Alaska
Gulkana River at Sourdough
Location Snapshot
Gulkana River at Sourdough is a Copper River tributary in south-central Alaska with long gravel runs, braided reaches, and strong anadromous connectivity. Chinook and sockeye salmon are major migratory targets, while rainbow trout and Arctic grayling add resident coldwater opportunity.
Current River Rating
Poor · 35
Conditions are unfavorable based on the available readings.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Limited opportunity
Timing Outlook
No reliable fishing window is recommended while current river conditions remain Poor.
Why
- Air temperature is outside a comfortable fishing range.
Favorable Factors
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Blocking Factors
- Water temperature is unfavorable for trout fishing.
Timing Evidence
Dawn low light is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 1080 CFS
- Gage Height
- 6.22 ft
- Water Temperature
- 34.2 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:15 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 15200280 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Snow
Temperature
32°F
Feels like
25°F
Wind
7 mph NE
Wind gust
13 mph
Current precipitation
0.02 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 1:45 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.36 in
Last 24 hours
0.53 in
Last 48 hours
0.53 in
Moderate rainfall may cause rising or changing flows.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 2 AM
Snow
Temp 32°F
Chance 100%
Precip 0.07 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 6 AM
Snow
Temp 32°F
Chance 100%
Precip 0.11 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 10 AM
Snow
Temp 33°F
Chance 100%
Precip 0.10 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 2 PM
Snow
Temp 33°F
Chance 100%
Precip 0.01 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 6 PM
Overcast
Temp 30°F
Chance 49%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 10 PM
Overcast
Temp 24°F
Chance 22%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Snow
High 33°F / Low 24°F
Chance 100%
Precip 1.20 in
Max gust 18 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Snow
High 29°F / Low 19°F
Chance 55%
Precip 0.01 in
Max gust 12 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Mostly clear
High 24°F / Low 3°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 12 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Overcast
High 16°F / Low -2°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 8 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
The Gulkana at Sourdough is a Copper River basin salmon stream, the leading king and red salmon spawning water in that basin, and it holds rainbow trout.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Gulkana River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Sockeye Salmon
Oncorhynchus nerka
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Chinook Salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Fly fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Copper River, Alaska
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Copper River
Management Category
Anadromous and resident salmonid river
Regulation Scope
Gulkana River at Sourdough.
Regulation Summary
Gulkana at Sourdough: ADF&G Glennallen Area sport-fishing regulations. Confirm current official notices.
Target Species
rainbow-trout, sockeye-salmon, chinook-salmon
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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