Ask the Pro's: Self-Guided Fishing From Shore in Talkeetna & Seward

Welcome to Alaska in advance! My first piece of advice would be to decide whether or not you want to keep fish, then comb over the fishing regulations for the areas you're interested in. There are hook restrictions, bait restrictions, retention restrictions and even fish handling restrictions in some areas. For instance, if you're not planning on retaining a silver salmon (coho) on a particular fishery, then it can not be removed from the water. Other tackle restrictions like single hooks with a hook gap no bigger than 3/8" is also another consideration for some fisheries.

For the Talkeetna Area, there are several options for fishing. The tributaries to the Susitna River along the Alaska Parks Highway are known as having some outstanding Silver Salmon and Trout fishing. Some creeks and stretches of river, you are not allowed to target certain salmon or retain them, so be aware of that.

The big plus to these watersheds is the fact that they are easily wade-able. Often you'll see a few other anglers that can help steer you in the right direction with respect to tackle restrictions and places to fish, etc..

As far as the Seward area, you won't find much in the way of trout fishing, but there is a good amount of shore fishing in the ocean for Silvers. August should be a good time for targeting Silvers in the area.

A short drive from Seward is Cooper Landing, home to the Kenai River and its Tributaries. Most of the upper Kenai River Tributaries, it is illegal to target and retain Salmon (Such as Quartz Creek). The trout fishing here can be fun, but be aware of the single hook and hook gap restrictions.

A great place to target Silvers is in the Russian River, but there won't be a whole lot around just yet; however, the Sockeye Salmon should be spawning, so it can be a fun fishery for trout (same hook and hook gap restrictions apply here).

If you're looking to get out on the river with a guide, the most likely places to find silvers this time of year is on the Middle and Lower Stretches as most Silver Salmon haven't made it up the river just yet. The trout fishing on the Kenai River can be good this time of year and it is definitely effective to target them from a boat.

Hopefully this helps and good luck exploring this great state!

While staying in Talkeetna, get a hold of Phantom Charters and do a drop off/Pick up to Clear Creek. Clear Creek is a short boat ride up the Talkeetna and will provide good bank fishing for Silvers and Trout. They will need to get a few spinners, single hook. Small Mepps for trout and some Vibrax and Pixies for the salmon. This is a very affordable trip to take.

While in Seward, there is plenty of fishing right off the beaches. The same lures that they use for Salmon up north should be fine in the salt. Go into The Fish House there at the wharf, they will line you out on what to use and where to go.

Anything we can do to help, let us know.

Thanks - Mike

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