Downstream of Skilak Lake, sockeye salmon fishing usually winds down quickly in the Kenai River by the middle of August. In the upper Kenai River (above Skilak Lake) and in the Russian River, early to middle of- August is usually the best time to catch sockeye salmon.
Can you fish for Copper River in Alaska?
The Copper River has some of the best dry fly fishing in Alaska in June and July. It is lower 48 style trout fishing for Alaska sized trout. We also have amazing Sockeye salmon fishing in July. The Copper River rarely blows out.
Where in Alaska is the Copper River?
The Copper River is 300 miles long and empties in the Gulf of Alaska near the town of Cordova. The river flows through the Copper Basin which is located in Southcentral Alaska; 189 miles northeast of Anchorage and 250 miles south of Fairbanks.
Where can I fish for lake trout in Alaska?
In southcentral Alaska, lakes Louise, Stephan, Susitna and Tyone are good producers. Both Hidden and Skilak lakes on the Kenai Peninsula have good stocks of lake trout as does Kenai Lake. The turbidity of Kenai Lake makes it one of the more difficult to fish, however.
Where can I fish on the Copper River?
The most popular section of the river for fishing for rainbows is from Paxson Lake to Mile 147.5 on the Richardson Highway. Check your gear every time you use it. Especially check the last section of your fishing line and your leader for nicks and abrasions.
Can anyone fish the Copper River salmon?
This means all tributaries of the Copper River in this area, including the Chitina River, are CLOSED to personal use fishing. Personal Use fisheries are open only to Alaska residents.
What kind of fish are in Skilak Lake?
- Char.
- Chinook Salmon.
- Dolly Varden Trout.
- Lake Trout.
- Rainbow Trout.
- Salmon.
- Trout.
What kind of fish are in Tustumena Lake?
Over the years millions of salmon fry have been released into Tustumena Lake. In addition to salmon, the lake also has healthy populations of rainbow trout, lake trout and Dolly Varden, a type of char. Tustumena Lake forms the headwaters of the Kasilof River, the second most productive fishery in the Kenai Peninsula.
Is the Kenai River open for fishing?
Fishing for all species is open year-round unless otherwise noted below. Kenai River—from its mouth upstream to 300 yards below Slikok Creek: January 1–June 30: 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 34 inches in length. July 1–July 31: 1 per day, 1 in possession, no size limit.
Is Copper River salmon the best?
Copper River Sockeye are often called the best salmon in the world.
Are there two copper rivers in Alaska?
There are two Copper Rivers located in Alaska, the larger one, considered the 10th largest river in the world has an extensive delta ecosystem and is known for it’s abundance of wild sockeye salmon.
How long is Copper River salmon season?
Copper River salmon season usually runs mid-May through June. Prices for the fish are up 10% since last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Copper River salmon now costs $34.99 a pound with the Seattle Fish Company, according to KIRO 7.
Are lake trout good to eat?
Lake trout is best eaten fresh – as are most fish. Freeze them for months and they will often turn rancid in the freezer.
What’s the largest lake trout ever caught?
Lake trout are the largest of the chars; the record weighed almost 102 pounds (46 kg) (netted) with a length of 50 inches (130 cm), and 15–40-pound (6.8–18.1-kilogram) fish are not uncommon. The average length is 24–36 inches (61–91 centimetres).
How big can lake trout get?
Lake trout average 19.7 inches in length and weigh anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds generally. However, Lake Trout are the largest of the char species and will reach sizes of 15-40 pounds and lengths of 24-36 inches.
When can you fish for Copper River salmon?
The Copper River region of Alaska offers excellent fly fishing opportunities in both lakes and rivers. King salmon season is open June 1 – August 10. After August 10 anglers can still target red salmon on any of the regions rivers.
Where can I find Copper River salmon?
It all starts in the small village of Cordova, Alaska, located near the mouth of Copper River and east of Prince William Sound. This small town (population: 2,000), which is only accessible by plane or boat, lives and breathes wild salmon fishing.
How are Copper River salmon caught?
Copper River salmon are caught by a small fleet of independent fishermen, on one and two-man boats. This craft has been handed down for generations along with passion, knowledge and perseverance.
Can you eat Copper River salmon raw?
The FDA recommends that you cook your salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees. To measure this, insert a cooking thermometer into the thickest portion of your Copper River salmon filet. But, as we all know from our favorite sushi spots, high quality salmon is also safe to eat raw.
What is the best tasting salmon in Alaska?
Sockeye salmon are known for their bright red flesh and their bold, salmon-y scent. They’re the most flavorful (what some would consider fishy) of all salmon and are commonly sold smoked, in high-end salmon burgers, and by the fillet.
Why is Copper River salmon so special?
Copper River salmon, specifically the Copper River King salmon, has gotten the title of “The Wagyu of Seafood” and “The King of King salmons’ because of its succulent and buttery texture from their natural yet wild genetics. These salmon carry the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids compared to the others.
Can you drive skilak Lake?
Skilak Lake Road runs for 19 miles, with entrances at Sterling Highway mileposts 58 and 75.2. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Contact Station at Sterling Highway milepost 57.8; stop for refuge information, June 10—August 15, 10am to 4pm daily.
What kind of fish are in the Kasilof River?
The Fish. Four species of salmon—sockeye, king, pink and coho salmon—and rainbow trout, steelhead, char and whitefish spawn in the Kasilof River drainage.
Can I drive to Tustumena Lake?
Tustumena Lake (Dena’ina: Dusdu Bena) is a lake on the west side of the Kenai Peninsula in southcentral Alaska, within Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and near the town of Kasilof. Access is only via the Kasilof River, there are no roads that lead directly to the lake.
What fish are in the Kasilof River Alaska?
The river supports king salmon, sockeye salmon, silver salmon, pink salmon and steelhead trout as well as dolly varden and resident rainbow trout. A fifty plus pound Kasilof King is ready for release in July 2012.