Copper River mystery fish

[coho slayer]

I caught, albeit very briefly, an unknown fish in my dipnet before it slipped out.

It was small...probably about 15 inches, give or take. It wiggled out of my net as I was picking it up, and I swear it looked like a baby burbot or something. Long, eel-like tale.

I was trying to find some info on Copper River species, but all I've been able to find is about the salmon and basically just general information that isn't being very helpful. Anyone know more about or where I can find more about the native fish species in the Copper?

 

[Frostbitten]

I've dipped burbot from the Copper before.

 

[coho slayer]

I've dipped burbot from the Copper before.

Thanks. Good to know I wasn't hallucinating, because that's exactly what it looked like....lol.

 

[iofthetaiga]

Good chance it was a Pacific lamprey (Lampreta tridentata). They're common in the lower Copper system. A Google search should get you a picture to compare to what you saw.

 

[AKBoater]

I was thinkign lamprey as well. They should be running up rivers right now anyway.

 

[coho slayer]

I really don't think it was a lamprey. I've seen them before. Plus, the one I caught had a thicker body and wasn't completely eel shaped. The tail wasn't forked, which is where I compared it to an eel.

 

[Jktimm]

Over the past 40 years we have caught several burbot and a few flounders, too.

 

[Hoyt]

We just caught a decent sized sucker fish yesterday. First time I've seen one pulled out of there.

 

[Snyd]

Last fish of the day yesterday for me was a Rainbow. Got him in the fast water sweeping off the rocks in the canyon.

 

[coho slayer]

Yeah, I also got either a rainbow or dolly...slipped out of the net before I could ID it. But there are definitely some other fish in there, which in a way just shocks me because it's such a dirty river.

 

[Cutter]

you got flounder in the copper near chitna? Not sure I am buyin that, but i suppose anything is possible

I have however dipped lamprey there, and thats my guess what you had.

 

[Hoyt]

Last fish of the day yesterday for me was a Rainbow. Got him in the fast water sweeping off the rocks in the canyon.

Not picking..........Rainbow or Steelhead? I've heard of guys, and I have caught a stealhead. Just curious!?!?!

 

[Snyd]

Not picking..........Rainbow or Steelhead? I've heard of guys, and I have caught a stealhead. Just curious!?!?!

It was about 14-15 inches and looked like a rainbow to me. Fat too. Should have taken a pic.

 

[Hoyt]

It was about 14-15 inches and looked like a rainbow to me. Fat too. Should have taken a pic.

Was probably a bow! Very cool!