Kepler – Bradley Lake Catchable Rainbows Provide Instant Action

Earlier this month I wrote about Alaska Department of FIsh and Game’s (ADF&G) ability to stock larger catchable fish in various fisheries throughout the Matanuska – Susitna Valley.   On Tuesday May 15, I noticed a flurry of activity while driving past Kepler Park on the Glenn Highway, and figured the first of the catchable rainbow trout must have been stocked.   A phone call to the Palmer ADF&G office confirmed that the first 3,000 catchable rainbows had been stocked in Kepler / Bradley Lakes.  It is good to see people out enjoying the outdoors and an opportunity to catch some healthy 10 – 12 inch fish in one of the longest existing Mat-Su Valley stocked fisheries.   According to ADF&G Area Fisheries Biologist, Sam Ivey (who also worked at Kepler Park in his younger years)  the Kepler / Bradley Lake fishery is the 2nd most fished stocked lake fishery in the entire Mat-Su Valley.

The heaviest fished stocked lake in the Mat-Su Valley is Finger Lake — and while it had not yet received a spring stocking when I talked with Ivey on Tuesday, Sam said that it was on the list to receive some of the larger catchable trout this month as well.  There were anglers out fishing Finger Lake when I drove to the lake to test run my boat earlier this month, and I’m sure fat 10 – 12 inch trout will catch angler’s interest in this location as well.

Both Kepler / Bradley Lakes and Finger Lake have improved access sites for anglers to access the fisheries or launch boats out on the lakes.  For more information on fees and available facilities visit http:keplerpark.com for information about Kepler Park or contact Alaska State Parks Finger Lake office at 745-3975.  Anglers may obtain information about additional Mat-Su locations the Department of Fish and Game will be stocking this year by calling the Palmer field office at 746-6300.

Little Susitina River Access

This spring has provided a very early ice break up on the Little Susitna River, with higher than average (but good visibility) water conditions since the ice broke up.   These are the ideal type water conditions for finding early arriving king salmon in the Little Susitna River.  Those who have been following fishing reports on my business website know that I have already made two 100 mile round trips, driving to check out road conditions to the Little Susitna River Public Use Facility Campground and Boat Launch.  Most Little Su salmon fishing occurs from this location, however, on each occasion that I attempted to reach the river, I found road conditions on Little Su Access / Little Susitna River Road, so deplorable, that I turned around (both times) before reaching the river.   Since that time I’ve heard from another interested angler and also from ADF&G’s Sam Ivey, that while road conditions were still rough, the angler and ADF&G staff had driven out to the lower river location.   On Monday of this week I called Alaska State Parks to ask when the road would be graded, and was told Parks hoped to have the road to Little Susitna River Public Use Facility graded before this weekend (May 19 & 20).  I don’t know if the road grading has occurred yet, but getting this annual grading accomplished will provide much improved access to what is usually the 2nd heaviest used fishery for ocean – run salmon in the Mat-Su Borough.   Alaska State Parks office was scheduled to have staff training this week — but those interested in road conditions to lower Little Susitna River they may be able to get an update without driving all the way out to Point Mackenzie area by calling Alaska State Parks at 745-3975.

Early Deshka River King Salmon

I’ve been scout fishing for early king salmon on the Deshka River since May 7, and runninng my first king salmon charters there since May 11.   On Wednesday May 16 one of my guests hooked, the first king salmon of the season from my guide boat while fishing Pautzke Fire Cured salmon roe.  Unfortunately, the salmon managed to shake free from the hook before it could be boated.   Also on that same date a guest in Pat Donelson’s guide boat caught a 21- pound king salmon while casting with a magnum Wiggle Wart.  Another king was caught in a private boat from the Deshka River as well.   These were the first two king salmon of the season known to be taken by the staff at Deshka Landing.   For more information visit the Deshka Landing website at http://www.deshkalanding.com or call Deshka Landing at 495-3374.

Continuing Trout and Grayling Fisheries

As mentioned last week in this column good fishing for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and arctic grayling has been occurring on steams located from Willow north to Talkeetna.   For additional information about these fisheries call Bob Meals of Tri River Charters in Talkeetna at 733-2400, Jeff Boatright / Susitna Landing at 495-7700 or Three Rivers Fly & Tackle in Wasilla at 373-5434.   Weather reports indicate this may be a great weekend to enjoy an early season fishing excursion.

Andy Couch owns and operates Fishtale River Guides www.fish4salmon.com is a Mat-Su Anglers Club member www.matsuanglers.org and member of the Mat – Su Borough Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Mat-Su Anglers FIshing Corner by Andy Couch

Mat-Su Valley Open Water Fishing Begins

While a some hardy anglers have been catching rainbow trout from lower Willow Creek and perhaps a few other early opening patches of water for about 2 weeks, it has only been the past few days that have seen most lakes in the Mat-Su Valley core area near Palmer and Wasilla finally shedding winter’s icy cover. A bit further north near Willow the ice is a somewhat slower coming off the lakes, however, as mentioned earlier catch and release trout fishing is allowed starting at Willow Creek and proceeding north along the Parks Highway.

