Bird Creek Pink Salmon Run
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2004 Season: Open Year
round
Average Size: 2-4 lbs. up to 6
Limit: 3 daily
Run Size: 2000 harvested
Escapement: not available |
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About the Run
Bird Creek is a decent Pink Salmon stream in even years.
The run is made up entirely of wild fish with not Pink Salmon stocking.
I have not been able to find any good numbers on the size of the run,
but from experience, during the run, there should be no problem locating
some.
The fish run an average 2-4 pounds and can reach upwards of six pounds.
They make for good light tackle fare, at least until you hook up with
a chum.
When to Fish
Bird Creek supports a decent Pink Salmon run, but remember it only runs
strong in even years. However, it is possible that you can pick up an
odd Pink during odd years. During run years, the fish begin showing
up in late June with a peak in the second half of July. Fish are still
present in the river through the end of August.
As with all fishing on Bird Creek the only decent times to fish are
the slack low tides or especially the incoming tide. At high tide the
creek is unfishable because the whole stream gets flooded with salt
water right up to the ADFG marker.
Regulations
The daily limit is three salmon per day with three in possession. All
three salmon can be pinks or any combination of Silvers, Sockeyes, Pinks,
or chums. Note King Salmon are present in Bird Creek but King fishing
is not allowed in the creek. All accidentally caught Kings must be immediately
returned to the water.
Fishing is open year round from the mouth of the Creek to the marker
about 500 yards up stream of the mouth. There are no special regulations
for terminal tackle or bait. Roe either weighted or under a bobber would
also be a good solution.
Note: Alaskan Sportfishing regulations
change greatly from year to year, even day to day with emergency orders.
Be sure to always check for the most up to date regulations from the
ADFG.
Recommended Gear
Because Bird Creek has the potential of being a combat fishing zone
and there are silver and chum salmon present, be careful about gearing
up too light. 8 to 15 pound test line on a spinning reel with a good
drag would be fine. For Flyfishing use a 7 or 8 weight rod with an 8
to 12 pound tippet. In either case you are ready for a chum to pick
up the lure.
For terminal tackle, try using a little extra flash due to the semi-silty
waters. Try using a small amount of roe on lures to give an attractive
scent.
A recommended tackle box would include.
Artificial Lures
Coho Flies
Spoons
Vibrax or Mepps Spinners
Bait
Salmon Eggs
Bobbers
Weights
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