Freshwater Fishing
The Situk River, near Yakutat, hosts the largest wild-stock Steelhead population in Alaska. The pristine crystal-clear river provides the most spectacularly beautiful arena for this simultaneously bountiful and elusive quarry. Situk River Steelhead averages an honest 10 to 12 pounds of explosive fury! Fish in the 16 to 22-pound range are not uncommon.
The catch and release fishery is being rewarded with record runs. Anglers on guided float trips (approx. 14 miles) can expect to hook up with an average of 6 to 10 fish and to land at least 3 or 4 fish in a day. It’s not unusual for experienced anglers to do 2 to 3 times as well. Miles and miles of excellent fly water, sensational runs and pools make this a Steelhead fisherperson’s paradise.
This is serious fishing. These are wild fish and the Situk is known to give up its Steelhead reluctantly. It’s not for the weak at heart! Get ready for explosive action with the most experienced and professional guides, using the finest equipment, with the best logistical support.
The Situk hosts runs of all species of salmon, and from June – October is teeming with King Salmon, Sockeye, Pinks, or Silvers. There is nothing like fishing the clear beautiful waters of the Situk and experiencing the explosion when you hook that giant Salmon! Bring your video camera and capture footage that will make your friends red with envy!
Come fish this virtual aquarium under the watchful eye of Eagles, Bears, and Otters. This small crystal clear river is a fisherman’s paradise and will test your angling skills as you pit your equipment and knowledge against wild fish!!
SITUK STEELHEAD
STEELHEAD — APRIL, MAY, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER
FLY-FISHING:
7-9 weight rod, floating line, high-density sink-tip line, high-speed HD sinking line (or shooting head), high-quality fly reel with smooth adjustable drag and capacity for fly line plus 100 yards of 20 lb. test backing, leader material in 6-20 lb. test, or well-designed tapered leaders in 6′ to 9′ lengths with 6-12lb. tippets, small split shot or strip lead. Flies: Sizes #2, 4 & 6-egg patterned, yarn, green butt skunks, black girdle bugs, a myriad of other favorite conventional steelhead flies.
DRIFT FISHING:
8-8 1/2′ ft. graphite or boron rod, good quality bait casting reel w/100 yards. of 12 lb. test capacity, pencil lead, surgical tubing, 8-20 lb. test line and an assortment of steelhead lures; including, Spin ‘n Glos, Corkies, Mepps, Okie Drifters, etc.
SPIN-FISHING:
Medium weight freshwater rod, graphite or boron are recommended for sensitivity; appropriate matching reel w/adjustable drag, 8-12 lb. test line, extra spools and same terminal gear as drift fishing. Blue Vibrax, Aeroflies.
SALMON FISHING
SOCKEYE – LATE JUNE & JULY
Primarily taken on flies, most enjoyable on a fly rod, can be taken on spinning rods with flies.
FLY-FISHING:
6-8 weight rod, matching reel, 100 yards backing, floating and high-density sink tip lines, leader material in 6-20 test for building tapered leaders, small split shot or strip lead, flies in #2, 4, & 6 (flies in yarn patterns or streamers seem to do best). Sockeye are squirrelly and experimenting with different colored yarn produces best results. Chartreuse, hot pink and fluorescent orange have been the best producers in some past years. Sockeye are frequently difficult to catch but offer the seasoned angler some of the most challenging and exciting wet fly fishing.
SPIN AND DRIFT-FISHING GEAR:
Comparable to that used for steelhead, with terminal tackle described above in combination with split shot or pencil lead.
PINK SALMON — LATE JULY & EARLY AUGUST
FLY-FISHING:
5 or 6 weight rod, good reel, 50 yards of backing, floating and sink tip line, 4-10 lb. leader material and size #4 & #6flies, attractor pattern and yarn work well.
Spinning & Drift-fishing:
Can use ultra-light to medium weight rods and reels with 4-8 lb. test line. A variety of conventional spoons and spinners will work, Mepps, Pixie, Hot Rods, etc.
SILVER SALMON — AUGUST, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER
FLY TACKLE:
7-9 weight rod; floating, high D sink tip and high-speed high D sinking line; matching reel with 100 yards of 20 lb. backing leader material in 6-20 lb. test; small split shot or split lead; #2 & #4 flies, bright patterns, yarn flies and flash about seem to be consistent producers.
Spinning and Drift Gear:
Same as for steelhead. Additional terminal gear includes Pixies, Hot Rods, Mepps, T-Spoons, Vibrax Spinners, etc.
DOLLY VARDEN AND RAINBOW TROUT — APRIL THROUGH DECEMBER
Ultra-light equipment provides the most enjoyment.
Sockeye Salmon
Sockeye Salmon have made their last push and reached 72,000 for the year. Pink Salmon are still here in the river in abundance and reached over 200,000 at the weir count. Silver Salmon counts reached over 400 pass the weir before the weir was removed on the 10 of August. Guides have been able to get into some nice bright Coho on the incoming tides and hooking tons of pinks and some Sockeye still if luck is on your side and you get through the pinks.