In addition to the popular fishery through the Willow Creek Recreation Area Park near Willow,  Jeff Boatright told me this week anglers had been catching rainbow trout and arctic grayling out of Susitna Landing Boat Launch, and Bob Meals of Tri River Charters in Talkeetna reported that he’s been dropping anglers off with rafts near the Clear Creek’s confluence with the Talkeetna River.   From the mouth of Clear Creek anglers can take as much time as they want floating and fishing their way back to Talkeetna.  Meals said some of the more experienced anglers have been catching up to 20 fish on that trip.  Most of the fish are Dolly Varden, but anglers also catch rainbow trout and grayling when fishing the Talkeetna.    The fishing opportunity on the Talkeetna River is some of the best of the entire year for char, trout, and grayling.   With the cooler temperatures we’ve been experiencing lately, ice and snow melting along the river occurs on a more delayed basis keeping the river water clear and productive for catching native freshwater species.  The fishery holds up well until warmer temperatures cause enough melting action in the mountains and glaciers upstream that the Talkeetna colors up with sediment.  A return of cooler weather can once again provide cleaner water, but usually, by late May, the best Talkeetna trout fishing is done until the main river waters once again starts to clear with the cooler temperatures of fall.  Like many Mat-Su angling opportunities there are specific times that produce some of the best catches, and this is one of those times for the Talkeetna River.

Lakes for FIshing and Boating

Last week I spread some good news about larger stocked trout, char, and salmon that the Alaska Department of Fish and Game will soon be distributing through out several valley locations.  Also last week I was keeping an eagle eye on Finger Lake, as I waited for the lake ice to melt, so I could launch and make a test run with a new outboard motor on my boat.   I wanted to take the opportunity to make sure everything was in order before launching and heading several miles down stream on the Susitna River.   This past Sunday, Finger Lake was open enough for my boat and motor test run, and I broke in the new motor, discovered the motor was mounted a bit too high for effective operation, and prepared myself for the first river trip of the season.  I also tried trolling a bit around the lake, although there was still enough ice to limit where I could boat on the lake.   As of Tuesday, my friend, Ben Allen reported that most of the ice was gone on Finger Lake, and he had taken a boat and fished nearly all over the lake.   His wife hooked a nice fat char, but lost it near the boat before they had a chance to get a picture. Wednesday night, Ben was off fishing another lake know for large rainbow trout in the Meadow Lakes area of the Valley.

More River Fishing Opportunities

Many Frontiersman readers know that I’m seriously addicted to pursuing large Alaska salmon.  I was finally able to boat to one of the valley’s more well know salmon fishing destinations on Monday.   With two friends I launched at Deshka Landing and headed down the Susitna River to fish the Deshka River for king salmon.   Like usual for this time of year the Susitna River water level was low, but easily navigable in a jet boat or airboat.   We fished between 3 and 4 hours without getting a bite or seeing any fish, but it was enjoyable to be out enjoying the Alaska outdoors.   On the trip down river we stopped and talked with a couple boaters who were having some difficulty along the river, but they assured us they did not need help.

I had attempted to drive to the lower Little Susitna River a couple times including last Saturday, but found the last section of road muddy and rutted so I turned around without reaching the river both times.   I recently heard from another angler that he had driven to the river, so that river fishing opportunity for salmon is also becoming available — although you may want to call Alaska State Parks Finger Lake Headquarters and ask if they’ve graded the driving route to Little Susitna River Public Use Facility before you go.

Wednesday I made another trip over to the Deshka River, this time taking two of my nephews along to fish with me.   We fished longer, but after about 6 hours, had not hooked any early-arriving salmon.   On the trip back to Deshka Landing, we found another pair of boaters drifting down the river while attempting to start and keep their outboard running.   A companion boat had turned around from down river to assist.

Long Off Season

After a long winter, it can be difficult remembering all the aspects of safe boating operation before starting off on the first trip of the season.  In addition to making the initial check run on a lake,  I like to have a list of items — both required by regulations and others required by common sense in order to jump start safe boating practices with each new season.  Already this season I’ve been adding new items to my boat after each trip — and I’ve had the boat out three times.  Take your time, plan ahead, and you should be able to avoid most boating mishaps and misadventures, while enjoying expanded angling opportunities available with a boat.

Andy Couch owns and operates Fishtale River Guides www.fish4salmon.com is a Mat-Su Anglers Club member www.matsuanglers.org and member of the Matanuska – Susitna Borough Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Mat-Su Anglers FIshing Corner by Andy Couch

“Heavyweight” Rainbows Due to Arrive

“The good old days of excellent rainbow trout fishing in the Mat-Su Valley are  only days to weeks away in some of our more popular lakes,” according to Alaska Department of Fish and Game Fisheries Biologist, Samantha Oslund.  “ For the past several years, the largest catchable-sized rainbow trout raised in the Anchorage fish hatchery measured about 8 inches in length.  Those were the big ones.  They weighed about 40 grams on average.  This spring the catchable trout produced by the state’s new warm water hatchery facility in Anchorage is producing catchable rainbow trout that average approximately 100 grams in weight.”

