-Copper River Fishing Spots -

Copper Center Alaska

Midnight Sun dates

- On May - 16/19 hours of daylight daily -

- On June -20 hours of daylight daily -

- On July - 20 hours of daylight daily -

- On August - 17 hours of daylight daily -

- On September - 14 hours of daylight daily -

- On October - 11 hours of daylight daily -

Copper Center Alaska

Average Temperatures.

- On May - 54F-32C

- On June - 63F-41C

- On July - 66F-46C

- On August - 62F-44C

- On September - 53F-36C

- On October - 38F-24C

Copper Center Alaska

Northern Lights Dates

- On May -8 hours of dark nightly-.

- On August -7 hours of dark nightly-.

- On September - 10 hours of dark nightly-.

- On October -13 hours of dark nightly-.

more information at https://sites.google.com/view/northern-lights-alaska-guide/

Mosquito Alert

The Alaska state bird is actually a mosquito."

"Peak Season: June and July. prepare for battle."

Don't forget the mosquito repellents.

"Minutes away from Trophy-Sized King Salmon fishing spots"

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Fishing Klutina River

The best time to fish the Klutina River near Copper Center, AK, is July 10–August 10 for King Salmon and late June through early August for Sockeye (red) Salmon. For the best combination of Salmon and Trout, target mid-August through mid-September. Ahtna land permits are now required to access the river.

King Salmon (Chinook)

The peak season is July 1–August 10, with the best fishing often occurring between July 10 and August 10.

Sockeye Salmon (Reds)

The season runs from June through August, with strong runs often starting in late June and continuing through early August.

Trout/Dolly Varden

Mid-August through mid-September is the peak time, as they feed on spawning salmon eggs.

Access: Many anglers use the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to find access points at the old Richardson Highway Bridge and Along Klutina Lake Road, say researchers at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Permits: As of 2024, a $20 land use permit from the Ahtna Corporation is required for fishing access.

Gear: The river is cold, fast and often glacial; popular techniques include using heavy tackle for salmon and beads for trout.

Conditions: The river is often high, but low-water conditions (which can occur in early summer) can improve visibility.

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Water View
"Minutes away from Trophy-Sized King Salmon Fishing Spots"

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booking only at Airbnb or Vrbo

Klutina River Fishing Spots

Richardson Highway Bridge (Mile 104.9):

Features a public boat launch on the south side, east of the highway, with an angler's path leading under the bridge and downriver.

Old Richardson Highway Bridge:

Located in Copper Center, with bank access and trails on both sides.

River Access Points:

The lower river is accessible from the old highway bridge down to the confluence, though much is private land requiring navigation within public easements.

Key Safety/Regulation Note: The River is dangerous with class lll rapids, and the water is usually extremely high and glacial-fed.

Fishing Tonsina River:

The best time to fish the Tonsina River near Copper Center, AK, is during the peak Salmon runs: July to early August for King Salmon (note: regulations can restrict this), and September to October for Coho (Silver) Salmon. Early-to-mid July is optimal for Sockeye (Red) Salmon, which are best targeted near the Squirrel Creek Campground area.

Tonsina River

is regarded

as an excellent

Trophy King Salmon

fishing spot

King Salmon:

July through early August. (Check Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations for closures, as they are sometimes prohibited).

Sockeye Salmon (Reds):

Mid-July through August, with good activity near Squirrel Creek.

Coho Salmon (Silvers):

September and October.

Dolly Varden/Arctic Grayling:

Available, with better opportunities in late summer/fall.

Conditions: The Tonsina is a glacier- feed river typically offering better fishing when water levels are lower and cleaner.

Regulations: Always check for current emergency orders (e.g., closures, bait restrictions) on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website, especially regarding King Salmon.

Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site:

A highly recommended spot for accessing the river to fish for sockeye salmon.

Located approximately 35.5 miles south of Glennallen.

Tonsina River Trail:

A Bureau of Land Managemtn (BLM) trail starts at Milepost 12.3 of the Edgerton Highway. It leads roughly 2 miles to the river bluffs, providing foot access to the lower river.

Edgerton Highway Bridge: (Milepost 19)

This serves as the primary exit point for floaters and offers

limited bank access, primarily on the south bank.

Little Tonsina Confluence (Milepost 74-79):

Anglers can reach the confluence of the Little Tonsina and Tonsina rivers via a gravel road from the Richardson Highway. This area is known for Artic grayling, Dolly Varden, and various Salmon species.

