June Alaska Fishing Reports 2021
June is our best month for catching large ocean-run king salmon. This tour is one of our most uniquely Alaskan tours fishing for the official Alaska State Fish and our largest salmon species in the state. Kings are bulldog fighters with both strength and endurance. For those who would like an opportunity to harvest and eat a king salmon (my favorite) the Knik River boat fishery provides that harvest opportunity in a small but scenic setting. For those more interested in the opportunity to fight a larger king salmon in a more remote setting with numerous good fishing holes and less fishing pressure we are providing catch and release king salmon fishing trips to Little Susitna River and Deshka River during the 2021 season. Little Susitna River and Deshka River trips often provide better wildlife viewing opportunities as well. Scroll down for the latest daily report.
June 1, 2020 — I finished writing and submitted my fishing column for the Frontiersman Newspaper Friday June 4, 2021 edition. I have planned to take today and the next two days off.
Call my friends Ben and Amber Allen at (907) 715-1085 if you would like to schedule an Alaska salmon fishing trip on June 2, 3, or 4 to the Deshka River.
June 2, 2021 — day off — will likely not post a fishing report.
June 3, 2021 — day off — not planning to post a fishing report.
June 4, 2021 — I fished with 2 friends in my boat today and we caught 3 king salmon and 1 sockeye salmon.
Saturday June 5 –– I guided an extended family group of 6 people on a warm sunny afternoon. They casted and back trolled some of the better locations along the river, but only saw a few smaller king salmon surface. We were unable to get any fish to bite. Water was at a good level and felt cool to the touch — so water temperature was about idea. During the trip we saw several other groups out boating and fishing, but only saw one other person with a fish on the line. During the trip we saw a bald eagle, arctic terns, and ducks.
Sunday June 6 — I fished at Eklutna Tailrace this morning for about an hour and a half. I casted a #5 Vibrax Spinner the whole time, but did not get any bites or see any fish. There were between 12 – 16 other people fishing while I was at the tailrace and I did not see any of them have any luck either. The water had good clarity and was flowing down the tailrace — there was also an increased flow down the Knik River side- channel, however, water levels were still below what I would consider ideal for bringing salmon up to the tailrace. This is the only area where king salmon harvest is currently allowed in the Mat-Su Valley.
I am hoping to get some work done on a boat trailer today, and perhaps catch up on a few other chores around the house.
Deshka River and Little Susitna River King Salmon — people have been asking when either of these streams MAY open to king salmon harvest. I would not expect king salmon harvest to open any time soon at either of these locations. For the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) to allow harvest at either of these streams stronger numbers of king salmon must show up through the respective Deshka River weir and / or Little Susitna River weir. For a harvest opportunity at Deshka River ADF&G would need to safely project a king salmon escapement of over 9,000 fish past the Deshka River weir — Deshka total count through June 4 is only 452 king salmon. For a king salmon harvest at Little Susitna River ADF&G would need to safely project a king salmon escapement of over 2,000 fish past Little Susitna River weir — Little Susitna total count through June 4 is only 27 king salmon.
Russian River Sockeye Salmon Liberalization— ADF&G installed the Russian River weir on June 4 — no sockeye have been reported through the weir yet. Russian River opens to sockeye salmon harvest on June 11. By emergency order ADF&G is opening the Sanctuary Area downstream of the Russian River at the same time the Russian River opens to fishing at 12:01 am June 11 through July 14.
Monday June 7 — I guided a group of 4 people on a morning trip and one of them caught a small king salmon on a Kwikfish. The same guest also hooked 2 additional king salmon, but lost both of them. One other guest had a king salmon bite his lure, but was unable to hook it. We saw a few other fish surface during the trip, and we also saw a couple moose along the river and a bald eagle.
Tuesday June 8, 2021 — I guided a morning group of 3 guests who hooked but lost 1 king salmon and 1 rainbow trout on a Kwikfish. That was the only fish action we had on the whole trip, but we enjoyed a very uncrowded fishery. We saw salmon surfacing a few times during the trip, but were unable to get those fish to bite.
I guided an afternoon group of 2 guests, each of whom caught a king salmon. One fish was caught on a Kwikfish and the other king was caught on a #7 Flashtrap Spinner.
Wednesday June 9, 2021 — I guided a morning group of 3 guests, 2 of whom caught a king salmon with the 3rd guest catching two jack king salmon. Both king salmon were caught on a Mag Lip Flatfish and both jacks were caught on a #5 Vibrax Spinner. During the trip we saw bald eagles and a moose that stayed out in the open and watched us.
I guided an afternoon group of 2 guests, one of whom caught a king salmon, and the other caught 2 king salmon. 2 king salmon were caught on Mag Lip Flatfish and 1 king salmon was caught on a #5 Vibrax Spinner. In the afternoon the guests spotted a moose on an island in the river. We also saw bald eagles, ducks, arctic terns, and quite a few salmon surfacing near us but not biting so much.