According to Oslund those trout will measure about 10 – 12 inches in length when released, but they are nice fat fish that weigh on average approximately 2 1/2 times as much as the rainbows produced for the last several years in cooler water.   Trout anglers can expect more opportunity to catch the larger trout as soon as they are delivered from the hatchery.   When I talked with Oslund late last week, she had already been out scouting for open water to see which lakes might be some of the first to get batches of the catchable-size trout.   In addition to lakes with early ice break up, the Department puts all, or most ,catchable-sized fish in popular lakes that receive a high volume of angler use.  I tried to stay away from questions about individual lakes, however, Oslund mentioned that Kepler, Bradley, and Echo Lakes would likely be some of the earliest stocked, because of heavy angler use particularly around the Memorial Day weekend.   She mentioned that the state’s stocking plan calls for the lakes to be stocked by May 31, but was hopeful that some of the stocking could be accomplished earlier to provide as much fish-catching opportunity as possible.

Multiple Stockings during Summer

Another stocking concept that Oslund hopes to see utilized in heavier fished Mat-Su lakes during the coming summer fishing season is providing a second stocking of fish sometime near mid-summer (July).   This would not be more fish, but rather fish that were held to a later date before release, to provide  more reliable fish-catching opportunities later in the summer.

Better Char and Grayling as Well

Olsund expect the biggest impact species for summer fishing in the valley to be rainbow trout, but trout are not the only species providing good news.   She also mentioned that catchable-sized Dolly Varden / arctic char should also be larger this year, and the state’s stocking program for arctic grayling may start planting larger fish with a higher survival rate perhaps as early as next year.

Don’t Forget Hatchery Salmon

While not as large as the robust salmon smolt raised this year, Olsund was encouraged, nonetheless, by the size of both coho and chinook salmon smolt released to run to the ocean from Mat-Su valley locations last year.   She expects some of those coho to return to the Eklutna Tailrace this year, and additional small young chinook salmon should result at the same location in 2013.    The more robust-sized salmon smolt scheduled to be released in 2012 should produce even larger returns of both coho and chinook salmon in future years.

Mat-Su Angler’s Meeting

The club’s monthly meeting on Thursday May 10 from 7 – 9 p.m. has been relocated to occur at Sportsman’s Warehouse in Wasilla in the store’s back meeting room.  Howard Delo is scheduled to speak about 2012 Mat-Su salmon fishing regulation changes, and Katherine Inman will also be soliciting support to help with an educational effort to improve water quality in Big Lake.   The effort will be focused around the Memorial Day Weekend.

Contact Mat-Su Angler’s Club’s new President, Steve Totten at 354-4141 for additional meeting questions or  information.  Club members and the public are both invited to attend.

Andy Couch owns and operates Fishtale River Guides www.fish4salmon.com is a Mat-Su Anglers Club member www.matsuanglers.org and member of the Matanuska – Susitna Borough Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Mat-Su Anglers FIshing Corner by Andy Couch

Parks Highway Trout Fishing Improves with falling Water Levels

When I asked 3 RIvers Fly & Tackle owner, Mike Hudson, what was happening fishing wise in the Mat-Su Valley this week, he immediately mentioned good trout fishing on the streams along the Parks Highway that drain into the Susitna River.   Specific streams Mike mentioned as producing well were 1.  Willow Creek (below the Parks Highway),  2.  Little Willow Creek ( a good float from the Parks Highway with a takeout at the Willow Creek Recreation Area) and 3. Sheep Creek.    Hudson also mentioned Montana Creek ( a popular trout angler destination), but said that it had not been producing rainbow trout at its usual prolific rate.    If I were fishing along the Parks Highway streams, I’d keep that thought about Montana Creek in the back of my mind, and might select other locations to try first, however, there is plenty of nice fishing water along Montana Creek, and even with a poor report from earlier in the season, most anglers know that conditions can change rapidly, and I would still expect each of these streams to produce some nice large trout.    Another sleeper stream along the Parks Highway that Mike mentioned was the Kashwitna River, which can be accessed from the Susitna Landing Boat launch (496-7700).  In addition to rainbows the Kashwitna also provides opportunities to catch Dolly Varden and grayling.    A reminder to those who might want to give these streams a try — single hook artificial  lures or flies are required when fishing these waters at this time.   Fishing on these streams is for wild fish, and many anglers choose to fish on a catch and release basis to preserve the resource and provide additional great fishing opportunities in the future.    On some of these streams catch and release is required of all rainbow trout and harvest bag limits are low, so make it a point to read the state fishing regulations for the water you would like to fish — especially when fishing a new location you may not be familiar with.

