Our Mat-Su fishing report shares the season’s highlights, from early runs to peak action, plus the trends and updates that shaped the year. Whether you are planning your next trip or just following the season’s story, this update offers a clear snapshot of how the year has unfolded on Mat-Su waters.

Mid-August on Fish Creek is a mix of beauty and mud, with the tides ushering in fresh runs of coho and sockeye.

Silver Salmon Closures and Gear Updates

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has issued two emergency orders affecting silver salmon fishing in the Mat-Su region. Starting August 21 and continuing through the end of the year, retention of coho (silver) salmon is prohibited in the Deshka River, including all waters within a half-mile of its confluence with the Susitna River. This closure responds to low coho escapement numbers, with only 831 fish passing the weir as of August 18 and a projected season total of 1,126, well below the goal of 10,200 to 24,100. During this closure, anglers are allowed to fish only with unbaited artificial lures, including treble and double hooks, but bait remains prohibited.

Similarly, the Little Susitna River is closed to coho retention from its mouth up to the Parks Highway starting August 21 for the rest of the year. Waters upstream of the Parks Highway bridge remain closed to all salmon fishing. Coho counts for the Little Susitna are also low, with 2,960 fish counted as of August 18 and a projected total of 4,239, falling short of the escapement goal range of 9,200 to 17,700. The same gear restrictions apply, requiring unbaited artificial lures and prohibiting bait use. These emergency orders aim to conserve the remaining coho salmon and help support recovery efforts in both river systems.

The Fish Creek emergency order with increased sockeye salmon limits was effective from August 9 through August 16, 2025. The fishery returned to the normal daily bag and possession limits of three salmon over 16 inches per day, with only two allowed to be coho salmon.

Coho Run Picks up in August and Bag Limit Adjustments

August 13, 2025

August marks the peak of silver salmon season across the Mat-Su Valley. The Deshka River, Little Susitna, Jim Creek, and other local systems are producing coho catches, with many anglers reporting success fishing tides and early mornings. Fresh fish push in with each tide cycle, and spinners, cured roe, and brightly colored jigs are the most effective presentations.

Sockeye runs remain modest, but Fish Creek has provided one of the strongest red runs in the valley this year, prompting emergency orders to raise bag limits during a very short harvest window. Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, and Arctic grayling are also available throughout the valley for anglers seeking variety.

On August 10, 2025, Fish Creek saw 1,299 coho salmon counted, a clear step up from just 36 on the same date in 2022, and notably ahead of 431 in 2023 and 147 in 2024. The upward trend is unmistakable: from modest numbers in recent years to a much stronger showing in 2025.

Coho will remain the main target into  late August. Pink salmon are present but in lower densities compared to prime pink years. Water conditions can fluctuate rapidly with late summer rains, altering where fish hold. Jim Creek continues its Wednesday–Sunday schedule with closures on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Emergency Orders in August:

• Aug 2–3: Fish Creek Youth‑Only fishery.

• Aug 9–16: Fish Creek bag limits increased to six salmon per day (only two may be coho).

Early Coho Appear, Sockeye Trickling In During July

July starts with sockeye salmon trickling into a few Mat-Su streams, including Fish Creek and Jim Creek, but overall sockeye numbers remain modest. Most anglers continue targeting trout and Dolly Varden in tributaries with clear water. The first silvers of the season show up in Deshka and Little Susitna tidewater areas in mid‑July. Anglers fishing incoming tides with plugs or spinners see the best early results on coho.

Pink salmon runs build in even-numbered years, contributing bonus action in smaller creeks. Coho numbers steadily increase, drawing more angler traffic to access points on the lower rivers. Good weather windows allow for enjoyable fishing conditions, though some rivers run low by late month, concentrating fish in deeper holding areas.

Trout and Dollies Shine in June While Salmon Build

With kings closed and sockeye numbers still building, most June fishing focuses on rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling. Sockeye anglers start seeing a few fish in Jim Creek and the lower Susitna tributaries, but action is spotty. The water is generally clear and moderate in flow, ideal for light‑tackle fishing.

Sockeye counts improve slightly toward the end of June at Fish Creek, Jim Creek, and the Knik River tributaries, though runs remain small compared to coastal systems. Coho are still weeks away from significant activity. Trout fishing remains strong in clearwater streams and side channels, especially for anglers drifting beads behind post‑spawn chum salmon or using small streamers. King salmon fishing remains closed by prior emergency order (in effect for entire 2025 season).

Early-Season Action and Pre-Salmon Opportunities

May offers open-water fishing for trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling across the Mat-Su. Lakes, clearwater creeks, and mainstem sloughs hold fish eager to feed after breakup. Anglers use small spoons, spinners, and nymph patterns to entice strikes. Water levels rise with snowmelt but remain fishable in many locations.

By late May, a few early sockeye are reported in Fish Creek and other select runs, but numbers are very low. Angler activity increases around tidewater areas in anticipation of June sockeye and July coho arrivals. King salmon remain closed throughout the Susitna drainage, and all incidental kings must be released immediately without removal from the water.

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