ALASKA - Sitkuk River

Steelhead fishing on Situk River, Alaska

Experience the rainforest furthest to the north in the world: Tongass National Park of southern Alaska. The dense forest offers a varied fauna and if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of the green hummingbird hovering freely in the air, while the America’s second largest mountain arises behind the endless bays. Situk River claims to have ‘…the best steelheading in the world.’

Situk River

Situk River is still one of the pearls of Alaska. It is seen as one of Alaska’s best river for steelheading. It is approximately 10 to 30 m wide and 30 km long from Situk Lake to the ocean. It is relatively low watered and for the most it is easy to wade in it. It is well suited for fly-fishing. From the nearby town (900 residents), you can drive to the river from two places: Nine-Mile Bridge (22 km from the ocean) and Lower Landing (at the mouth to the ocean). The fishing pressure obviously is toughest at these places. The river is hidden by the forest that grows densely all the way down to the shore. The many fallen trees can be frustrating to the anglers, but for the fly-fisher enjoying nature it is just a challenge.

The regular way of fishing on Situk River is road-side fishing, where you go to Nine-Mile Bridge or Lower Landing. From here you walk on paths. Also some people float the river on aluminium boats. You can float the river in one day.

The fishery

The steelhead fishing on Situk River is from March to May and again from October to November. The best fishing is around May 1.

The ascent of steelhead has enjoyed a positive development. In 2006 and 2007 15.000 fish descending were spotted by the river’s fish counter. The ascent is estimated to be far more than 20.000 steelheads. Floating regulation has diminished the number of fishers, which also helps the positive development. The steelheading on Situk is catch and release. It is, however, allowed to bring home two trophy fish (over 36 inch.) p.a.

The steelhead of Situk is not the largest in the world, but it is probably the largest in Alaska. The average weight is around four to five kilos. Most people fishing for six or seven days probably also get to wrestle an eight to ten kilo fish!!!

Fly-fishing for steelhead is primarily with one-hand poles of class eight or nine. The water temperature of April is low and you should expect to be in the water. Since Situk is relatively low watered and because a lot uses float lines, you should use a snood measuring three m and split hail. The flies used are mostly egg-flies as glo-bug or smaller pearls. The fishery is the American way with short upstream or transverse cast. This way you fish the fly in dead drift.

Besides steelhead, the river and the area have a nice ascent of silver salmon. It is possible to arrange trips for silver salmon in September.

Climate

Situk River is on the same latitude as Stockholm and in general the climate is like the Swedish climate. You should, however, expect more fall. The weather of April and May vary from frost to 10-20 degrees. Nightly frost is common at Situk River in April and May.

Information, photos, and video

We would like to ensure that you have realistic expectations and that you are informed about all the different conditions of the trip. Please contact Atlantik Travel for a little chat if you consider signing up.

Watch a video from Situk River by clicking here

See photos from Situk River by clicking here 

Price

At the moment we are not offering group trips to Situk River. We do, however, arrange for individual stays on the area’s most famous fishing lodge. The best period for steelheading is April 20 to May 10. The best period for silver salmon is in September. We are happy to give an individual offer that suits your wishes.

Price estimate – seven days of fishing, ten days stay: approximately DKK 24.950 (when four participants)

Included in the price:

• - Individual arrangement
• - Individual travel description/programme
• - Information meeting
• - Plane Copenhagen - Alaska (return ticket)
• - Two bednights in Seattle on the way out and the way home
• - Seven bednights at a fishing lodge
• - One day of float trip with local guide
• - Rented car and boat the remaining days
• - Fishing license
• - Three meals a day in the fishing lodge

Not included in the price:

• - Insurance
• - Beverages and food besides the mentioned
• - Extra trips: float trips etc.
• - Tips