On Wednesday I talked with Jason Votruba, manager of Deshka Landing.  Jason told me that salmon angler use of the landing was almost over for the season, for instance, he knew of one single party that went out to fish the Deshka River over the Labor Day weekend.   Like Mike Hudson, Jason mentioned that Parks Highway tributary streams to the Susitna River as one of the better fisheries happening right now.  He was planning a trip to fish there himself.  If one ventures to Deshka Landing on a weekend this time of year, there is still a considerable amount of boat traffic through the landing, but much of it is now fall moose hunters, or people that own property or cabins along the lower Susitna or Deshka Rivers.

One Last Trip and Preparing the Boat for Winter

The main purpose of my trip to Deshka Landing was to prepare the guide boat I had at the landing for winter and bring it home for the season.  For those who are done with their boat use for the season now is a good time to do such chores, before the weather grows colder.   A couple easy steps to prepare a boat motor for winter include running some fuel stabilizer through the motor, and changing the old oil so things will be in good shape and ready to go next spring.   While at the landing I launched one last time and took my boat for a ride to run some fuel stabilizer which I’d added to a 6 gallon can of gas through the motor.   After driving all the way to the landing, I convinced myself I should at least take a long enough boat ride to see the Deshka River one more time before calling it a season.   Warning for those still intending to launch out of Deshka Landing: the water is getting low in the normal launch and you may want to use the low water launch off the end of the gravel spit.   I used the normal launch and sucked  some sand through my motor getting over the shallow spot near where the slow launch water connects to the Susitna River.    On my return trip, I avoided sucking sand through my jet unit by gliding in and then killing and lifting my motor as the boat approached and planed over the shallow spot.   Jason Votruba suggested that people may want to go over that particular spot on step.    Once my boat was out on the Susitna River itself, the water was considerably lower than the last time I launched at Deshka Landing (nearly two weeks ago now), but there was plenty of water to run to Deshka River and back with no worry about hitting bottom anywhere with my jet outboard.  After returning to the landing, I pumped a little extra grease through my jet unit in hopes of purging all or at least most of the water from my jet unit in preparation for layup over a long winter.

Where Can I Catch Salmon, Now?

Although I have not guided any salmon fishing charters since the Little Susitna River and Knik Arm streams closed to silver (coho) salmon fishing on August 27, we continue to get a considerable number of calls from people hoping to get in one last salmon fishing trip for the season.   The best silver salmon fishing I’ve heard of lately (although outside the Mat-Su Valley) has been in saltwater near Valdez — and although that should wind down shortly, it still might be a place worth trying for a little longer.   Over the coming weekend I am planning one last trip to visit and fish with a friend who owns a place on the Kenai River.   The water level on the Kenai River is reportedly near flood stage at this time, so the fishing might not be what it normally is for late-run silvers on the Kenai, but we’re planning to give it a try.   As all optimistic anglers know — you can’t catch a fish if you don’t try.

This column likely concludes my regular summer fishing columns for the season  — although if something of Mat-Su angling interest comes up between now and May 2012, I may submit an article or two.

Andy Couch owns and operates Fishtale River Guides www.fish4salmon.com is a Mat-Su Anglers Club member www.matsuanglers.org and member of the Matanuska – Susitna Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Sportsmen’s Committee.

Mat-Su Anglers Fishing Corner by Andy Couch

Mat-Su Fishing Transitions to Trout, Grayling, and Pike

I talked with Bob Meals recently, and he mentioned that Tri River Charters would be running salmon fishing trips through the first week of September up on the Tallkeetna River.  Talking to one of Bob’s guides on August 31, I asked if they were still catching silver salmon, and the answer was yes.   I asked if guests were still catching limits of silver salmon, and the answer was yes as of Monday August 29.  Next, I asked how the fishing would change when regulations required anglers to switch to artificial lures only — something that happens on Susitna River drainage streams starting September 1.  The answer was with all the chums and pink salmon, it would likely be difficult sorting out limits of silver salmon without salmon eggs tempting them to bite.

My experience on the middle portion of the Susitna River drainage last Friday (August 26) was that even with salmon eggs we found very few silver salmon to catch, but lots of chum salmon.  Even on a good silver salmon year, the fishing is usually dropping off rather quickly in many Mat-Su locations by September 1, but on a year with less than average number of silver salmon, the drop off in silver salmon catching has been earlier and will only increase now that bait fishing will not be allowed for silver salmon (or other fish) in a large portion of Mat-Su Valley streams.

Last week the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) issued an emergency order closing all Knik Arm drainage streams except Fish Creek and Eklutna Tailrace to silver salmon fishing on Saturday August 27.

Fortunately the Mat-Su Valley offers good opportunities to catch rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, grayling, and other freshwater species.  ADF&G fisheries biologist Samantha Oslund said a large number of people are now calling the Department about trout fishing options.  Oslund mentioned that in addition to the many streams where wild fish may be caught, there is currently excellent fishing in local stocked lakes.  According to Oslund, fish in some of the lakes grow to sizes that rival big trout caught from the Kenai River, but on the valley lakes, there is much less fishing pressure and little competition, particularly in late summer / early fall.   Oslund expects good to excellent lake fishing success to continue from now until the lakes start to freeze over.

