is only allowed between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Bait is allowed beginning May 15.

• Before fishing for king salmon, remember most anglers must also purchase a king stamp. All king salmon 20 inches or longer harvested must be recorded immediately on the back of your fishing license, on a harvest record card if under 16 or in possession of a permanent license.

Fresh waters

Salmon

• Kings have been reported on the Deshka River; fishing should start to pick up by this weekend, but will still be fair.

• King salmon have been caught on the Little Susitna River; fishing has been slow near the Little Susitna Public Use Facility.

• King salmon will not show up in large numbers in Willow Creek and other Parks Highway systems until mid-June, although a few have been reported out of the Kashwitna River.

• Expect slow fishing at the Eklutna Tailrace for king salmon until the first week in June.

• On the west side of Cook Inlet, kings are showing up in the Chuit, Theodore, and Lewis Rivers. Remember, the Theodore and Lewis rivers are catch-and –release only for king salmon.

Trout, Dolly Varden, Grayling

• The mouths of the Parks Highway streams from Willow Creek and streams to the north should provide some action for Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, and perhaps an occasional early King Salmon.

• Reminder, Deception Creek is closed to all fishing until June 14th.

Northern Pike

• Pike fishing should be excellent in early June.

• Anglers may retain as many pike as they catch— there is no bag or possession limit (Alexander Lake is the only exception to this regulation). Reports of big pike at Alexander Lake!

• For road-accessible pike fishing try the Nancy Lake Recreation Area lakes, Prator, Long Lake near Willow, and Memory Lake.

Lake Fishing

• The “2008 Mat-Su Valley Lake Fishing Forecast,” which provides information on lake access and fishing hotspots is available at the Palmer and Anchorage Fish and Game offices, as well as on our web pages under “Publications.”

• Fishing should be good to excellent in most Valley lakes. Lake fishing is an excellent transition back into the summer season for anglers of all ages.

• Recently stocked lakes include: Loberg, Canoe, Irene, Kepler/Bradley, Echo, Matanuska, Loberg, Long (mile 86), Ravine, and Miers.

Personal Use

• The Susitna River hooligan run should remain good through this weekend. The hooligan seem to be holding in the lower Susitna and lower Yentna.

• You must have in your possession a 2008 Alaskan resident sport fishing license (or ADF&G senior license or ADF&G Disabled Veteran’s license) in order to catch hooligan. You may take as many hooligan as you will use

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for July 01, 2008 Mat-Su Area EOs
2-KS-2-08-08
 
 

Northern Cook Inlet area

Week of July 1 to July 8

Issued July 1, 2008

 

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• West Cook Inlet king salmon fisheries such as the Chuit, Lewis, and Theodore rivers are now closed to king salmon fishing by regulation.

• An emergency order has been issued closing the Deshka River to fishing for king salmon. The area affected by this closure includes the first 17 miles of river and within ½ mile radius of the mouth. In addition, the use of bait in these waters continues to be prohibited in this emergency order.

• Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, and Montana creeks and the rest of the Susitna River Unit 2 streams are now closed to all fishing during the weekdays. They are open to fishing for one more weekend, July 5 – July 7, from 12:01 a.m. Saturday through 11:59 p.m. Monday. This weekend’s fishery could be restricted by emergency order if a survey conducted by the department midweek results in very low numbers of king salmon.

• Anglers are reminded that Willow Creek above the Parks Highway is closed to king salmon fishing.

• The East Fork Chulitna River (including only the first ¼ mile of Honolulu Creek) is open to king salmon fishing continuously through July 13; however, kings may be kept only on three weekends: June 21 – 23, June 28 - 30, and July 5 – 7. A weekend is 12:01 a.m. Saturday through 11:59 p.m. Monday. During the weekdays, only catch-and-release fishing is allowed. This is a single hook area. A single hook has only one point, with or without barb.

• Alexander Creek and all waters within a ½ mile radius of the mouth are closed to king salmon fishing.

Fresh waters

Salmon

• King salmon fishing on the Little Susitna River is expected to be poor to fair this week.

• King fishing on the Parks Highway streams of Willow, Sheep, and Caswell creeks, the Kashwitna River, and Montana, Rabideux, and Sunshine creeks is expected to be slow to moderate this weekend.

• Fishing on the Talkeetna River has been good.

• King salmon fishing at the Eklutna Tailrace has been slow. Try fishing a vibrax or eggs early in the morning.

• King salmon fishing at Lake Creek and the Talachulitna River should be fair to good this week. Also, try fishing some of the smaller tributaries and sloughs off the Yentna River such as Fish Lakes Creek, Moose Creek, Indian Creek, Fish Creek, or Hewitt Creek.

Trout, Dolly Varden, Grayling

• Fishing for rainbow trout on Parks Highway streams from Willow Creek north is excellent. Fishing for Dolly Varden and Arctic grayling should be fair.

