July is the month where our guests may catch all 5 species of Pacific salmon found in Alaska. In early July king salmon are the most abundant salmon in both the Little Susitna and Deshka Rivers, but as the month progresses fresh-run chum salmon and then silver salmon both make their appearance on the Little Susitna River. By emergency regulation the last day of our king salmon season was July 3 on Deshka River and Little Susitna River was closed to king salmon fishing on June 24 in 2017. Hopefully these early closures will ensure strong future king salmon returns tof these rivers.
Expect the first few chum salmon arriving in Little Susitna River late in the first week of July. Similar to the Little Susitna River we may start catching Deshka River silver salmon during the second week of July. There are also small numbers of sockeye salmon on the Little Susitna River, and pink salmon on both the Little Susitna River and Deshka River that migrate upstream during July.
Abundance of fresh-run chum salmon and pink salmon often peaks in July, while coho salmon abundance increases throughout the entire month of July and usually peaks in August. Check back on this page in July for daily fishing reports on a regular basis.
July 1, 2017 — We had originally planned to guide a trip today on the Little Susitna River, but cancelled that trip due to the early closure of king salmon fishing on the Little Susitna River.
July 2, 2017 — I guided a morning group of 3 guests, 1 of whom hooked a good-sized king salmon, but after running around a bit it got tangled on a log and the line broke. One member of the group also caught a northern pike. Both fish were hooked on Flashtrap Spinners. During the trip we saw lots of bald eagles some beavers and a ducks.
I guided an afternoon group of 3 guests, who caught 3 jack king salmon, but were unable to hook up any full sized kings. Once again we saw lots of bald eagles. It was a wet morning and wet afternoon, so good cool weather for fishing, but did not seem to be many king salmon around — although we did see a few roll that were not biting for us.
July 3, 2017 — I guided a morning group of 5 guests, who caught 2 jack king salmon and a sucker. All of the fish were caught on Flashtrap Spinners. We saw very few larger king salmon — all in one spot — and we simply could not hook up any larger fish. Today was the last day of king salmon fishing in the Susitna River drainage.
July 4, 2017 — Chum salmon passes Little Susitna River Weir on Independence Day There are likely additional chum salmon and perhaps a few early silver salmon in the Little Susitna River below the weir at this time. When attempting to catch these first early arriving fish we normally try several spots in search of scattered fish. Most of our fishing for chum salmon and silver salmon is done by casting Flashtrap Spinners with spinning rods. It is a fun active style of fishing, and we’re ready to start guiding trips any day someone wants to fish. We have both morning and afternoon availability every day for the next several days. If you’d like to join us on one of these salmon fishing trips gives us a call at 907-746-2199 or you may also make an online reservation a day or more in advance.
I went to Eklutna Tailrace and fished this morning, but mostly I looked around, watched people, and saw a few king salmon get caught. I counted over 100 vehicles in two parking lots near the tailrace and there were more vehicles parked along the Old Glenn Highway and a near the Glenn Highway Bridge over the Knik River. There were enough people fishing most every spot, that I only tried a couple places where there was enough room that I wouldn’t be crowding other anglers. I did not get any bites, but I did see some kings surfacing near where other people were fishing. Lots of people are still interested in catching king salmon while some of them are still in relatively good shape.
July 5, 2017 — I am now geared up and ready to guide fishing trips for chum salmon and silver salmon — at this time we would expect to do plenty of fishing for each salmon. 907-746-2199 if you would like to give it a try.
July 6, 2017 — I wrote two fishing article today and spent time on the computer and answering phone calls. People are requesting fishing trips — so I need to know more about what is available.
July 7, 2017 — I took 2 young nephews on a salmon scouting trip with my guide boat, and although I saw what I thought were a couple silver salmon and a chum salmon, we did not catch or even hook any of these two species — which we were searching for. We did catch a whitefish, rainbow trout, and 3 jack king salmon — all of which were immediately released. All the fish were caught on single hook Flashtrap Spinners. We also saw a moose and some bald eagles along the river.
July 9, 2017 — It rained for several hours yesterday, raising water levels considerably, I did not fish today, but set up my second guide boat for silver salmon fishing. Water conditions should be good for moving salmon into the rivers at this time. I have some trips scheduled to guide later this week, and I expect we will be catching some salmon.