For more information concerning which lakes might offer the type fishing experience you are interested in, including species of fish available, and size of fish available, contact Samantha Oslund with ADF&G at 746-6332 or talk to some of the fishing experts at Sportsman’s Warehouse or 3 Rivers Fly & Tackle in Wasilla.

How Do ADF&G Commercial Managers Assess An Emergency?

On August 6, 2011 ADF&G closed the use of bait for sport fishing for silver (coho) salmon on the Little Susitna River by emergency order.  Little Susitna River is the only Northern District Cook Inlet stream with a coho salmon escapement goal, that also has inseason escapement count, monitored by a weir throughout the run timing.  The ADF&G emergency restriction on the Little Susitna River was based on 1.  ADF&G test netting of low coho abundance out in the Central District of Upper Cook Inlet.  2.  Low numbers of coho salmon caught in the commercial fishery in Upper Cook Inlet (confirming low coho abundance shown in ADF&G test netting).  3.  Low harvest rates of coho salmon in the Little Susitna River sport fishery confirming low coho abundance as measure by the test fishery and commercial catches.     Under the circumstances it seems highly justifiable to restrict the coho fishery.   But why did ADF&G managers make absolutely no adjustment to the continuing Northern District commercial set net fishery also harvesting the same coho salmon?

As mentioned earlier, on August 27 ADF&G additionally closed all sport coho salmon fishing in the Little Susitna River and all other Knik Arm Drainages except Fish Creek (only open 2 days per week, anyway) and Eklutna Tailrace (a hatchery fishery with no need for spawning escapement).  If ADF&G managers deemed it necessary to close even catch and release sport fishing for coho salmon, why did the same Department make absolutely no emergency change to the commercial regulations?    How can the same low escapement numbers be such a drastic situation that all coho sport fishing must be closed, while at the same time those low escapement numbers (according to ADF&G commercial managers) require absolutely no commercial regulatory concern?

Little Susitna River Weir Data

According to ADF&G figures the average midpoint of the Little Susitna River silver salmon escapement past the Little Susitna River weir is August 31.   ADF&G’s Little Susitna River silver salmon escapement count through August 30 is 2,286 silver salmon.  Even if another 200 silvers passed the weir on August 31, the ADF&G projection for the Little Susitna River silver salmon escapement would still be less than 5,000 fish.    5,000 fish is less than half of the Little Susitna River’s minimum escapement goal range.   What are ADF&G commercial managers waiting for?   Do ADF&G commercial managers, for some unknown reason, intend to go under the goal by as large a number as possible?  Can their lack of action be interpreted any other way?  Does ADF&G Commissioner, Cora Campbell, support this disregard for an ADF&G established and Alaska Board of Fisheries confirmed salmon spawning escapement goal?

Ongoing Problem — Stock of Concern Status?

If ADF&G fails to attain the Little Susitna River coho salmon spawning escapement goal in 2011 it will be the third year in a row with such dubious distinction.  Does ADF&G have any reason to expect a better escapement in 2012 — if not, Little Susitna River coho salmon would seem to easily qualify for Stock of Concern status.  Do ADF&G managers really prefer to notify the Board of FIsheries of that status change this winter?

Mat-Su Anglers Club News

The Club’s monthly meeting is scheduled for 7 – 9 p.m. on Thursday September 8 at the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla.  The following monthly meeting will be the annual smoked salmon contest at the same time and location on Thursday October 13.  Call Julie Busch at 892-7543 for more information.

Andy Couch owns and operates Fishtale River Guides www.fish4salmon.com is a Mat-Su Anglers Club member www.matsuanglers.org and member of the Matanuska – Susitna Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Sportsmen’s Committee.

Mat-Su Anglers FIshing Corner by Andy Couch

Better Access to Better Mat-Su Fishing

Two weeks ago I wrote a column about the need to upgrade Little Susitna River Road.  To my knowledge it was the only fishing column I’ve written the entire summer to which people submitted comments to the Frontiersman’s online comment section.  One individual expressed a fear I’ve heard over the years, that better access could lead to more use by sport anglers — and therefore more participants could result in poorer fishing. This individual closed his comment with the following quote, “ I’d rather have better fishing than a better road.”

After a season in which several Mat-Su Valley king salmon sport fisheries saw new restrictions, yet most Mat-Su streams with Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) established escapement goals failed to meet minimum king salmon escapement goal levels, and after a season in which the Little Susitna RIver coho salmon fishery was closed to bait fishing on August 6, yet attainment of ADF&G’s Little Susitna River coho salmon spawning escapement goal remains highly questionable as of August 24, I believe most Valley anglers, guides, and others with a stake in Mat-Su Valley fishing economics strongly agree, ALL would like to see better fishing.

But why not ask for both better Mat-Su Valley sport fishing AND better public access to those fisheries?

For decades I’ve heard people express the idea they might favor a poor road to the lower Little Susinta River, because it could keep others from using the public campground, public boat launch, and public salmon fishery located there.  To which I answer, shouldn’t the whole public be allowed to access the public resource on a road that measures up to state standards?

