Hunting & Fishing NEWS 11
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The Sheefish, also known as the “Tarpon of the North”, is the largest member of the whitefish family. Large jaws with the lower jaw overlapping the upper. Silvery sides with large silvery scales. Tail is deeply forked.
For an arctic freshwater species, the sheefish exhibits a rapid rate of growth. They have excellent, white meat that rivals halibut.
Studies have shown that fish of each stock exhibit distinct growth rates, have a different life span, and reach sexual maturity at different ages. Fish of the Kuskokwim and Minto Flats populations grow the fastest. They reach 16 inches in length at age 2, and up to 30 inches in length and weights to 14 pounds by age 8. Sheefish from the Selawik-Kobuk area grow at a slower rate. They weigh about 10 pounds at age 10, but since they may live over 20 years, they may attain a very large size.
Sport Fishing: In past years, the major use of the sheefish has been as a subsistence food for Alaska Natives and their dogs. However, its popularity as a sport fish is continually increasing. Sheefish taken on summer feeding grounds such as Minto Flats, the Holitna River, or the Selawik-Kobuk areas put up the best fight. During September, the Koyukuk River at Hughes and Allakaket provides the best fishing on the Yukon system.
The Kobuk River is among the largest rivers in northwest Alaska with widths of up to 1500 feet. It begins approximately 350 miles NW of Fairbanks, AK at Walker Lake and runs to the Arctic Coast. The river contains an exceptional population of large sheefish and other species.
The Best Fishing: The Kobuk River and Selawik drainages along the southern slopes of the western Brooks Range. There is absolutely nowhere else where the fish can be caught as large as 30 to 40 pounds or more.
How to Catch: Sheefish can be taken on medium action spinning or bait casting gear using 10 or 20 pound line. During their feeding periods, sheefish can be caught close to the surface using a fly. Sheefish can also be taken through the ice in Selawik Lake and Hotham Inlet during April and May using a lure attached to a short jigging stick with heavy line.
Best Season: July to October
Best Method: Cast and slowly retrieve in deep water Jigging near the bottom from a boat. Use
Large, shiny ¾ oz. to 1 oz. spoons or Large, weighted flies
30 lb Shee from the Kobuk River - Bob & Brians Big Bucket List Adventure
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