July 11, 2017 — I took my nephew, Paul, and went looking for chum and silver salmon. We each caught a couple old king salmon on #5 single hook Flashtrap Spinners and I hooked one chum salmon that ran so fast I could not keep up with it. The chum salmon shook my lure loose right beside the boat. We also saw a moose and several varieties of birds along the river. Water was still somewhat high and muddy from our recent rains.
July 12, 2017 — First Chum Salmons Boated for 2017 — I guided a morning group of 5 guests — who caught 1 rainbow trout, 1 chum salmon, and 2 king salmon (the kings were immediately released). 1 king salmon was caught on a #5 Flashtrap Spinner — the rainbow trout was caught on a small Kwikfish and the chum salmon and 2nd king salmon were caught on a small Mag Lip Flatfish. We got some extremely close and high quality looks at bald eagles during the trip we also saw a weasel along the river..
I guided an afternoon group of 2 guests, who caught 1 chum salmon and 1 king salmon (which was immediately released. The king salmon was caught on a Flashtrap Spinner, and the chum salmon was caught on a Mag Lip Flatfish. We covered lots of water, but only saw a few fish. Water remains relatively high, but was clearing up by the end of the day. During the afternoon trip we once again had some very close views of mature bald eagles.
July 13, 2017 — I guided a group of 2 guests, who caught and immediately released 1 king salmon. The fish was caught on a Flashtrap Spinner. Two additional salmon were also hooked, but pulled free. 1 salmon was hooked on a Flashtrap Spinner and the other salmon was hooked on a Flashtrap Spinner. We covered lots of water, and saw only a few fish. We also saw a calf moose and several bald eagles along the river.
July 14, 2017 — I guided a group of 2 guests, one of whom caught a chum salmon, snagged and released a chum salmon, and very briefly hooked another chum salmon. We saw a few more fish today, but numbers of salmon migrating upstream is still quite limited. During the trip we saw an immature bald eagle along the river and some ducks making a commotion in the river. Water level was coming up and getting darker so it will be interesting to see what tomorrow brings.
July 15, 2017 — I guided a morning group of 3 guests, who caught 4 chum salmon and 3 king salmon (each king was released in the water). 1 chum salmon and 1 king salmon were caught on #5 Flashtrap Spinners. 3 chum salmon and 2 king salmon were caught on Mag Lip Flatfish. During the trip we saw a moose feeding along the river very close to where we were fishing and also saw a bald eagle along the river. Water was dark and getting higher the entire time.
I guided an afternoon group of 5 guests, and although we fished several holes with fish in them, we were unable to land a salmon. During the afternoon trip the water all of a sudden got extremely muddy to where it looked like our efforts would likely yield nothing further, so we knocked off a bite early. Water was still coming up when we left, but I’m thinking it should be going back down sometime tomorrow.
July 16, 2017 — No Fishing Trips Today — My wife enlisted my help seal coating our driveway.
July 17, 2017 — I guided a morning group of 3 guests who wanted to work at catching silver salmon even if it meant they might catch less fish. They cast Flashtrap Spinners the entire trip, and I covered lots of holes searching for silver salmon. I saw a few fish surfacing and moving in the river, and my guests worked the lures well the entire trip, but only caught a single chum salmon during the trip. It was a pleasant morning to be on the water with good water and fishing conditions.
I guided an afternoon group of 4 guests who casted Flashtrap Spinners and back trolled with Mag Lip Flatfish and Kwikfish. The group caught 2 chum salmon, 1 pink salmon, 1 rainbow trout, 1 whitefish and 3 king salmon (kings were all released without removing them from the water). I had a good time working with a grandfather, two granddaughters and a grandson who all did a great job of learning new fishing techniques and using them so that each person had an opportunity to catch a salmon.
July 18, 2019 — I guided a morning group of 3 guests, who caught 8 chum salmon while fishing with a Mag Lip Flatfish and Kwikfish.
I guided an afternoon group of 4 guests, who caught 11 chum salmon on Kwikfish and a Mag Lip Flatfish. During the trip we got a good view of a bald eagle perched above the river. Both trips were a bit rainy.
July 19, 2017 — I guided a group of 4 guests in the morning who caught 10 chum salmon on Kwikfish. We saw a young moose along the river as we were headed back toward the landing.
I guided an afternoon group of 4 guests, who caught 5 chum salmon and a king salmon. The fish were caught on Mag Lip Flatfish and Kwikfish. During the trip we saw a bald eagle eating a salmon on a gravel bar beside the river, and we also saw a moose.