Still some folks maintain an irrational thought that a poor driving route to Little Susitna River may magically keep substantial numbers of other individuals from accessing this public fishery during peak fishing periods.  For a quick reality check, visit Little Susitna River Public Use Facility at about 7 a.m. on August 6 (the normal opening day for bait fishing) –  Good luck finding a camping or parking spot, and bring your own rock to stand on!

As I’ve mentioned previously in this column, and as supported by ADF&G data, Little Susitna River has (for more than 30 years) been the premier coho salmon sport fishing destination in the entire Mat-Su Valley.  In addition, for public boaters there are only 4 large well-maintained boat launches in close proximity to prime Mat-Su salmon fisheries.  These sites are:  1. Deshka Landing.  2. Little Susitna River Pubic Use Facility.  3. Talkeetna Boat Launch.   4.  Susitna Landing.    WIth this shortage of boating access to highly-in-demand salmon fisheries, even a poor road to the premier coho fishery closest to Mat-Su’s core population center will NOT keep large numbers of sport anglers from accessing the public resource.

To my way of thinking, all poor driving conditions along Ayrshire Road and Little Susitna River Road to the Little Susinta River Public Use Facility really accomplish is ruining good vehicles before their time, maintaining a state of substandard, and therefore, unsafe driving conditions, and keeping some portion of the public from accessing the public resource during off-peak periods.  What advantage is there to any of this?

More Public Demand Leads to Better Fishing

In my humble opinion, we will only get better fishing for more people in the Mat-
Su Valley, AFTER a significant portion of Mat-Su anglers and business people start making their wishes known to those who make such decisions.   This includes discussing specific ideas with Mat-Su legislators, ADF&G managers, and Alaska Board of Fisheries members on an ongoing basis.  Like gaining substantial improvements to the driving route to Little Susitna River Public Use Facility, the route to consistently better Mat-Su Valley fishing will take a concerted effort over time, and will only be accomplished when enough advocates step up to the challenge.

Personal Invitation to Express Your Thoughts

If you read this far, you’ve taken some time to consider my thoughts — It would be interesting to know what others think.  Comments, Anyone?

Andy Couch owns and operates Fishtale River Guides www.fish4salmon.com is a Mat-Su Anglers Club member www.matsuanglers.org and member of the Matanuska – Susitna Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Sportsmen’s Committee.

Mat-Su Anglers FIshing Corner by Andy Couch

Catching High Water Salmon

In the past couple weeks, river water levels have been at or near flood stage on both the Deshka and Little Susitna River for multiple days.   Our most recent rains are once again raising water levels and turning the water dark with sediment.  Such fishing conditions can prove challenging.  Many anglers simply head to their favorite hole and give it a go.   Others have driven all the way out to the Little Susitna River (over a road that feels like a mine field) took a look at the river, and driven away without even wetting a line.

Here are 3 ideas I use to catch high water salmon.   1.  Look for slower water.   When the river comes way up, current speed through some of my favorite holes is so fast that my charter guests catch extremely few or no salmon in some of those “hot” spots.   There are slower places in the river, however, some of which we fish only when the water is high or extremely high, that can be quite productive.  When water levels get crazy high most of my fishing may be done in a very few spots.   Sloughs and back eddies can provide an opportunity for salmon to rest out of the main current and away from debris that is often carried down river by high water.   2.  Use bait or large brightly colored lures to provide extra attraction in muddy-colored water.   Bait of course provides a scent trail the salmon can follow to your offering — even if it is difficult for them to see more than a foot away in the water.  Larger brightly-colored lures provide more flash in the muddy water, and often sink better to get down in faster than normal currents.  3. Present your lure or bait in a SLOW manner.  Since the fish can only see your lure or bait for a very short distance it pays great dividends to slow your presentation down and give the fish an opportunity to grab your offering before it once again disappears into the the murky water.   Where bait is legal this can mean stationary  fishing by anchoring with a heavy weight.   With lures, anglers also sometimes anchor a boat above a hole and let their lures work in the current below the boat in a somewhat stationary manner.   Back trolling in a slow manner is also worth a try.  When casting lures, either from a boat or from the bank, I’ve found that casting straight out or slightly down river, and then reeling only fast enough to keep the lure working usually works best.  4.  My bonus tip for those that have read this far is to target clear water areas when possible.  Most of the time this would be tributary streams of even a very small nature that might create a clearer water pool where they join larger higher and muddier waters.  During periods of high water, salmon sometimes pack into these little pockets, and if the fish don’t become spooked by fishing pressure, an entire group’s limit of fish may be taken from one very small clear water pocket.

