North Fork Innoko river

[schlesser]

I'm going to be at the upper end of the Innoko river later this summer, and on the North Fork of the Innoko river. What species of fish should be around there? Im not much of a fisherman. I realize Pike, grayling, maybe Burbot. I dont think salmon get that far up? What about trout or Artic char, or whitefish? What would you bring along for fishing gear and lures? Thanks

 

[mark knapp]

I'm going to be at the upper end of the Innoko river later this summer, and on the North Fork of the Innoko river. What species of fish should be around there? Im not much of a fisherman. I realize Pike, grayling, maybe Burbot. I dont think salmon get that far up? What about trout or Artic char, or whitefish? What would you bring along for fishing gear and lures? Thanks

A lot depends on the time of summer you are coming, as far as the salmon are concerned. The salmon do get up to the clear water but not till mid summer. It also depend, of course, on how far up you are going to go. No trout that I have ever heard of, white fish, yes but they are more netted by natives than anything. They are mostly only an incidental catch on hook and line.

For pike, depending on where you go, 40 inch pike or bigger can be caught. So, outfit accordingly. Ten to twenty pound test depending on how much "sport" you want involved in the whole thing. Wire leaders are a must. Rapalas in 5,6,7 and 8 inch range are not out of line. Spinners like Mepps, in the size 4 and 5 range are great. Big spoons, like crocodile and cyclops too. A landing net and pliers are good.

For grayling, ultra light gear is best. If you will be away from any of the mines, the grayling will be bigger. Maybe up to 20 inches, so 6 or eight pound test is good. Spinners in the 0 to the 1 or 2 range are good.

 

[schlesser]

Thanks It will probably be later in summer, I have some property about 10 miles up the North Fork and havent been there yet. Was going to go on a bit of an adventure and see it this year and start planning a cabin build and wanted to know what was in the area

 

[kwackkillncrew]

Pick up a couple white spinner baits, thats was my main lure in minnesota for pike when i lived there. They are also a little more weedless then other lures mentioned. Cant go wrong with a johnson silver minnow with a twister tail threaded on the hook either.

 

[AKBEE]

I Googled fishing up that way and found some great photos snd stories. 48”+ pike etc. Some articles mention lures/fly patterns. I am attaching this link because it has the name of the fisheries biologist for the area in case you want to contact him. Sure looks like amazing fishing.

Innoko Waterwolves - The Drake Magazine

Drake Magazine Back Issue Content 2022 - Innoko Waterwolves

drakemag.com

 

[schlesser]

Thanks

 

[Gutshot]

I fished the Innoko River years ago while at a moose camp, like others have said def some large pike lurking in there. Caught several with fly rod and spinning rod. Top water mouse patterns were a blast, large streamers and large spinners worked also. Also found a few silvers and lots of the big humpback whitefish.