8/31/2023 Fishing Report
It's almost September and there are still a ton of coho in the marine saltwater fishery. With the unusually warm and dry August, it is likely that the run is later and will still develop nicely in the freshwater systems around town. While the hatchery coho fishing is still expected to be very slow, the wild coho seem to have had good ocean conditions and survival. This next week finally has a decent amount of rain in the forecast. Coho are notorious for waiting for a good rain before they surge into the freshwater. The first two weeks of September are historically the prime window for wild coho so after it rains for a few days grab your gear and head out fishing!
With very few hatchery coho returning so far, on September 1st the channel between the Juneau/Douglas Bridge and Salmon Creek will close to coho fishing and all snagging. This is to allow the hatchery to get as many fish for brood stock back as possible. If DIPAC gets their escapement the channel could potentially open back up. Also take note that Peterson Creek, the salt chuck, and the ocean within 200 yards of the mouth will also close to coho fishing.
The Dolly fishing has continued to be excellent; albeit difficult at times. Bead color and size are extremely important right now and are changing day to day and creek to creek. Try fresher bead colors first (pale peach and oranges) and slowly change hues, getting progressively more dead looking. 10mm beads are fishing better at higher water levels and in Cowee Creek. Anglers are having better success in all the other creeks (Montana, Sheep, Fish Creek) with 8mm beads.
*We understand that folks want fish, but, if possible, release most of the wild cohos after you catch them. By all means, keep a fish for a BBQ, just leave the freezer filling for hatchery fish.
As always, we love featuring your photos for our fishing reports. If you have a great fish, scenery, or action photo that has to do with fishing around town send it our way! You can email photos or videos to cory@alaskaflyfishinggoods.com. Please remember to handle fish with care, especially if you are practicing catch and release. Consider getting a net with a rubber basket to help land fish quickly and keep them in the water until you are ready to snap a quick photo.
See you on the water!
The Crew at AFFG
- Listed below are the hot patterns of the week. Fisheries change here through-out the season and we do our best to get you the hot flies. Listed below are our recommended patterns for the particular species available. Happy fishing!
Hot Beads - Dolly Varden
Hot Flies - Coho
