What Pullen Creek offers and why it matters to Southeast Alaska anglers

Pullen Creek is a short, accessible stream that drains into the Taiya River near Skagway, making it one of the few places in the area where you can fish without a boat or a long hike into the backcountry. The creek holds cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char, both native to Southeast Alaska's cold, clear waters. The stream is small—you can cover most productive sections in a morning—but it receives enough flow from snowmelt and groundwater to hold fish year-round.

The real draw is location. Pullen Creek sits within walking distance of Skagway's downtown, and the lower sections are accessible from the road that follows the Taiya River valley. If you're visiting Skagway for a day or two and want to fish without committing to a guided trip or a full day's travel, Pullen Creek is where locals go. The fish are not large—most cutthroat run 6 to 10 inches—but they're willing and the water is beautiful.

Key Takeaways

  • Pullen Creek holds cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char in water cold enough to support them year-round, with fish typically ranging from 6 to 10 inches.
  • Access is from the Taiya River Road, which follows the valley floor; the lower creek sections are walkable from pullouts and informal parking areas.
  • Alaska fishing regulations require a valid license, and you must check current rules for the Taiya River drainage before you fish, as restrictions change by season and section.
  • The creek is small and can be crowded during peak visitor season in summer; early morning or shoulder seasons offer better solitude and often better fishing.
  • Cutthroat trout in Southeast Alaska respond well to small spinners, spoons, and fly patterns that imitate local insects; Dolly Varden are less selective and take most offerings.

How to reach Pullen Creek from Skagway

Pullen Creek is roughly 8 miles north of downtown Skagway. The Taiya River Road (also called the Dyea Road) runs north from Skagway and follows the river valley; Pullen Creek enters the Taiya from the east side. There are no formal parking areas or marked trailheads, but anglers pull off the road at several informal spots where the creek is visible or accessible through light brush.

The easiest approach is to drive north on the Taiya River Road and watch for the creek crossing or for other vehicles parked along the shoulder. Once you find a safe place to pull over, you'll likely see a worn path leading down to the water. The walk from the road to fishable water is usually short—under 100 yards in most places. Wear sturdy boots; the ground is often wet and the brush is thick enough to slow you down.

If you don't have a vehicle, Skagway's taxi services can drop you at the road, though you'll need to arrange a pickup time. The road itself is narrow and winding; drive slowly and watch for oncoming traffic.

What fish live in Pullen Creek and how they behave

Cutthroat trout are the primary target. They're native to Southeast Alaska and thrive in cold, clear streams like Pullen Creek. Most fish run 6 to 10 inches, with occasional individuals reaching 12 inches or slightly larger. Cutthroats are opportunistic feeders and will take small spinners, spoons, and flies. They're most active in early morning and late evening, and they tend to hold in deeper pools and behind large rocks where the current breaks.

Dolly Varden char also inhabit the creek. These fish are smaller on average than cutthroats—most are 5 to 8 inches—but they're aggressive and less selective about what they eat. Dolly Varden often school in shallow runs and will chase moving lures. Both species are cold-water fish and are most active when water temperature is low, which means spring (as snowmelt peaks) and fall are often better than summer.

The creek is small enough that fish spook easily. Use light tackle, keep your shadow off the water, and approach pools from downstream so the fish don't see you coming. Cutthroats especially will flee if they sense vibration or movement.

Tackle and techniques that work on Pullen Creek

Spinning tackle is the most practical choice. A light rod (5 to 6 feet) with 4- to 6-pound test line gives you sensitivity and lets you cast small lures accurately. Spinners in sizes 0 and 1 (think Mepps or Panther Martin) are reliable; use silver or gold finishes in clear water. Small spoons like the Kastmaster or Little Cleo also work well. Cast upstream and let the lure drift and tumble with the current, then retrieve slowly to keep it in the strike zone.

Fly fishing is equally effective if you have the gear. Small nymphs (size 12 to 16) that imitate local stoneflies and mayflies work year-round. Dry flies are productive in summer when insects are hatching. Use a 9-foot rod with a 4- or 5-weight line and a 6- to 8-pound tippet. The creek is narrow enough that you don't need long casts; accuracy and a drag-free drift matter more than distance.

