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Alaska Fishing Reports
2008
2008
Alaska fishing reports and forecasts cover Deshka River and Little Susitna River
king salmon and silver salmon fishing trips in Alaska summer seasons, and winter
ice fishing in Mat-Su Valley lakes road accessible from Anchorage, Palmer, and
Wasilla. Our season fishing forecast is posted first, however, you may skip the
forecast by scrolling down, or clicking fishing
report.
2008 Alaska Salmon Fishing Forecasts
King Salmon - Deshka River Expectations
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) data collected at Deshka River Weir
during 2007 indicates the Deshka River king salmon run will likely be smaller
than last year, however, ADF&G is still expecting a Deshka king salmon return of
over 20,000 fish. Deshka fishermen will be allowed to use bait starting May 15,
but, the daily bag limit for king salmon will likely remain at one fish per day
rather than increasing to two kings daily as it has in the past. We expect the
river to be open on a 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. basis in 2008. Because Deshka River
fishing regulations have been liberalized by ADF&G each of the past several
seasons, and could be adjusted in 2008, we encourage anglers to check current
regulations before fishing Deshka River. For a Deshka River regulation update
call ADF&G at 746-6300.
Little Susitna River King Salmon - Less, but Larger
ADF&G data for the Little Susitna River king salmon fishery is not as good as
that available for the Deshka River, however, I would expect a Little Susitna
king salmon fishery similar to what we’ve seen in past seasons. This river does
not have near as many king salmon as the Deshka, however the average king salmon
caught caught can weigh up to 10 pounds heavier than the average Deshka River
king salmon.
Silver Salmon Forecast - Expect Better Fishing in August
Parent year spawning escapements topped 40,000 fish for coho salmon that should
return to both Deshka and Little Susitna River in 2008. On the other hand we
experienced a large flooding event on both rivers in the fall of 2006 which
could have affected in river survival of juvenile coho salmon. When a huge
return of silver salmon occurs we usually have larger numbers of coho salmon
through out the entire season, however, with uncertainty of how high water may
have affected young salmon that would return this year, I would advise people
with flexibility to schedule silver salmon trips in August (when the bulk of the
salmon are available in the rivers we fish).
Our goal is to post a daily fishing report for each trip I run (when I have
time I may post reports form other guides as well) but if time constraints delay
us from updating for a few days, you can also visit previous year's reports to
see what happened then. Salmon run timing is relatively consistent from year to
year, so that should give you a rough idea of what to expect. Enjoy our 2008
reports.
Viewing: August 2008
August 01, 2008
In the morning I guided 5 people, 4 of whom caught limits of silver salmon, and 1 of whom caught a silver salmon and a couple pink salmon. All of the salmon were caught on #5 Flashtrap Spinners.
I guided an afternoon group of 5 people, each of whom caught a limit of silver salmon on #5 Flashtrap Spinners. Water level remains high, but did drop and clear somewhat.
August 03, 2008
I guided 3 people in the morning, each of whom caught a limit of silver salmon on #5 Flashtrap Spinners. The group also caught a chum salmon and some pink salmon.
In the afternoon I took a group of 3 people and a group of 2 people on short trips and each group caught 1 silver salmon. Fishing was definitely tough in the places I tried in the afternoon, as there were lots of other fishermen fishing the same holes, and there was also lots of boat traffic as each group was constantly searching for a better spot to catch fish.
August 03, 2008
I guided an afternoon group of 4 guests, 3 of whom caught limits of silver salmon, and 1 of whom decided to call it a day and head back early. All the salmon were caught on #5 silver or #5 pink Flashtrap Spinners. There were quite a few boats out on the river, but we found a good hole where there were enough fish that they did not seem to be bothered much by the boat traffic.
August 04, 2008
I guided a morning group of 4 people, each of whom limited on silver salmon caught on #5 Flashtrap Spinners. 1 person also caught a chum salmon. The heaviest fish for the day topped 14 pounds, and all of the silvers were in great shape. Water dropped a bit more, fishing pressure was relatively light in the morning, and there was only a few brief drops of rain.
August 06, 2008
Today was the opening day for bait fishing on the Little Susitna River, and a most wonderful day it was with hundreds of chrome silver salmon harvested by lots of different fishing parties.
