Copper River (Chitina dipnet)

The feel

This is a resident dipnet fishery in a glacial canyon, after Copper River sockeye and kings. The water is fast, cold and glacial, and access is along cliffs. People drown here.

The dipnet sites are in the Chitina area off the Edgerton Highway, fished from the bank or from a boat in a dangerous canyon. Boat charters run the canyon, and crowds run medium. Openings and limits follow the sonar, so they change.

What to expect

Water and access

Chitina area dipnet sites off the Edgerton Highway. Boat charters run the canyon. No formal launch fee at the Chitina bridge.

Species and timing

Sockeye run 5 to 8 lb and are fished June, July and August. Chinook (king) run 15 to 35 lb and are fished June and July.

Methods and gear

Dipnet only, from the bank or a boat.

License and rules

Alaska residents only, with a personal-use dipnet permit. You need a current sport fishing license and a valid email address. Bag limits depend on household size, and every household member goes on the application. Harvest can be reported online or by phone.

Crowds and best time

Medium crowds. The dipnet fishery opens mid June and runs through summer.

Hazards

Fast, cold, glacial water with cliff access. People drown here. Serious hazards, so use caution.

Season and access

Opens mid June and runs summer. Openings and limits follow the sonar, so verify daily.

Mingo says

Check the openings the day you go. They follow the sonar and can change.

Before you go

• Buy your personal-use salmon permit through the Fish and Game Online Store.
• Have your household members ready to list on the application.
• Verify the openings and limits daily with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.