Eklutna Tail Race

I talked with two other guides today and both had heard that the first king salmon of the year had been caught at the Eklutna Tailrace the day before yesterday. I have not hear of a definite catch from the sporting goods stores but would not be surprised in the slightest. The water at the tailrace has come up due to the recent warm weather and snow melt. I would expect quite a few fish to start coming in over the next two weeks in the lower Matanuska-Susitna rivers and streams. The Yentna River Drainage is reported to be ice free with the exceptions of some bank ice according to Eric Johnson jr. at Northwoods lodge. The water level is also expected to be higher than last year due to a "normal" snow fall in the drainage. I am planning to head up the Yentna later next week for a memorial weekend Pike fishing trip and will provide a full report on conditions and fishing. The early fishing has been spectacular in the past and I am sure that this year will not be any different.