Thursday June 10, 2021 — I guided a morning group f 3 guests, 2 of whom each caught a king salmon, and 1 of whom caught 3 king salmon. 2 king salmon were caught on Kwikfish , 1 king salmon was caught on a #7 Flashtrap Spinner, 1 king salmon was caught on a #6 Vibrax and 1 king salmon was caught on a #5 Vibrax. During the trip we saw arctic terns, bald eagles, ducks, and a bull moose.
I guided an afternoon group of 2 guests who caught 4 king salmon. All of the king salmon were caught on Kwikifsh. During the trip my group saw a river otter, arctic terns, bald eagles, and a moose with twin calves.
Friday June 11, 2021 — We did not get a reservations for this day, so I had the day off, and got caught up on a few things around the house. In the afternoon my wife and I went fishing for a while, and she hooked a king salmon on a Flashtrap Spinner, but was not able to land it.
Saturday June 12, 2021 — I guided a morning group of 4 guests, one of whom caught a king salmon and a jack king salmon. Another guest caught a king salmon, a third guests caught a rainbow trout, and the 4th guest briefly hooked a fish, but lost it. The fish were hooked on Spinning Cheaters and Kwikfish. During the trip we saw an eagle and some ducks.
I guided an afternoon group of 2 guests, one of whom caught a king salmon on a Kwikfish. They also had some bites on a Spinning Cheater, but did not connect with any of the other fish. During the trip we saw several salmon surface which we could not get to bite. It was a hot sunny afternoon and a pleasant time on the water with two very experienced fishermen.
Sunday June 13, 2021 — I am spending my day getting gear ready for the next two weeks of king salmon fishing. This coming week may provide some of the best king salmon fishing of the 2021 season with new opportunities becoming available as the salmon migrate upstream in several drainages. We currently have whole boat availability most days for either an early morning or afternoon trip. Give us a call if you would like to join us on a charter this week.
By the end of the day over 5,000 king salmon had passed Deshka River weir — more than 1/2 of the minimum escapement range of 9,000 — 18,000 fish.
Monday June 14 — I guided a morning group of 3 guests, who caught 3 adult king salmon and 3 jack king salmon. They caught the fish on Kwikfish, Mag Lip Flatfish, and a Spinning Cheater. It was a very pleasant day on the water, and they also hooked a few additional fish they were unable to bring to the boat. One more big day like yesterday and the escapement will be 2/3 of the escapement range minimum. From every indication good king salmon migration should continue past the weir — if that happens Deshka River MAY open to king salmon harvest later this week.
By the end of the day Deshka River king salmon escapement past the weir was over 6,000 fish — more than 2/3 of the way to the minimum escapement range.
Tuesday June 15 — I guided a morning group of 2 guests, one of whom caught 1 king salmon, and the other of whom caught 2 king salmon. 2 king salmon were caught on a Kwikfish and 1 king salmon was caught on a Green Rainbow Spinning Cheater. We saw and heard several different birds along the river during the trip.
In the afternoon/ evening I wrote my Friday fishing column for the Frontiersman newspaper. Update from ADF&G: the department will look at more king salmon escapement through Deshka River weir before adjusting the fishery. Adjustment MAY be made for the coming weekend. Stay tuned for the latest update.
By end of the day the Deshka River weir count was 7,788 king salmon — more than 85% of the minimum escapement goal range.
Wednesday June 16 — I guided a group of 2 guests, one of whom caught 2 king salmon and one of whom caught a king salmon. All of the fish were caught on Kwikfish today. We saw some birds along the river today — also saw several salmon surface, and I saw a beaver along the bank as well.
Deshka River Update — The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has opened the Deshka River to king salmon harvest starting Friday morning June 18 at 6 a.m. Bait may also be used in the Deshka River fishery starting at the same time.
By the end of the day king salmon passage was 9,528 fish — and over 500 king salmon above the minimum goal range.
Thursday June 17, 2021 — I a group of 3 guests who caught 5 king salmon and 2 king salmon jacks. All of the fish were caught on Green Rainbow Spinning Cheaters. During the trip we saw a few birds along the river and enjoyed a sunny but not too warm afternoon.
Friday June 18, 2021 — Deshka River Opens to King Salmon Harvest – I guided a morning group of 4 guests, each of whom harvested a king salmon salmon. They also caught some king salmon jacks which were released. All of the fish were caught by drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers. During the trip we saw bald eagles and a moose that crossed the river.
I guided an afternoon group of 4 guests, who caught 4 king salmon, but only harvested 3 of them. In addition, one guests caught a rainbow trout. Once again all of the fish were caught by drifting salmon roe cured with Pautzke’s Fire Cure under ESB Bobbers. During the trip we saw more bald eagles and a cow with a calf moose that crossed the river below us while my guests were fishing.
Saturday June 19, 2021 — I guided a morning group of 4 guests, 2 of whom caught king salmon by drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers. During the trip we saw several bald eagles and lots of other boats and anglers.