Northern Pike

• Pike can be taken using spears, bow and arrow (the arrow must be attached to the bow by a line) bait, spin, and fly-fishing. Try top water weedless lures and flies in the heavily vegetated bays and sloughs. Herring suspended under a bobber is a sure fire bet.

• Anglers may retain as many pike as they catch— there is no bag or possession limit (Alexander Lake is the only exception to this regulation).

• For road-accessible pike fishing, try Nancy Lake and other lakes of the Nancy Lake Recreation Area, Long Lake near Willow, Memory and Prator lakes.

• Boat-accessible pike fishing can be found in the side sloughs of the Deshka River, Alexander Creek, Fish Creek (Kroto Slough) and in Hewitt Lake.

• For fly-in pike fishing try Alexander, Eightmile, Trapper, Flathorn and Sucker lakes.

Lake Fishing

• The “2008 Mat-Su Valley Lake Fishing Forecast,” which provides information on lake access and fishing hot spots is available at the Palmer and Anchorage Fish and Game offices, as well as on our web pages under “Publications.”

• Fishing should be good to excellent in most Valley lakes. For a wide variety of fish, try Finger Lake.

• For rainbow trout try Loon, Diamond, Irene, Lynne, Knik, Loberg, and Kalmbach lakes.

• For Arctic Char try Benka, Echo, Long (Mile 86 Glenn Hwy.), Marion, Memory and Seventeenmile lakes.

• For Arctic grayling, try Canoe, Florence, Lower Bonnie, Meirs and Weiner lakes.

• Recently stocked lakes include: Long Lake (mile 86), Meirs, Ravine, Memory, Rocky, and Bruce lakes

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  7/8
REGION:  Matsu Valley
WATER:  Montana & Sheep Creek/Parks Highway
SPECIES:  Kings

REPORT: The fishing weekend was crazy as expected. On Friday the water was still low and the Kings were holding up at the mouth of Montana. When the rain started the water came up 6 inches and the fish started to move upstream and never slowed down. By Monday night there were several hundred Kings that entered the river and still large numbers of fish holding at the mouth and rising in the big water of the Susitna.

Friday night was a zoo. People with fireworks, drunk people with guns and a lot of fishing violators. If you see a fishing violation and it is important to you call the Alaska State Troopers at 352-5401 which is the 24 hour dispatch line in Wasilla. Your call is important!!! If you don't call then they don't know who is doing what and where it is happening. Step up, take some responsibility and help out by calling. Most people will call when they see a stupid driver, but people never call when they see fish and game violations. If you really, really want to help, apply to the Alaska State Troopers. If interested you can call 733-2256. This is the Talkeetna Post of the Alaska State Troopers.
 

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for July 16, 2008 Mat-Su Area EOs
2-KS-2-08-08
 
 

Northern Cook Inlet

Week of July 16 to July 23

Issued July 16, 2008

Emergency Orders and Regulation Changes

• King salmon fishing closed for all northern and western Cook Inlet area waters, except for the Eklutna Tailrace, on July 13.

• Many waters are catch-and-release only for rainbow trout and Arctic grayling, and some waters are closed to fishing for salmon. Please read the regulations carefully.

• Anglers are reminded that bait is not allowed on the Little Susitna River until August 6, and the daily bag and possession limit for silver salmon is two fish.

• Wasilla Creek and Cottonwood Creek are weekend-only fisheries, 6:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Wasilla Creek is open to fishing for salmon, other than king salmon, from its mouth upstream to the Alaska Railroad bridge; and Cottonwood Creek from its mouth upstream one mile. Motorized watercraft may not be used on Wasilla Creek on Saturday and Sundays, July 15 - August 15.

Salmon

• A few silver salmon are beginning to arrive in Northern Cook Inlet streams, though it is still early in the season.

• Fishing at the Eklutna Tailrace remains slow; king salmon fishing will remain open until December 31, bait and multiple hooks are allowed for both king and silver salmon. Try fishing a vibrax or eggs early in the morning.

• Silver and sockeye (red) salmon are beginning to show up at Jim Creek in small numbers.

• Very small numbers of silvers are entering the Deshka River and Alexander Creek. As of July 16, the Deshka weir had passed only four silver salmon.

• On the west side of Cook Inlet, silver salmon are entering the Chuit and Theodore rivers. Once you take your limit of silver salmon in this area you must stop fishing for the day.

• A few silver salmon and chum salmon may be showing up in Willow Creek.

• No sockeye or silver salmon have been reported at the mouth of Cottonwood Creek.

• The return of sockeye salmon to Fish Creek is very slow. It is likely that Fish Creek will not open to dipnetting this year.

• Silver salmon should start showing in Wasilla Creek/Rabbit Slough soon.

Resident Fish

• Resident rainbow trout and Arctic grayling fishing on the Parks Highway streams from Willow Creek north should remain good.

• Remember that a portion of Willow Creek and the entire Montana Creek drainage are catch-and-release only. Only unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures are allowed upstream of the Parks Highway.