Richardson Highway Bridge (Milepost 80):

This is a primary launch point for float trips and a popular spot

for walk-in anglers. Fishing below this bridge is restricted to

unbaited flies only.

Restrictions: When fishing below the Richardson Highway Bridge, you are restricted to using unbaited flies only.

Access: some riverbank fishing requires an access permit from Ahtna.

Fishing with guides is recommended due to high water and fast currents.

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Gulkana River

The Gulkana River is popular for King/Red Salmon, Trout, Tonsina River (Salmon), and the Copper River mainstem. Popular spots include Sourdough Creek Campground (mile 147.5 Richardson Hwy) on the Gulkana, the Richardson Hwy bridge area for the Tonsina, and various bank access points along the highway.

King Salmon

June 1 to July 19

Coho Salmon

September to October

Dolly Varden

July to October

Access Points: Accessible via walking from the Richardson and Egerton Highways. with fishing spots near the Squirrel Creek Campground.

Fishing Methods: Known for, challenging fast-moving water, making it best for experienced anglers.

Regulations: Note that many areas have moved to "no bait, single hook" restrictions for the Upper Copper Drainage.

Sourdough Creek Campground

major boat launch.

Richardson Highway bridge

mile 126.9 Richardson Highway.

Sailor's Pit

mile 129.3 Richardson Highway.

Poplar Grove

mile 136.4 Richardson Highway.

"Minutes away from the Trophy-Sized King Salmon Fishing Spots"

https://sites.google.com/view/tonsinacreekwhisperslodge/

find us at Tonsina Creek Whispers Lodge Instagram Page

Full Bathroom, Wi-Fi, etc.

booking only at Airbnb or Vrbo.

find us at Tonsina Creek Whispers Lodge Youtube Channel

Chitina Subdistrict:

The designated personal use fishery area spanning from the downstream edge of the Chitina-McCarthy Bridge to an ADF&G marker 200 yards upstream of Haley Creek, as described by Alaska Department of Fish and Game (.gov) and Chitina Dipnetters Association.

Residents Only: Personal use dipnetting is restricted to Alaska residents with a valid permit and license.

Permit & Schedule: fishing is managed by Emergency Orders from the Alaska Department Fish and Game (.gov); you must check for openings.

Private Land: Ahtna Native Corporation land requires a paid permit for access, such as at O'Brien Creek or Eskilida Creek, says AHTNA.

King Salmon

The retention is often prohibited or heavily restricted (e.g., only one permitted after July 1st).

Sockeye Salmon

they are typically caught from June through August, with peak fishing usually in June and July.

Dolly Varden

mid-summer through autumn (July-October),

O'Brien Creek:

A popular, frequently used access point for bank fishing, according to AHTNA.

Wood Canyon

Highly productive, though dangerous due to steep, rocky terrain and fast water.

Bridge Area:

Popular Spot just downstream of the Chitina-McCarthy bridge, a hub for the "conga line" of dipnetters.

Always check the Alaska Department of fish and Game emergency orders before fishing.

Fishing in Valdez:

Valdez is one of Alaska's premier fishing destinations where locasls and visistors alike compete for throphy halibut, salmon runs, and the thrill of reeling in something legendary.

Pink Salmon (HUMPY)

Season: Mid-July to mid-August

Where to fish: Allison Point, Dayvill Road, and 300 feet or more on either side of Solomon Gulch Hatchery shoreline.

Average Size: 3-6 Ibs

Tip: Use pink or charactreuse spinners or spoons. Fishing with the incoming tide is best.

Silver Salmon (COHO)

Season: Early August to early September

Where to Fish: Allison Point, harbor breakwater, fly-outs to nearby streams, offshore trolling.

Average Size: 8-12 lbs

Tip: Early silvers arrive offshore and in deeper water. Boat fishing shines in early August, while shore action heats up later in the month.

King Salmon (Chinook)

Season: June to early July

Where to Fish: Offshore in Prince William Sound or guided fly-outs to specific streams.

Average Size: 20-40 Ibs

Tip: Kings are elusive. Your best bet is booking a target charter or checking with local outfitters for timing updates.

Halibut

Season: Late May to early September

Where to Fish: Offshore in Prince William Sound, typically 1-3 hours by boat.

Average Size: 20-50 Ibs

Tip: Book a full-day charter for halibut. Bonus catches often include lingcod and rockfish.

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