Teacolored Crooked Creek meanders from the foothills of the Kenai Mountains to empty into the silty glacial waters of the Kasilof River near the Sterling Highway. A state maintenance facility and weir are located on the creek off a gravel pullout at milepost 111 of the Sterling, just across the road from Cohoe Loop Road. More than 110,000 Chinook smolts are released each June into Crooked Creek to augment wild runs for fishermen. When the 50-poundplus adults return to spawn in May and June, they leap into the passage chute and weir where they are videotaped and studied by state biologists. A run of coho reaches the river in early fall. The small creek offers an intimate glimpse of returning salmon and the stirring sight of leaping fish. Dolly Varden and rainbow trout also swim in the creek. The scene can attract bald eagles and gulls, drawn by the prospect of fishy snacks.

VIEWING TIP     Visit May and June to catch sight of big Chinook salmon working their way toward the weir. Late July and August will offer views of coho salmon swirling in the creek. Walk the bank and listen for songbirds and bald eagles. Shorebirds skitter along the banks during Summer.

HELPFUL HINTS    Parking is limited near the weir and may not be suitable for large RVs. Although fishing is allowed in season in the Kasilof River, Crooked Creek is closed to fishing year round.

GETTING THERE     Sterling Highway milepost 111. A gravel pull-out is directly across from the junction with Cohoe Loop Road. The weir lies just upstream of the pull-out.