Klutina River

The feel

The Klutina runs approximately 30 miles from Klutina Lake to the Copper River. It is a fast, glacial river whose flow changes often through the season, so conditions can differ from one visit to the next.

Anglers mostly work the stretch where the river crosses the Richardson Highway at mile 100 and the Old Richardson Highway at Mile 3, about a mile of river between the two. They get to the water by public walking access along 10-ft wide easements on both banks. Established campgrounds sit where the river crosses the Richardson Highway, and primitive campsites line the Klutina Lake road.

What to expect

Water and access

Public walking access runs within the DOT ROW's and along 10-ft wide to-and-along easements on both banks. Easements on the south bank lead from the old Richardson Highway to the mouth of the river. The Klutina Lake Road, also known as the Brenwick Craig Road, parallels the river from the Richardson Highway to just before Klutina Lake, and anglers have free access where the river meets the road ROW. Private lands along the river complicate access.

Species and timing

Sockeye salmon are present from June 1 - August, most abundant from the 3rd week of June through mid-July. King salmon are present from June through the end of the season on August 10, most abundant the last 2 weeks of July. Arctic grayling, rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are present year-round. Dolly Varden fish best in September and then early in the spring. Steelhead are best fished in the late fall, but are few in number.

Crowds and best time

Sockeye peak from the 3rd week of June through mid-July and king salmon in the last 2 weeks of July.

Hazards

The river is glacial and prone to frequent changes in flow throughout the season. Private lands along the river complicate access.

Season and access

King salmon season ends August 10. Established campgrounds are at the Richardson Highway crossing.

Mingo says

For sockeye, aim for the back half of June and the first half of July. For kings, fish the final two weeks of July. Save Dolly Varden for September and steelhead for late fall.

Before you go

• Call the ADF&G Glennallen Area Office at 907-822-3309 with questions about this river.
• Stay on the public easements and the road ROW, since private lands along the river complicate access.
• Check the river's flow before you commit to a day, because glacial flow changes frequently.

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