Situk River

River Map

About Situk River

The Situk carries the largest wild steelhead run in Alaska — ADF&G-documented, not marketing copy. Two distinct runs: the spring run peaks late April–mid May; the fall/winter run begins in November. The river is small (35.5 sq mi drainage), gin-clear, and completely natural — no hatchery fish. Steelhead average 8–12 lbs. The standard 13.5-mile float (9-mile Bridge to tidewater) takes 6–8 hours at good flows and runs through some of the most scenic coastal forest in North America. Hybrid access: fly to Yakutat by commercial air from Juneau or Anchorage (Alaska Airlines), then drive — Forest Highway 10 runs 9 miles to the upper put-in and the Situk Lower Landing Road accesses the take-out. Multiple target species: steelhead, resident rainbow, cutthroat, Dolly Varden, all five Pacific salmon.

Regulations

Alaska sport fishing license required ($20 resident / $100 non-resident annual). The Situk falls under ADF&G Southeast/Yakutat regional management — check the Southeast Sport Fishing Regulations summary at adfg.alaska.gov. Spring steelhead peak: late April–mid May. Fall/winter steelhead: November start. Yakutat receives heavy snowfall — Forest Highway 10 may be unplowed early in the spring run; verify road conditions before booking. Yakutat air service books up during peak steelhead season; reserve lodging and flights well in advance.