Bait fishing (salmon roe or small shiners) is legal but less practical on a small stream where you're moving frequently. If you do use bait, keep it fresh and check your local regulations—some sections of the Taiya drainage have restrictions on bait.

Alaska fishing regulations and licensing for the Taiya drainage

You must have a valid Alaska fishing license to fish Pullen Creek. Non-resident licenses are available for 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, or a full year; resident licenses are cheaper and available for the same periods. You can purchase a license online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or at sporting goods stores in Skagway.

The Taiya River drainage has specific regulations that change by season and by section. Some areas are open year-round for cutthroat and Dolly Varden; others have closures or slot limits. Before you fish, check the current regulations in the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's sport fishing guide for the Southeast region. Regulations can change, and violations carry fines. The safest approach is to call the Skagway office of Fish and Game or stop by a local tackle shop and ask what's currently allowed on Pullen Creek.

Catch-and-release is common on small streams like this, and it's the best practice if you're fishing for sport. If you keep fish, keep only what you plan to eat and follow any size or bag limits in the current regulations.

When to fish Pullen Creek and what to expect by season

Spring (April through June) brings snowmelt and high water. The creek runs cold and fast, which can make fishing difficult, but cutthroats are hungry after winter and the fishing can be excellent if you can reach the deeper pools. Water levels drop and clarity improves as spring turns to early summer.

Summer (July and August) is peak visitor season in Skagway, and Pullen Creek sees more anglers. Water levels are lower and clearer, which makes fish more cautious. Early morning (before 8 a.m.) is your best bet. Afternoon fishing is slower, but evening (after 6 p.m.) can be productive again as light fades.

Fall (September and October) is excellent. Water is cool, fish are feeding actively before winter, and fewer tourists are around. The weather is unpredictable—rain and wind can come quickly—but if you catch a clear day, the fishing is often the best of the year.

Winter (November through March) is possible but challenging. Days are short, temperatures are cold, and snow can make the road difficult to navigate. Most anglers don't fish Pullen Creek in winter, but if you're local and equipped for the conditions, the creek is open and fish are present.

Safety and practical considerations

The Taiya River Road is narrow and winding. Drive slowly, especially in rain or fog, and watch for oncoming traffic. Pullouts are informal and sometimes tight; park completely off the road so you don't block traffic.

The creek itself is small but can rise quickly during heavy rain or rapid snowmelt. If water levels are rising while you're fishing, move to higher ground. The current is usually manageable, but rocks are slippery and the water is cold; wear wading boots with good grip and consider a wading staff if you're crossing deep sections.

Bears are present in the Skagway area. Make noise while you're walking to and from the creek, and don't leave food or fish scraps at the water. If you keep fish, clean them away from the creek and pack out all waste.

Insects (mosquitoes and no-see-ums) can be heavy in summer, especially in calm conditions. Bring insect repellent and consider a head net if you're sensitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish Pullen Creek?

No. The creek is accessible from the road and small enough that you can figure out where to fish on your own. A guide is useful if you're unfamiliar with the area or want to learn local techniques, but it's not necessary for a productive day.

What's the best time of day to fish Pullen Creek?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and evening (6 p.m. to dark) are most productive. Midday fishing is slower, especially in summer when the sun is high and water is warm. Overcast days are better than sunny ones because fish are less spooky.

Can I fish Pullen Creek if I've never fly fished before?

Yes. Spinning tackle is simpler to learn and equally effective on this creek. If you want to try fly fishing, the small size of the stream and the willingness of the fish make it a good place to practice, but spinning is a perfectly good choice.

Are there other creeks near Skagway worth fishing?

Yes. The Taiya River itself is larger and holds bigger fish, though access is less convenient. Streams in the Chilkoot Trail area also hold cutthroat and Dolly Varden, but they require hiking. Ask at a local tackle shop or the Skagway Visitor Center for current conditions and access information.

What should I do if I hook a large fish on Pullen Creek?

Keep your rod tip up and let the reel do the work. The creek is small, so a large fish (anything over 12 inches) will have room to run into deeper pools. Stay calm, keep tension on the line, and be patient. Most fish on Pullen Creek are small enough that they tire quickly.