08-14-2004, 11:33 PM
Upper Copper Upper Susitna Area Sport Fishing Report Fishing Report for August 06, 2004
Sockeye salmon fishing continues to be slow on the Gulkana River due to weak hatchery returns. The Gulkana River remains low from lack of rain but sockeye catches have been reported. Klutina River sockeye fishing is also fair with limits being taken near Copper Center. King salmon fishing in the all Copper River tributaries (including the Gulkana, Tonsina and Copper River mainstem) closed July 20th.
The hot weather has warmed the water and insect activity is at its peak for grayling fishing. The smaller streams have very little water and the angler should head for larger rivers and streams. Rivers to try are the Little Nelchina and the Gulkana Rivers. Lakes to try for grayling include Arizona Lake at mile 155 Glenn Highway, a short hike south of the highway, and Junction Lake at mile 0.5 of the Lake Louise Road.
With the recent warm temperatures and lack of rain, lower than normal water levels are occurring and more growth of water vegetation has been taking place. The use of a smaller boat or belly boat is recommended for better access to the fish.
Lake trout are in deeper water and trolling with large spoons and plugs with downriggers should get the lure to the proper depth, generally 20 feet or deeper. Large colored jigs are also good bounced off the bottom. Paxson and Summit Lakes or Lake Louise with its connecting lakes of Susitina and Tyone have good populations of lake trout. For remote fly-in lake trout fishing try Crosswind or Copper lakes. As always check the regulations for seasons, bag limits, size and gear restrictions before fishing.
Sockeye salmon fishing continues to be slow on the Gulkana River due to weak hatchery returns. The Gulkana River remains low from lack of rain but sockeye catches have been reported. Klutina River sockeye fishing is also fair with limits being taken near Copper Center. King salmon fishing in the all Copper River tributaries (including the Gulkana, Tonsina and Copper River mainstem) closed July 20th.
The hot weather has warmed the water and insect activity is at its peak for grayling fishing. The smaller streams have very little water and the angler should head for larger rivers and streams. Rivers to try are the Little Nelchina and the Gulkana Rivers. Lakes to try for grayling include Arizona Lake at mile 155 Glenn Highway, a short hike south of the highway, and Junction Lake at mile 0.5 of the Lake Louise Road.
With the recent warm temperatures and lack of rain, lower than normal water levels are occurring and more growth of water vegetation has been taking place. The use of a smaller boat or belly boat is recommended for better access to the fish.
Lake trout are in deeper water and trolling with large spoons and plugs with downriggers should get the lure to the proper depth, generally 20 feet or deeper. Large colored jigs are also good bounced off the bottom. Paxson and Summit Lakes or Lake Louise with its connecting lakes of Susitina and Tyone have good populations of lake trout. For remote fly-in lake trout fishing try Crosswind or Copper lakes. As always check the regulations for seasons, bag limits, size and gear restrictions before fishing.