I guided an afternoon family of 4, who caught 4 king salmon, but only harvested one of them. In addition one guest caught a sucker fish. All of the fish were caught by drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers. We worked hard at getting bites, fishing several spots, but only getting strikes at one hole. During the trip we saw bald eagles and merganser ducks.
Sunday June 20, 2012 –I guided a morning group of 4 guests, 3 of whom caught a king salmon on Fire Cured salmon roe drifted under ESB Bobbers. During the trip we saw a number of bald eagles, ducks, and ducklings along the river. Weather was pleasant the entire trip.
Monday June 21, 2021 — I guided a morning group of 4 guests, each of whom caught a king salmon by drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers. During the trip we saw about a dozen bald eagles.
I guided an afternoon group of 4 guests, and one of them caught a king salmon on Fire Cured salmon roe drifted under an ESB Bobber. We fished a few prime spots, but simply did not get many bites from the big fish. Once again we saw plenty of bald eagles along the river.
Tuesday June 22, 2012 — I guided an afternoon group of 4 guests, and my guests were unable to even hook a king salmon. We tried several spots, and saw a few salmon surfacing, but were unable to draw bites. During the trip we saw lots of bald eagles and a seal swimming near the Deshka River /Susitna River confluence.
After the trip I wrote my weekly fishing column for the Friday edition of the Frontiersman Newspaper.
Wednesday June 23, 2021 — I guided a morning group of 5 people fishing for king salmon, and 3 of them caught a king salmon. 2 of the fish were caught by drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers, and the 3rd fish was caught on a Mag Lip Flatfish. During the trip we once again saw bald eagles and some ducks.
I guided an afternoon group of 4 anglers, and 1 of them caught a king salmon jack. One other guests very briefly hooked a king salmon. Both fish were hooked by drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers. During the trip we saw the usual plethora of bald eagles.
Thursday June 24, 2021 — I guided a morning group of 4 guests, each of whom caught a king salmon. 3 king salmon were caught by drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers and 1 king salmon was caught on a Mag Lip Flatfish. During the trip we saw some bald eagles.
I guided an afternoon group of 3 guests, and we had trouble getting bites. They did not catch a fish. During the trip we saw a cow and calf moose cross the river, and we also saw plenty of eagles and a few ducks.
Friday June 25, 2021 — I guided 4 people in the morning, each of whom caught a king salmon. In addition, one of the anglers also caught 2 jack king salmons . 2 king salmon were caught on Fire Cured salmon roe drifted under ESB Bobbers and the rest of the salmon were caught on Vibrax Spinners. During the trip we saw plenty of bald eagles and some ducks.
I guided an afternoon group of 5 guests, and 4 of them caught a king salmon. 3 king salmon were caught on Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers and 1 king salmon was caught on a Vibrax Spinner. The group also caught 1 jack king salmon and nearly caught 1 rainbow trout which wiggled free before we could unhook it. During the trip my guests saw an inquisitive coyote that walked down to a gravel bar and looked us over while they were fishing. We also saw a plethora of bald eagles and some ducks.
Saturday June 26 — I have the day off from guiding, but have been curing salmon roe from our last trip. I have been using a combination of Pautzke products: red Fire Cure, orange Fire Cure, and Fire Power krill scent. Yummy!
I also built sixteen #6 Flashtrap Spinners in new colors to try on our next few salmon charters.
Sunday June 27 — I guided a family group of 2 boys under 10 years old and their parents. They were wanting to learn how to fish for salmon, and hoping to keep king salmon. The mom and one of the boys managed to catch king salmon during the trip. One fish was caught by drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under an ESB Bobber and the second king salmon was caught by casting with a Vibrax Spinner. During the trip we saw several bald eagles along the river.
Monday June 28, 2021 — I guided a morning group of 4 king salmon fishermen, and we had a few bites, but my guests were unable to catch any king salmon. During the trip we saw bald eagles and other anglers.
Tuesday June 29, 2021 — I guided a group of 4 people in the morning, and they caught 4 king salmon jacks, 1 smaller king salmon which was released, and 1 full-sized king salmon. All of the fish were caught by drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB bobbers. During the trip we saw several bald eagles.
I guided a family of 4 — 2 adults 1 young boy and 1 young girl in the afternoon. We enjoyed a great sunny afternoon out on the river, but did not catch any fish. During the trip we saw the usual bunch of bald eagles, a duck with a whole passel of ducklings, and a moose feeding in aquatic vegetarian along the river.
Wednesday June 30 — I guided a morning group of 4 guests, 2 of whom caught king salmon by drifting Fire Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers. An additional guest also hooked and fought a king salmon, but ended up losing the fish. During the trip we saw several bald eagles in different spots along the river.
Please go to our July 2021 Alaska Fishing Reports page for our next fishing report.
Call for information — or to make a reservation — next day reservations need to be made over the phone. (907) 746-2199. Other reservation may be made 24 hours per day using our online reservation system.