Eklutna River Silver Salmon Run
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2005 Season: Year round
to Glenn Highway, 1/1-9/30 above
Average Size: 7-12 lbs
Limit: 2 daily (3 Salmon total)
Run Size: small
Escapement: not available
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About the Run
The Eklutna River silver run is a small wild fishery.
Currently there is no stocking or enhancing of the natural run. As far
as numbers, it is hard to get any kind of accurate count on the returning
salmon because the heavily silted waters make visual counts impossible.
In general, this is not a very large run and has limited potential for
growth without major changes to the river itself.
Should the dams come down and the river bed gets cleaned up, there could
be a respectable (although not great) silver fishery here.
If you are looking for Silvers in the area, you are better off trying
the tailrace or if you are looking for more natural fishing, try some
of the Silver creek and rivers in the Mat-Su Valley.
When to Fish Silvers
The fish time a little later than the hatchery runs at the tailrace
or ship creek. They start to trickle in around the beginning of August
but not in numbers until the end of August and continue through September.
There is no “peak” of numbers.
If you can, fish the mouth on the incoming tide. Otherwise
you can probably try anytime of day from the access point near the Old
Glenn Highway bridge. Silvers tend to bite better in lower light of
dawn and dusk.
Regulations
There is a daily limit of three salmon in the Eklutna River, of which
no more than two fish can be Silvers. There is no King Salmon fishing
allowed on the river so all other fish will have to be Chum or Pink
Salmon. There are a few sockeyes that enter the river but they are few
and far between.
There are no specific limitations of terminal tackle for the river and
bait is allowed. In fact with the glacial silt in the water, bait is
probably the way to go, hoping scent will help in the low visibility.
Gear Recommendations
There are no specific recommendations for fishing for
Silvers in the Eklutna. Use your typical Silver Salmon tackle. The best
recommendation I can give is to try bait so you have scent working for
your. Perhaps tip lures and flies with roe to get a little extra attractiveness.
Here is a list of recommended tackle box. Artificial
Lures
Coho Flies
Spoons
Vibrax or Mepps Spinners
Bait
Salmon Eggs
Bobbers
Weights
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