Little Susitna River King Salmon Fish Counts
Real-time and historical weir counts tracking Chinook (King) salmon on the Little Susitna River—a Mat-Su Valley fishery experiencing significant conservation challenges.
Understanding Little Susitna Chinook Runs
The Little Susitna River ("Little Su") is a popular Mat-Su Valley fishery flowing through the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. King salmon are counted at a weir as they migrate upstream to spawn. Due to severely depressed returns in recent years, the fishery has been closed pre-season in 2024 and 2025.
👑 King Salmon Run (Late May – Early August)
Chinook salmon typically begin arriving in late May, with peak passage occurring in mid-June through early July. The weir operates from approximately May 23 through August 1.
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About Little Susitna River King Salmon Fishing
The Little Susitna River, affectionately known as the "Little Su," is a 110-mile waterway flowing through Alaska's Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Historically one of the region's most popular King salmon fisheries due to its road accessibility and proximity to Anchorage (about 50 miles), the Little Su has experienced severe Chinook declines in recent years, resulting in complete fishery closures.
Conservation Crisis
The Little Susitna Chinook population has fallen dramatically below its Sustainable Escapement Goal (SEG) of 2,100-4,300 fish:
• 2023: Only 342 King salmon counted at the weir—fishery closed by emergency order July 6
• 2024: 1,013 fish counted (incomplete due to flooding)—fishery closed pre-season
• 2025: Fishery closed pre-season; aerial survey counted just 437 Kings
These numbers represent a fraction of the escapement needed for a healthy, sustainable population. ADF&G has implemented pre-season closures to protect the remaining spawning stock.
Run Timing
When the fishery is open, Little Susitna Chinook typically arrive in late May, with peak passage in mid-June through early July. The weir operates from approximately May 23 through August 1, capturing the entire run. Historically, runs peaked around the summer solstice (June 20-25).
Weir Monitoring
The Little Susitna weir provides accurate daily escapement counts as salmon migrate upstream. This data is essential for inseason management decisions and long-term population monitoring. Aerial surveys supplement weir counts, particularly when weir operation is compromised by flooding or other factors.
Access & Location
The Little Susitna River offers excellent road access, which contributed to its historical popularity:
• Burma Road Access (Little Susitna Public Use Facility): Boat launch and campground providing access to the lower river
• Parks Highway Bridge: Access to upper reaches
• Nancy Lake State Recreation Area: The river flows through this popular recreation area
Other Fishing Opportunities
While King salmon fishing remains closed, the Little Susitna still offers excellent fishing for other species:
• Coho (Silver) Salmon: Strong runs in late summer (late July through September)
• Pink Salmon: Even-year runs provide fast action
• Chum Salmon: Present throughout summer
• Rainbow Trout & Arctic Grayling: Available year-round
• Northern Pike: Popular target in connected lakes
Future Outlook
Recovery of the Little Susitna Chinook population will require multiple years of strong escapement. Anglers are encouraged to support conservation efforts by respecting closures, practicing catch-and-release when targeting other species (to avoid incidental King salmon catch), and staying informed about current regulations through ADF&G emergency orders.
Tracking Little Susitna King Salmon fish counts helps document the population's status and supports science-based management decisions essential for eventual recovery of this once-thriving fishery.