The Chuitna River is a small, clear flowing stream that can be waded in most locations. It is located roughly 50 miles southwest of Anchorage on the West Side of Cook Inlet. Chuitna River Alaska fly out fishing trips involve a 30-minute float plane journey from North Kenai to a wilderness lake on the West Side of Cook Inlet. From the lake, an awaiting Native transport takes you directly to the Chuitna River.
This river sees a brief but robust run of large king salmon that average 20-40 lbs. These king salmon attract a healthy native population of spectacular rainbow trout. These feisty residents lurk behind the salmon as they are spawning and well-presented single egg patterns including beads and glow bugs are very effective with light tackle. Currently, this river remains closed for all sport fishing for king salmon to protect escapement in recent seasons of low abundance. Until reopened, we are only taking Chuitna rainbow trout and silver salmon trips.
The river is ideal fly fishing water for big silvers that are fresh from the ocean and very aggressive. Tackle includes various streamer flies, leeches, wooly buggers, single egg patterns as well as conventional tackle such as spinners or cured salmon eggs. The limit is three fish per person, per day but the clear, creek-like conditions do allow for sight fishing and multiple catch and release opportunities. Silvers arrive in the Chuitna in mid to late July and run well into August.
- Location: West Side Cook Inlet
- Flight Time: 30 minutes
- Trip Duration: 6-8 hours
- Target Species: King Salmon (currently closed), Silver Salmon, Rainbow Trout
- Limit:
- Kings: One Fish (currently closed)
- Silvers: Three Fish
- Trout: Catch and Release
- Kings: One Fish (currently closed)
- Run Timing:
- Kings: June 5 – July 15 (currently closed)
- Silvers: July 15 – Aug 25
- Trout: June-Sept
- Cost: $850 per person