Mat-Su and Cook Inlet Coho Salmon Management Challenges

For any who may not have heard, the Little Susitna River from the Parks Highway down to its mouth has been restricted to fishing with artificial lures only, in an effort by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) to attain sufficient coho salmon spawning escapement numbers.  In an earlier phone conversation I had with ADF&G manager, Sam Ivey,  he mentioned the possibilities of either reopening the Little Susitna River to bait fishing if enough coho salmon showed up, or extending restrictions to other Knik Arm and / or Susitna River tributary streams if coho numbers continued to be low.  According to an e-mail I received from Ivey on August 17, all of the Department’s measurements of coho salmon both in Northern Cook Inlet and the broader entire Upper Cook Inlet continue to indicate low abundances of coho salmon.  In addition, Ivey mentioned his hesitancy to use the Little Susitna River weir (located above the Parks Highway) as a reliable coho abundance indicator until some time around August 25.  To once again open the Little Su to bait fishing at that time, Ivey indicated he would want to see approximately 4,000 or more coho through the weir.  Even if such numbers of coho were to make it past the weir by August 25, that would leave extremely little fishing opportunity for anglers to successfully fish bait in the lower river, where most of the coho fishing effort occurs.  The coho run in the lower river usually starts tapering off rapidly by late August, and from my experience, even on years of great abundance, it becomes difficult to catch bright ocean-fresh coho after September 10.  In both 2009 and 2010 we ran out of catchable numbers of coho in the lower Little Susitna River in late August.

Will we see additional coho restrictions on other Mat-Su streams?  When the manager mentions that all of ADF&G Upper Cook Inlet coho abundance indicators show low numbers of fish, it causes some anglers to wonder, when coho restrictions will occur on streams in addition to the Little Susinta River?  The bait restriction on the Little Susitna undoubtedly has caused some anglers to shift their efforts to streams where bait fishing remains open. If coho abundances are low on these other streams, shouldn’t it be expected, on the more heavily fished streams, that extra fishing effort could decrease already lower than optimal numbers of coho spawning escapements to these streams as well?

Bottom line, if you are considering taking additional opportunities to catch coho (silver) salmon in 2011, I would suggest fishing sooner rather than later, for the simple reasons that the run may drop off later, and anglers who wait could also see additional fishing restrictions later in the season.

Andy Couch owns and operates Fishtale River Guides www.fish4salmon.com is a Mat-Su Anglers Club member www.matsuanglers.org and member of the Matanuska – Susitna Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Sportsmen’s Committee.

Mat-Su Anglers FIshing Corner by Andy Couch

Time to Upgrade Little Susitna River Road

If my recollection serves me correctly it was about the mid-1980‘s when the Little Susitna River Public Use Facility Boat Launch and Campground was built using Department of Fish and Game access funds on the lower Little Susitna River. About that same time Little Su Access Road or Little Susitna River Road, as it is also know, was upgraded from a rutted dirt trail that rarely received any maintenance to a mostly dirt road graded a few times during the May, June, July, August salmon fishing season.

Although only about 4 miles in length, the first couple miles of the road are mostly gravel and fairly well maintained by the State of Alaska on a year-long basis. The remaining portion from the old farm into the Public Use Facility can easily be characterized as mostly dirt that turns into potholes anytime significant rain falls. Rain significant enough to raise the Little Susitna River water level has been falling since the last day of July, and one of my recent nonresident visitors described driving the road as, “ a splash course through mud and potholes.”

At the end of 3 days of driving back and forth to fish the lower Little Susitna River, this visitor’s rental vehicle looked like he had taken it mud bogging. How does this reflect on the Matanuska – Susitna Valley as a travel destination? Should this be what it takes to visit the area’s most heavily used coho salmon fishery? Why has the road not been upgraded to match the million-plus dollar campground and boat launch facility at it’s end?

It is interesting how certain state projects, like the old Point Mackenzie Farm Project, received millions of dollars in funding to upgrade roads throughout the area, including Little Susitna River Road — as far as the last farm. In this case, for the sake of one farm, the state upgraded and currently maintains approximately half the length of Little Susitna River Road on a year-long basis. Those who have driven the road on a regular basis know that very little of the traffic along the road goes to that farm. Most of the vehicle traffic goes on to the Little Susitna River Public Use Facility where the road provides one of the best access sites to the Susitna Flats State Game Refuge. The road is used primarily by salmon anglers and fishing guides, but also significantly by big and small game hunters, river floaters, campers, and State Parks employees who work at the facility. Are there any Mat-Su Valley politicians willing to prioritize working towards upgrading this important 25 year-old mud, dirt, and potholed travel route? Are there any anglers, hunters, business owners, or other users of the Little Susitna River Public Use Facility willing to communicate to their politicians that this is a priority item?

Rain and Water Levels Provide Additional Challenge to Valley Coho Fisheries

Coho salmon abundances throughout the Mat-Su Valley have been lower than normal in 2011, and recent heavy rainfalls have significantly raised and muddied waters of the Little Susitna River, Deshka River, Talkeetna River, and Susitna River tributary streams. In many cases this has lreduced sport angler harvest levels of coho salmon, but anglers have been out fishing in the rain. For some fisheries like the weekend fisheries on lower Wasilla (Rabbit Slough) Cottonwood, and Fish Creeks increased water levels may likely increase silver salmon harvest rates.

