5/1/2025 Fishing Report

Steelhead fishing is in full swing on the Juneau road system right now. Cowee Creek continues to have the best numbers and from what we have seen so far numbers are decent. Fish Creek has had a few fish as well, but the run is much smaller and the anglers willing to drive out the road have had better success. Playing the weather is the name of the game, so whenever we get these little breaks in the weather make sure you get out before the next slug of moisture comes in. The forecast is looking wet, but that means good flows and fish coming in. Rain always makes for the best fishing weather so get those rain jackets out and get after it.

Remember, Peterson Creek, the salt chuck and the saltwater within 200 yards of the mouth are closed to all fishing. That means absolutely no flies or lures in the water for any species of fish. This closure lasts through the month of June to protect a struggling run of steelhead. Please respect the closure and do not fish out here.

The Dolly fishing is steadily ramping up. As we move into the next month things are going to start getting really good. Sheep Creek, Boy Scout Beach, Echo Cove and under the Juneau-Douglas Bridge are some of the best spots to try early on. Start off throwing smaller smolt patterns and increase in size if you aren't having any luck. Olives, whites and grays are the best natural colors, but if you can't get anything to bite throw an attractor color such as pink or chartreuse. We have new Epoxy Mini Minnows and #6 Stinger Clousers in both of these top attractor colors this year.

If you are looking to brush up on your casting or are new to fly fishing, we will have our first casting class of the season Friday May 9th at 6pm. Class size is limited to 8 and the cost is $25. Loaner rods are available if you need one. Call the shop to hold your spot, there are currently 5 open spots for the first class. Also mark your calendar for the annual Trout Unlimited/AFFG Community Casting Night on Thursday May 15th 6pm at Twin Lakes.

As always, we love featuring your photos for our fishing reports. If you have a great fish, scenery, or action photo that has to do with fishing around town send it our way! You can email photos or videos to cory@alaskaflyfishinggoods.com. Please remember to handle fish with care, especially if you are practicing catch and release. Consider getting a net with a rubber basket to help land fish quickly, pinch your barbs and keep them in the water until you are ready to snap a quick photo.

See you on the water!

The Crew at AFFG

Listed below are the hot patterns of the week. Fisheries change here through-out the season and so do the best patterns to use. Below are some of the recommended flies for the current fisheries. Happy fishing!