All my fishing today was done using Pautzke`s Fire Cured salmon eggs drifted under ESB Bobbers. In the morning I guided 5 anglers who easily caught limits of large chrome silver salmon. In mid-day I took 3 family members who easily limited as well. In later afternoon I guided another group of 4 fishermen who all limited once again on nice chrome silver salmon in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
There is definitely a bumper crop of silver salmon returning to the Little Susitna River and other Mat-Su Valley streams this year.
August 07, 2008
I guided 6 people in the morning who each caught a limit of silver salmon fishing Fire Cured salmon eggs fished under ESB Bobbers. This is one absolutely fun and effective way to fish for silvers -- there is a brief article on this subject located on the Lures and Tackle page of this website.
I fished with another group of 6 family and friends during mid day, and we once again all caught silver salmon drifting the same Fire Cured salmon eggs under ESB Bobbers.
August 08, 2008
I guided a group of 4 people in the morning, each of whom limited on silver salmon caught on Fire Cured salmon eggs drifted under ESB Bobbers. Fishing in the spot I started out was a bit slower than the past couple days, but would rank as excellent, nonetheless.
I guided a mid day group of 6 guests, each of whom caught a limit of silver salmon on Fire Cured salmon eggs drifted under ESB Bobbers. This bait and method we are using to catch silver salmon is working extremely well. I currently have my entire boat available for a Sunday afternoon charter on August 10 if your group of up to 6 people would like to fish with us then give us a call at 907-746-2199.
August 09, 2008
I guided 3 people in the morning who each caught a limit of silver salmon while casting with Flashtrap Spinners, Vibrax Spinners, and Pixie Spoons.
In the afternoon I guided 4 guests, 3 of whom caught limits of silver salmon drifting Fire Cured salmon eggs under ESB Bobbers, and 1 of whom chose to catch his silvers casting spinners.
After plenty of rain today, the water level on Little Susitna River will be going back up, but by fishing our usual high water holes I expect success will remain high.
August 10, 2008
I guided a morning group of 3 guests, each of whom limited on silver salmon caught by drifting Fire Cured salmon eggs under ESB Bobbers. We were working a large group of rolling salmon, but had to coax bites considering the number of fish present. Nonetheless, it did not take long for each person to limit, and we also missed several other bites.
I guided an afternoon group of 2 guests, each of whom quickly limited on silver salmon by drifting Fire Cured salmon eggs under ESB Bobbers.
The silver salmon return on the Little Susitna River continues amazingly strong as measured by the Creel Census index conducted by Alaska State Parks employees for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Considering the extended amount of time this survey has been showing large numbers of silver salmon available, and the extremely high likelyhood that the Little Susitna River silver salmon escapement will significantly surpass the upper end of the Litlte Susitna River escapement goal, how long will it be before the Alaska Department of Fish and Game takes action to raise the Little Susitna River silver salmon limit? The Department is required to manage the return for maximum benefit, and with a run that measures very strong, it is extremely difficult to see how the current 2 coho salmon limit provides near as much benefit as could be gained from the large number of surplus coho available. The Little Susitna River coho season is already approximately half over, so please join me in urging the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to increase the Little Susitna River coho /silver salmon bag limit as soon as possible providing as much opportunity as possible for Alaskans and visitors to benefit from this abundance of a renewable natural resource. Contact local area fisheries manager Dave Rutz at 907-746-6323 in Palmer.
August 11, 2008
How good is silver salmon fishing right now? I fished with a group of 2 guests, and each of us caught a limit of silver salmon using a total of only 7 pieces of bait. We were drifting Fire Cured salmon roe on Gamakatsu Finesse hooks under ESB Bobbers, needless to say it is an extremely deadly combination. I keep asking, how long until Fish and Game raises the silver salmon limit to allow sport anglers a better opportunity to harvest the abundant surplus silver salmon?
August 12, 2008
I guided a group of 4 people in the morning, each of whom caught a limit of silver salmon in about 2 and a half hours of fishing on Fire Cured salmon roe drifted under ESB Bobbers.