Fish Creek Fishery

Mat-Su Anglers Club President, Julie Busch told me last week’s new youth only fishery was well participated in, and that kids seemed to be harvesting good numbers of salmon. Julie’s husband, Greg Busch, attended the event, providing the use of fully rigged club rod and reel outfits for youth’s who did not have gear. According to Julie, Greg had such a good time on Saturday, that he couldn’t wait to go back and help again on Sunday.

The Fish Creek weekend only salmon fishery on the lower end of the creek will open to all members of the public on August 13 and 14, and recent coho salmon numbers traveling through Fish Creek Weir indicate there should be a decent number of fish available to be caught — especially on Saturday morning. Fishing hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Club News

Julie Busch acknowledged that the club has decided to hold it’s annual smoked salmon contest during the October meeting rather than September, so that more people can be involved and participate. For more information on how you can participate in this fun and tasty event contact Julie Busch at 892-7543.

Andy Couch owns and operates Fishtale River Guides www.fish4salmon.com is a Mat-Su Anglers Club member www.matsuanglers.org and member of the Matanuska – Susitna Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Sportsmen’s Committee.

Mat-Su Anglers FIshing Corner by Andy Couch

Low Coho Numbers Trigger Little Susitna River Sport Fishing Restriction

On Wednesday August 3, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game issued an emergency order that will likely restrict fishing to artificial lures only for the remainder of the salmon fishing season on the Little Susinta River.   The fishing area restricted will extend from the Parks HIghway all the way to the river mouth (the entire area open to salmon fishing).   The emergency order contains a caveat that if coho run strength improves, then restrictions to the sport fishery may be rescinded.  Additional restrictions may also occur if there is no increase in coho run strength.  View ADF&G emergency order 2-SS-2-26-11 online with this URL link: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishingSportFishingInfo.R2&year=2011

Little Susitna River is historically the premier coho (silver) salmon fishing of the entire Mat-Su Valley, with high angler participation, high annual coho harvests, and some of the largest coho salmon in the area.   It is good ADF&G is paying attention and making a step down in regulations early enough in the season that angler participation may continue (at least for a while) on this highly valued fishery.  Waiting until later before making a regulation change may have necessitated making a season sport fishing closure rather than allowing sport fishing to continue at a reduced level.  On the evening of August 2, I had the opportunity to talk with ADF&G Area sport fish biologist, Sam Ivey and asked him if the Department was planning any restrictive action on the Deshka River or other Mat-Su Valley coho fisheries as well?

According to Ivey, the Department is closely monitoring Deshka River as well, through the Deshka River weir coho salmon counts – http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/FishCounts/ – and through fishing guide and angler reports.   Although Deshka River coho numbers had been quite low through August 1 (only 687 total coho through the weir at that time) the Deshka weir coho count made a big jump on August 2 when over 2400 coho swam past the weir in one day.   At this time the Department will continue to allow a bait fishery for coho salmon on the Deshka River with a bag limit where anglers can harvest up to 3 coho salmon per day.  However, ADF&G will continue monitoring Deshka River coho salmon escapement levels, as well as Knik Arm coho salmon fisheries, and additional restrictions may also be issued on these systems as the season progresses.

Two of the three coho salmon indexes mentioned in ADF&G’s Little Susinta River emergency order ( offshore ADF&G Upper Cook Inlet test fishery results, and lower than normal commercial coho harvests) indicate that coho salmon run strengths may be significantly  lower than normal on a wide spread basis throughout Upper Cook Inlet.

Sharing of the Conservation Burden

Some sport anglers are already asking questions: If ADF&G data indicates that Upper Cook Inlet coho salmon run strengths may be in jeopardy to the extent that the Department has issued an inseason emergency order restricting the priority sport fish use on one of Upper Cook Inlet’s most important sport coho fisheries, why has the Department enacted ZERO commercial fishery restrictions to provide ANY sharing of the conservation burden by non priority commercial gillnetters?   Why has the Department commercial manager FAILED to ANNOUNCE some reduction in the commercial area, gear, or time allowed to be fished near the mouth of the Little Susitna River — at the very least?

FIsh Creek Youth Fishery

As mentioned previously in this column this fishery will occur for the first time on the weekend of August 6 & 7, 2011, and should provide a good opportunity for youths 15 years and younger to fish and likely catch coho and/or sockeye salmon.  Congratulation to Mat-Su Anglers Club members and club President, Julie Busch for their work in establishing this fishery.  For more information use the following URL Link to the ADF&G news release about this fishery including fishing times, area open, and bag limits: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishingSportFishingInfo.NR&NRID=1531&year=2011

Although coho numbers may be lower than normal, the next couple weeks should  produce peak coho salmon abundances in many Mat-Su Valley fisheries, and the number of fish available still provides fishing action and catches envied by many anglers living in other parts of the United States.  As one Alaskan angler told me, “I put up with long Alaskan winters to enjoy this time of year and coho salmon fishing.”

Andy Couch owns and operates Fishtale River Guides www.fish4salmon.com is a Mat-Su Anglers Club member www.matsuanglers.org and member of the Matanuska – Susitna Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Sportsmen’s Committee.