July 20, 2017 First 2017 Coho (Silver) Salmon Boated — I guided a morning group of 4 guests, each of whom caught a limit of chum salmon. 4 chum salmon were caught on small plugs and 8 chum salmon were caught on Flashtrap Spinners. During the trip we saw a moose crossing the river.
I guided an afternoon group of 4 guests, who caught 7 chum salmon and 1 silver salmon. All of the fish were caught while casting with #5 Flashtrap Spinners. During the trip we saw a moose along the river.
July 21, 2017 — I guided a morning group of 4 guests who caught 7 chum salmon while casting with #5 Silver / Black and #5 Pink Flashtrap Spinners. During the trip we saw a moose swimming in the river and a bald eagle looking down on us form his perch.
I guided an afternoon group of 4 guests who caught 3 chum salmon. ! chum salmon was caught on a Mag Lip Flatfish and the other chum salmon were caught on #5 Flashtrap Spinners. Water level is dropping down quite low, and fish numbers seemed lower today.
July 22, 2017 — I guided a morning group of 4 guests who caught 2 silver salmon and 2 chum salmon. All of the fish were caught while casting with Flashtrap Spinners. We saw a moose along the river in the morning.
I guided an afternoon group of 3 guests, who caught 5 chum salmon. All of the chum salmon were caught with Mag Lip Flattish and Kwikfish.
July 23, 2017 — I guided a morning group of 5 guests, 1 of whom caught a chum salmon on a Kwikfish. We saw very few jumpers today and only had a few fish on. We did have 2 silver salmon on the line, but ended up losing both.
July 24, 2017 — I guided morning group of 4 guests, who caught 2 silver salmon and 2 chum salmon. All of the fish were caught while casting with #5 Pink and #5 Silver / Black Flashtrap Spinners.
When looking for our Flashtrap Spinners — call or stop by 3 Rivers Fly & Tackle in Wasilla. 907-373-5434.
July 25, 2017 —I guided an afternoon group of 4 guests, who caught 3 silver salmon and 1 chum salmon while casting with #5 Flashtrap Spinners.
July 26, 2017 — I guided an afternoon group of 4 guests, who caught 2 silver salmon and 1 chum salmon while casting with #5 Flashtrap Spinners.
July 27, 2017 — I guided a morning group of 2 guests, each of whom caught a limit of chum salmon while casting with Flashtrap Spinners. They did not keep all of the chums and we went looking for silver salmon after keeping some chums. I saw a fox on the ride to the boat launch and a moose along the river in the morning.
I guided an afternoon family of 4 with two young boys, and each guest caught a salmon. the group caught 4 chum salmon and 1 silver salmon. The silver salmon was caught on a Pink Flashtrap Spinner and while 2 chum salmon were caught on Flashtrap Spinners and 2 chum salmon were caught on a Mag Lip Flatfish. During the afternoon trip we saw a bald eagle, but my guest were much more interested in the assortment of airplanes flying over.
July 28,2017 — I guided a morning group of 4 guests, who caught 4 silver salmon, and 7 chum salmon while casting with Flashtrap Spinners. We had to scratch up the silvers and ended up catching them in 3 different spots. The morning trip certainly pays off with better fish catching opportunity for silver salmon. The morning was just a bit rainy.
I guided an afternoon group of 4 guests, who caught 7 chum salmon while casting with #5 Flashtrap Spinners. As far as I know we did not even hook a silver salmon. The fish seemed spooky in the low and clear water, but the group also briefly hooked but lost several salmon. During the trip we heard and saw a bald eagle perched along the river.
July 29, 2017 — I guided an afternoon group of 4 guests, who caught 2 silver salmon while casting with Flasthtrap Spinners. During the trip we saw a moose along the river and the group was ale to get some relatively close photos.
July 30, 2017 — I guided a morning group of 5 guests and we started the trip fishing for and catching some chum salmon, but only keeping one. The later part of the trip we attempted to catch silver salmon and the group harvested 3 silver salmon. All of the fish were caught on Flashtrap Spinners. There were lots of boats an fishing pressure on the river in the afternoon,
I guided an afternoon group of 2 guests, who caught 3 silver salmon and 3 chum salmon while casting with Flashtrap Spinners.
July 31, 2017 — I guided a morning group of 2 adults and 2 boys who caught 5 silver salmon and a chum salmon on #5 Pink Flashtrap Spinners. During the trip we saw a bald eagle.
For our next Report Go to our August 2017 Alaska Fishing Reports Page