Fishing Report: Checking in on the rush for hooligan at Twentymile River
GIRDWOOD, Alaska (KTUU) - As countless smelt make their way along the Turnagain Arm, a flood of eager anglers are ready to greet them.
The hooligan run, marking the start of fishing season in Southcentral Alaska, has been welcomed by countless individuals on the banks of Twentymile River, just south of Girdwood.
High tide along the banks will typically see hundreds gathered with nets, all hoping to leave with a bucket or cooler full of a fish that has no legal catch limit.
Despite their small size and abundance, you need to be an Alaska resident to take part. Residents will need to have an updated fishing license.
Officially beginning on April 1, the smelt season is known to pick up steam throughout May.
Hooligans can be used in a variety of ways, especially as bait for halibut. Those who choose to eat them instead can do so by frying them or smoking the fish in jerky form.
The hooligan season officially ends May 31 for saltwater and June 15 for freshwater.
Additional information can be found on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.
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