The Susitna River Drainage is the primary river system that flows into upper Cook Inlet. It's a long, winding river system comprised of a myriad of tributaries that flow from deep within interior Alaska. Most of the waterways offer excellent fishing. The smaller rivers, which flow into the Susitna River, provide fishing opportunities both upstream and at their confluences. There are also numerous lakes which are stocked by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Available Species: King Salmon, Silver Salmon, Pink Salmon, Chum Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling
Hot Spots: Willow Creek Confluence, Montana Creek Confluence, Sheep Creek Slough
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Fishing Spots
1
Willow Creek Confluence State Rec Area, near Mile 70.8 of the Parks Hwy, offers 140 campsites where Willow Creek meets the Susitna River. Managed by Alaska State Parks, it features spruce forest, flush toilets, a dump station, and fish-cleaning areas. This busy campground is ideal for fishing, rafting, and exploring nearby Hatcher Pass, with the town of Willow just minutes away.
2
When silver salmon are running up Montana Creek by the thousands, fishermen are running up the Parks Highway by the hundreds to go “combat fishing.” They stand elbow to elbow along the creek, casting their lines and catching everything from fish to coat sleeves. Up and down the creek, you can hear people holler “Fish on!”
3
Easily accessible lake in Talkeetna, Alaska that is part of a popular chain of Lakes “X”, “Y”, and “Z” lakes. They are popular with canoeists who portage from one lake to the next. The lake is stocked annually with Rainbow Trout. There is a short trail to the lake from Comsat Road.
4
Sunshine Creek flows into the Susitna River. There is an access road off of the Parks Highway. Most popular for fishing for silvers late August through September.
5
Parks Hwy access to this lake just north of the junction with the Talkeetna Spur Road. Fish for rainbow trout.
6
There’s a privately run campground here and access to fishing on Willow Creek. There’s also a fishing charter operator offering guided trips on the creek.
7
Stocked lake with parking area just off the Parks Highway, but majority of the shoreline is private property. Rainbow trout. Beautiful view of Mt. Denali, Mt. Foraker, and Mt. Hunter on a clear day.
8
Part of the Talkeetna Lakes Park trail system. There’s a trailhead on Whigmi Road with a short walk to access the lake, and there’s about a 2 mile trail around the lake that connects with the Z Lake Loop. The Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
9
Deshka Landing is a boat launch on the Susitna River that provides access to the Susitna, Yentna, and Deshka Rivers. The landing is open year-round (winter snowmobile use) and is managed by the Deshka Outdoor Association, LLC.