The first two weeks of August brings the peak of the silver salmon season in the Mat-Su Valley, a great time to have some fun on the water and have some fresh salmon fillets for the grill.

Silvers - also known as coho salmon - are popular because they provide a lot of action on the river, and they make a great dinner. While the silvers run, so do pink salmon, so your chances of hooking a fish and feeling the thrill of catching one is a lot more likely than during the king season.

Silvers start running in late July, but the peak of the run is just starting, and this weekend should be ideal conditions. Fish along the Parks Highway streams, including the mouths and lower sections of Willow Creek, Little Willow Creek, Montana Creek and the Talkeetna River. The Deshka River and the Little Susitna River are also popular spots for targeting silvers.

Many spots are easily accessible for anglers to do it on their own. If you want your best chance at catching fish, consider going out with a guide - they know the rivers, know where the fish are and most importantly, know the right techniques that will greatly increase your odds. Mat-Su CVB members Alaska Chinook Charters, Drill Team Six Fishing Excursions, Fishtale River Guides, Alaska Edge Wilderness Tours and Phantom Tri-River Charters are among the most knowledgeable guides on Southcentral Alaska rivers, and many are reporting good trips in the last week filled with happy anglers.

Rainbow trout season is also starting to heat up in the Valley, and there is no bigger thrill than catching one on a fly rod. Bear Paw River Guides in Willow has been catching some beautiful rainbows lately! And if you want to do it yourself, check out the many fly fishing tutorial video's on Highway 3 Angler.

Make sure you check the current regulations with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and make a plan to head out on the water this weekend!

Get hooked!