Lake Fishing

• Lake fishing continues to be good. For rainbow trout, try Big Beaver, Beverly, Canoe, Diamond, Matanuska, Ravine, and South Friend lakes.

• For Arctic grayling try Canoe, Florence, Lorraine, Lower Bonnie, Mile 180, and Weiner lakes.

• Benka, Echo, Irene, Matanuska, Memory, and Seventeenmile lakes are all stocked with Arctic char.

• For landlocked salmon, Carpenter, Diamond, Kalmbach, Knik, and Victor lakes are good bets.

Northern Pike

• For road-accessible pike fishing, try any lake in the Nancy Lake canoe system, including Nancy Lake. Memory Lake is also road-accessible and fishing for pike has been good.

• Pike are also present in the lakes, ponds and sloughs of the Susitna River drainage. Boat-accessible locations for pike fishing include the side sloughs of the Deshka River, Alexander Creek, Fish Creek (Kroto Slough) and Hewitt Lake.

• For fly-in fishing try Alexander, Trapper, Hewitt, Whiskey, Vern, and Donkey lakes.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for August 19, 2008
   
Mat-Su Area EOs
2-KS-2-08-08
2-SS-2-26-08

Northern Cook Inlet

Week of August 19 to August 27

Issued August 19, 2008

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• An emergency order issued last week increases silver salmon bag limits to three per day in those waters of the Knik Arm Drainage Area that are open to salmon fishing, excluding Jim Creek. Popular fisheries in the Knik Arm drainage include the Little Susitna River and the weekend-only fisheries of Fish, Cottonwood, and Wasilla (Rabbit Slough) creeks.

• Fish, Cottonwood, and Wasilla Creeks are open Saturday- and Sunday-only from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Salmon

• Silver fishing is fair at the Eklutna Tailrace, with some limits being taken.

• Silver salmon fishing at Jim Creek has been fair to good.

• Silver fishing has been consistently good on the Little Susitna River. Last week’s harvest rates were above average.

• Silver salmon fishing on Alexander Creek has been slow.

• Silver fishing on the Deshka River is fair. Take advantage of any rainy days next week as fishing usually picks up fast on the Deshka this time of year under these conditions.

• Yentna River sloughs and tributaries are producing fair numbers of silvers. Lake Creek was fair last week.

• On the west side of Cook Inlet, silvers are being caught in the Kustatan, Chuit and Theodore rivers.

• Moderate numbers of silver, chum, and pink salmon are being caught along the Parks Highway streams of Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, Caswell, and Montana creeks. For the greatest success, try moving around between spots until you find fish.

• Chum, silver, and pink fishing in the Talkeetna River drainage is good, with limits of salmon reported at the mouth of Clear Creek.

• This week should be a good time to fish Sunshine and Rabideux creeks.

• A few silvers are being caught in Cottonwood and Wasilla creeks.

• Strong numbers of silvers have entered Fish Creek.

Resident Species

• Fall is an excellent time to fish for rainbow trout in most all clear water tributaries of the Susitna River containing salmon.

• Rainbow trout fishing along the Parks Highway streams has been excellent. Remember, only catch-and-release fishing for rainbow trout and grayling is allowed year-round on Montana Creek. On Willow Creek, rainbow trout are catch-and-release-only downstream of the Parks Highway.

Lake Fishing

• With the cooler temperatures of fall approaching, lake fishing should improve. Fish become more active and feed in shallower water.

• In the Palmer/Wasilla area Irene, Kepler-Bradley, Echo, Meirs, and Knik lakes are stocked with rainbow trout. • Further north on the Parks Highway, North Rolly, Rhein, Christiansen, South Friend, and "Y" lakes have rainbow trout.

• Arctic char are stocked in Echo, Long Lake (mile 86), Matanuska, and Seventeenmile lakes. • Along the Glenn Highway northeast of Palmer, Seventeenmile, Long, Ravine, Weiner, and Wishbone lakes all have rainbow trout.

• If it's Arctic grayling you're looking for, try, Canoe, Finger, Meirs, and Lorraine lakes.

Northern Pike

• Pike can be taken using spears, bow and arrow (the arrow must be attached to the bow by a line) bait, spinning, and fly-fishing gear. Try top-water weedless lures, spoons and flies in the heavily vegetated bays and sloughs. Herring suspended under a bobber is a sure-fire bet.

• Except in Alexander Lake, there is no closed season or bag limit for pike in this area. Wanton waste laws do apply, so be sure to use or donate to charity all the pike you harvest.

• For road-accessible pike fishing, try Nancy Lake, Big Lake, Anderson Lake, or lakes in the Nancy Lake Canoe System, such as Phoebe, Little No Luck, South Rolly, Ardaw, Echo, Candlestick, and Red Shirt lakes.

• For fly-in fishing try Alexander, Shell, Hewitt, Trapper, Eight-mile and Sucker lake