top of page
stewardship on the situk: a guide
Slow down and have fun! When traveling on Yakutat’s roads pay attention to our speed limits-they might be slower than you are used to. Keep an eye out for children, bear, moose, eagles, deer and the friendly Yakutat wave!
“Yakutat is an extremely unique place in Southeast Alaska. Respect the people who live in town, be friendly, wave, fish the rivers like you would your home stream, enjoy the moment and you will leave Yakutat with the experience of a lifetime. I've been here for 18 years and I haven't visited anywhere else in Alaska for fear of being disappointed. This place has it all. ”
Aaron Shook
Fishing Guide, Yakutat Lodge
Handle fish with care. Avoid keeping fish too long and releasing them when they are tired. If you fear a fish may not survive, keep it as part of your catch. Use barbless hooks. Treble hooks are not permitted on the Situk. Snagging is illegal. Look out for and avoid salmon redds. Please release fish gently.
"Visiting anglers are important stewards of the Situk River and its fish. If an angler plans on releasing a fish they should keep it in the water, handle it with care, and release it as quickly as possible. Dragging a fish up on the bank may injure the fish and remove the protective coating on its skin, making it susceptible to fungus and other diseases."
Matt Catterson
ADF&G Yakutat Area Sport Biologist
Respect Private Land and Cultural Sites. The Situk, Lost and Ahrnklin River areas are part of the traditional lands of the Teikweidi people Brown Bear Clan. Please respect private property. Maps showing these areas and other useful information can be downloaded here.
"The Teikweidí of Xoots Jini Hit (Bear Paw House) were the last clan to occupy this area. The land and rivers have been cared for by their sons and daughters of the Kwaashk’ikwáan and L’uknax.ádi, as well as their grandchildren the Shunkukeidi and Galyáx Kaagwaantaan. We depend on this land and these rivers. They represent our family ties which mirror the balance of life in nature."
John Buller
Anakwei Eish, Yakutat Tlingit Tribe Tribal President
Bring home more fish by purchasing from local fishermen and processors. Contact ADF&G for a list of current local catcher/sellers and processors at (907) 784-3255. While you are in town, enjoy local shops and restaurants.
.jpg)
“You can take a lot more fish home if you buy them. I always encourage my visiting clients to round out their catch by supporting local commercial fishermen. ”
- Bob Fraker
Owner and Guide for Yakutat Outfitters
Know your fishing regulations. Limits and fishing regulations are put in place by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to ensure the long-term vitality of the Situk so that future generations may thrive. For an up to date review of catch limits and regulations please visit the ADF&G website. In addition, the Situk River mouth area (see maps of town and the Situk and Lost River Areas) is reserved for people aged 60 and older in order to ensure that people of all abilities can access the Situk.
“I think the best thing people coming here can do to respect the Situk is to stay within the limits of the law. Take only what your family needs. If you are a single guy who doesn’t need a 50lb box of fish, maybe take half of that.”
- Chris Smith
Fishing Guide
For more advice and considerations please review the US Forest Service’s Etiquette page.
bottom of page