Eklutna Tailrace youth-only king fishery

The feel

This is a youth-only king salmon fishery on a river, held one day a year on the 3rd Saturday in June, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fishing is in a designated area, from the mouth of the Tailrace upstream to the foot bridge.

It is a stocked terminal fishery, so it stays open even when wild stock fisheries are restricted. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation voted it the #1 mom approved fishing spot in 2018.

What to expect

Water and access

Designated area from the mouth of the Tailrace upstream to the foot bridge. Access is at MP 3.5 Old Glenn Highway, in the Butte area.

Species and timing

King (Chinook) salmon, on the 3rd Saturday in June from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

License and rules

Youth-only fishery. Regulations may be changed by the Board of Fisheries, by emergency regulation, or by emergency order.

Season and access

Open one day a year, the 3rd Saturday in June.

Mingo says

Treat this as a one-day event and put it on the calendar early. A restricted year on wild runs does not cancel it.

Before you go

• Be at the designated area by 6 a.m.; fishing ends at 6 p.m.
• Drive to MP 3.5 Old Glenn Highway in the Butte area.
• Call the ADF&G Northern Cook Inlet office in Palmer at (907) 746-6300 to check for emergency orders.

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