Situk River & Saltwater Fishing Report – Yakutat Lodge
April 16, 2025
Spring steelhead fishing is LIT here in Yakutat! The weather and fishing conditions aren’t even at their best, but low angling pressure equals great fishing. Whether you’re looking to cast in the Situk River for trophy steelhead or head out into the ocean for king salmon or halibut, there’s time to book an adventure this spring with Yakutat Lodge. The fish are biting, the weather’s unpredictable (but that’s what makes it Yakutat!), and we’ve got plenty of room for spring bookings—so come dive into the action!
Situk River Fishing Report
The Situk River is buzzing right now. Steelhead are showing up, and this season, they’re NICE. Fresh chromers make their way in with every tide with some massive fish pushing 36 inches and beyond. Already this season the Situk is delivering some serious battles.
River Conditions:
Water levels have finally stabilized after a bit of a rollercoaster earlier this spring, and while clarity is a bit murky—think burnt coffee— fishing is still absolutely phenomenal. Visibility is about 2 to 3 feet, which is perfect for hungry steelhead. The USGS Situk River gauge is down right now, but don’t worry—we’re keeping a close eye on the river’s condition. Give us a call anytime for a live update from the water.
Fishing Report:
Get ready for some epic action! These steelhead are aggressive, and hungry. We’re seeing beautiful fish in the 30- to 34-inch range, with some behemoths pushing beyond 36 inches. Our guided anglers are landing fish all day long, with hot spots in both the upper and lower river producing steady takes. It’s no surprise our guests are leaving with big smiles, fish photos and sustainable memories.
Gear & Tactics:
- Fly anglers: The jig-and-indicator combo is taking the spotlight. Black, purple, and cerise jigs are the go-to right now.
- Conventional anglers: Beads are on fire—natural pink, peach, and soft tones are your ticket to success. Whether you’re float fishing or side drifting, the fish are ready to bite.
Weather & Outlook:
It’s been classic Yakutat weather—wind, rain, and a little bit of everything—but that’s part of what keeps it exciting. The steelhead are still hungry, the river is stable, and the action is steady. If you’re looking for a true adventure, now is the time to get in on the action.
Saltwater Fishing Report
But wait, there’s more! If you’ve been itching to get out on the saltwater, you’re in for a treat. King salmon are out there, and they’re hungry. Plus, halibut fishing is solid, with quick limits available for anglers ready to tackle these bottom-dwellers.
King Salmon Fishing:
The kings are here, and they’re hungry! Weather can be a bit unpredictable, but when skies clear, it’s GAME ON for kings. If you’ve ever dreamed of landing a beauty of a king, Yakutat is one of your best bets to make that happen.
Halibut Fishing:
Halibut are migrating in and they’re biting like crazy! Anglers are taking quick boat limits already this spring, and we are just getting started. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, the halibut fishing here is some of the best you’ll find anywhere. We’re catching halibut just off the coast, and from lack of pressure and quality habitat we see a better than average size halibut caught with our captains consistently all summer long.
Availability & Charters:
We’re running charters daily and have plenty of space for spring bookings! Whether you want to chase kings in the salt or bring home halibut, we’ve got you covered. Our experienced guides know exactly where to take you, so all you need to do is show up and reel in fish.
Final Word on the Yakutat Alaska Fishing Report:
Spring is the time to fish in Yakutat, and we’ve got the action you’re looking for! Whether you’re all about steelhead on the Situk or craving a battle with king salmon and halibut in the salt, Yakutat Lodge is your ultimate fishing destination. The fish are biting, the guides are ready, and we’ve got plenty of room for you this spring. Don’t wait—book your trip now and let’s make some seriously epic memories on the water! We’ll share more of the highlights here in Yakutat this summer as the season progresses.
Kraig Holdren is the General Manager of Yakutat Lodge. He lives in Yakutat year round with his family.
For a look back at previous fishing action, check out our full archive of past fishing reports.