I guided an afternoon group of 4 people, each of whom caught a limit of silver salmon in about 3 hours of fishing, once again on Fire Cured salmon roe drifted under ESB Bobbers.
Water was somewhat high and dark colored, but the fish were biting well, and water will likely be dropping tomorrow. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game`s weir located far up the Little Susitna River recorded over 800 silver salmon passing through yesterday, this was the largest escapement swimming through the weir by August 11, that I could find on record with the weir located at that location. Like I`ve been saying for quite a while now, there is an extremely good run of coho salmon returning to the Little Susitna River this year, and in my humble opinion the Department of Fish and Game should actively manage the fishery by raising the sport fishing limit for silver salmon.
August 13, 2008
I guided 4 people in the morning who limited on silver salmon caught by drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers.
In the afternoon I guided 4 people who also limited on silver salmon by drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers.
August 14, 2008
Greg Acord and I guided 8 people in the morning, all of whom limited on silver salmon caught by drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under bobbers.
In the afternoon I guided 5 people, each of whom limited on silver salmon once again caught by drifting Fire Cured salmon eggs under ESB Bobbers.
August 15, 2008
I guided 4 people in the morning who limited on silver salmon caught by drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers.
I guided an afternoon group of 6 guests, 4 of whom limited on silver salmon, 1 of whom caught 1 silver salmon and 1 chum salmon, and 1 person who hooked some salmon, but did not manage to land one. All of the salmon were hooked drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers.
Litttle Susitna River silver salmon limit increase to 3 silvers per person tomorrow morning (Saturday August 16) -- it looks like there should be quite a few people out Saturday hoping to take advantage of the increased limit. There was definitely a good number of people out fishing later today.
August 16, 2008
I guided 5 people in the morning, 4 of whom caught an increased silver salmon limit, and 1 of whom caught 1 silver salmon. Most of the salmon were caught fishing Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers, but 1 limit was caught casting a #4 silver and black Flashtrap Spinner.
I guided an afternoon group of 3 experienced anglers who caught a total of 2 silver salmon on Fire Cured salmon roe fished under ESB Bobbers. The river was busy with boats and fishermen, and we had trouble getting many bites.
August 17, 2008
I guided a morning group of 3 guests, each of whom caught a limit of silver salmon. Most of the salmon were caught on Fire Cured salmon roe, which I also soaked in Pautzke`s Nectar and sprikled with Fire Power krill scent. The jazzed up bait seemed to really turn on the silvers. 1 guests also caught an 11 pound silver on an orange #4 Flashtrap Spinner.
In the afternoon I guided 3 people on a trip that needed to be cut short so one of them could catch an airplane. The group hooked at least a dozen salmon, and managed to land 4 silver salmon keepers and 1 snagged silver which we promptly released. Once again, all also the salmon were hooked on my jazzed up Fire Cured salmon roe fished under ESB Bobbers.
August 18, 2008
I guided 5 people in the morning who caught a total of 12 silver salmon. 2 silvers were caught on Flashtrap Spinners and 10 silver salmon were caught drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers.
In the afternoon I guided 3 people who caught 6 silver salmon. 2 silver salmon were caught on #5 Flashtrap Spinners and 4 silver salmon were caught drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers.
August 19, 2008
I guided a morning group of 4 guests who caught 5 silver salmon. 2 silver salmon were caught on Flashtrap Spinners and 3 silver salmon were caught drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers.
I guided an afternoon group of 3 people, each of whom caught a limit of 3 silver salmon. On this trip 1 silver salmon was caught casting with a #5 pink Flashtrap Spinner and 8 silver salmon were caught drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers.
August 20, 2008
I took a much needed day off and did not fish.
August 21, 2008
I guided 3 people in the morning who caught a total of 9 silver salmon, but 1 angler released 2 silvers before keeping his limit, and the other 2 anglers caught 2 silver salmon each. All of the morning fish were caught on Fire Cured salmon roe fished under ESB Bobbers.
In the afternoon I guided 3 guests, each of whom caught a limit of silver salmon on Fire Cured salmon roe fished under ESB Bobbers.
August 22, 2008
I guided a morning group of 4 guests, each of whom limited on silver salmon caught on Borx O` Fire salmon eggs and Fire Cured salmon eggs fished under ESB Bobbers.
I guided an afternoon group of 4 guests who caught 6 silver salmon on Fire Cured salmon eggs and Borx O` Fire salmon eggs drifted under ESB Bobbers.
August 23, 2008
I guided a morning group of 3 people who caught 5 silver salmon on FIre Cured salmon Eggs and Borx O`Fire salmon eggs drifted under ESB Bobbers.
In the afternoon I guided 3 people who cuaght 6 silver salmon on Flashtrap Spinners and Fire Cured salmon roe fished under ESB Bobbers.
August 24, 2008
I guided 3 people, each of whom caught a limit of chrome silver salmon, including one that tipped the scales over 13 pounds. The guests caught all of their salmon on Fire Cured salmon eggs drifted under ESB Bobbers. Water level on the Little Susitna River has been dropping dramatically and the water is also getting quite clear.
August 25, 2008
I guided 5 people today, 3 of whom caught limits of silver salmon, and 2 of whom caught 1 silver salmon each. All of the silver salmon were caught on Fire Cured salmon roe soaked in Pautzke`s Nectar and powdered with Fire Power krill scent. This combination seemed to draw a good number of strikes, some of which we simply did not manage to put in the boat. Water level may have come up slightly with more color as well from recent rain showers.
August 26, 2008
I guided 3 people in the morning, each of whom caught a limit of 3 silver salmon, although 1 of the guests released a small silver and never caught a larger one to replace it. A couple of the salmon were getting a pink blush to them, but the remaining salmon were chrome bright. 1 salmon was caught on a #4 silver and black Flashtrap Spinner, and all other salmon were caught on Fire Cured salmon roe soaked in Pautzke`s Nectar and powdered with Fire Power krill scent.
August 27, 2008
I guided 2 people, each of whom caught a limit of silver salmon using Fire Cured and Borx O`Fire cured salmon eggs drifted under ESB Bobbers. We also casted Flashtrap Spinners for a while, but did not get any bites with the spinners. Water level continues to drop and clear.
A couple of the salmon were colored up a bit, but the remaining fish where nice chrome silver salmon. Many of the holes that were producing earlier in the season don`t seem to have any fish now, but a few spots seem to be producing for us on a daily basis.
August 28, 2008
I guided 2 fishermen in the morning, each of whom caught a limit of chrome silver salmon by drifting Fire Cured and Borx O`Fire cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers.
I guided 2 additional fishermen in the afternoon, who also limited on chrome silver salmon caught on Fire Cured salmon roe fished drifted under ESB Bobbers.
The water level was low and clear, but according to the USGS water chart the lower river should be rising in the next day or two -- most likely from rain showers in the mountains the past 3 days.
August 29, 2008
I guided a group of 4 people in the morning, 2 of whom caught a 3 silver salmon limit, 1 of whom caught 2 silver salmon, and 1 of whom caught 1 silver salmon. 3 of the salmon were caught on spinners, and the remaining and the remaining 6 silvers were caught on Fire Cured salmon roe drifted under ESB Bobbers. I expected the water to come up, and while it did seem to get a bit muddier, the water level remained quite low.
August 30, 2008
I guided a group of 3 fishermen who caught 2 silver salmon on Fire Cured salmon roe fished under ESB Bobbers. There was quite a few boats out on the river before we started fishing today (our trip did not start until 10 a.m.) and we were able to only get a few bites during the trip. The number of silver salmon available is dropping significantly, so it is becoming increasingly important to find fish that have not already been fished over earlier in the day in order to catch fish.
August 31, 2008
I guided 4 people, who caught a total of 4 silver salmon. Each guest managed to catch a salmon with 3 of the silvers caught on #4 silver and black Flashtrap Spinners and 1 silver caught on Fire Cured salmon roe fished under an ESB Bobber. We got a good early start today, and found several small groups of salmon, but experienced difficulty drawing strikes. The number of silver salmon available continues to drop as fish move upstream and less and less salmon are coming to replace those that have moved up. Water level should continue dropping at least through tomorrow, but the weather report is calling for possible rain throughout the coming week.
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