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Fishing Southwest Alaska

The Capital of Alaskan Fly-in Fishing

A map of Southwest Alaska reads like a fisherman’s life wish list. The names are familiar to anyone who reads fishing and flyfishing magazines; the Kuskowim, the Goodnews, The Nushagak… The list goes on and on.

This whole region is filled with some truly great rivers. And unlike other regions, the vast majority of the areas rivers run crystal clear. Glaciers have long left the southwest region of the state leaving behind beautiful river valleys and large, deep glacial lakes like Lakes Clark and Iliamna.

When you think of Alaskan fly-in fishing, this is the area you are thinking of. The area is filled with lodges and float trip possibilities, all the infrastructure you will need to have your dream Alaskan fishing trip.The one thing that is missing from the region is roads. This is the land of the bush plane and the perfect fly-in vacation.

Also, this area is an area of giants. Moose grow larger in Southwest Alaska than anywhere in the world. The coastal brown bears also grow bigger than all but Kodiak bears. And the fish are no different. There are huge numbers of trophy rainbows and Char in the waters of the region. The salmon runs or the Bristol Bay are the largest in the world. The list of superlatives goes on and on.

And if the fishing wonders were not enough, this area is has more than fifty active volcanoes. So, with unparalleled fishing, breathtaking scenery, huge bears and volcanoes, you know the trip is going to be memorable.

Southwest Alaska Fish Species

The area boasts huge returns of all five Pacific salmon, but perhaps the greatest draw for the area are rainbows. This is the dream destination for flyfishermen who are targeting trophy rainbows. Species available include;

Sockeye Salmon
King Salmon
Silver Salmon
Pink Salmon

Chum Salmon
Arctic Char
Lake Trout
Arctic Grayling

Northern Pike
Rainbow Trout
Steelhead (limited)
Halibut

Southwest Alaska Rivers

Like I said, Southwest Alaska is filled with legendary fishing rivers. This is also the perfect Alaskan Flyfishing destination because of the lack of glacial silt in the area. Visiting Flyfishermen will find the rivers filled with Rainbows, Char, and Grayling that are eager to take a fly. Thanks to the clear water, they will also be able to see that fly.

Here is a list of some of the better known rivers in the Southwest Region.

Kuskowin River
Aniak River
Kasigluk River
Kanektok River
Arolik River
Goodnews River
Tickchik River
Nuyakuk River
Togiak River
Nushagak River

Stuyahok River
Koktuli River
Mulchatna River
Chilikadrotna River
Tazimina River
Newhalen River
Talarik Creek
Copper River
Gibraltar River

Kvichak River
Alagnak River
American Creek
Naknek River
Brooks River
King Salmon River
Ugashik River
Meshik River
Chignik River

Southwest Alaska Lakes

The Southwest Alaskan region is about river fishing. There are a number of fishable lakes as well as some of the largest lakes in the state. But definitely, river and stream fishing overshadows the lakes of the region. Here is a short list of the more notable lakes.

Wood-Titchik Lakes
Lake Clark
Lake Iliamna

Nonvianuk Lake
Kukaklek Lake
Coville-Brosvenor Lakes

Nakner Lake
Becharof Lake

Southwest Alaska Saltwater Fishing

The Aleutian, especially the Dutch Harbor area has a growing halibut and ground fishing fishery. It is well known for it’s barn door halibut and most likely all the current state and world records are as likely to be broken there as anywhere. Beyond Dutch Harbor, the chartering options are limited and most saltwater fishing taking place is commercial.

Southwest Alaska Climate

Southwest Alaska is a land of extreme climatic conditions. The Aleutians are open to the storms of the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska yet block the rest of the region from the moderating maritime effects. The area is prone to winds and long drawn out periods of rain.

Temperatures are cool, general in the 40’s to 70’s in the summers and painfully cold in the winter. Ice breaks up in May and forms again in October. April and June are the sunniest months, but an any time of the year, be sure to bring the best rain gear you can find. The fall season is the wettest time of the year.

Southwest Alaska Guides/Lodges/Services

The Southwest is blessed with fishing infrastructure. There are numerous lodges and guide services on most major rivers and they range from exclusive and expensive luxury lodges down to tent camps. There are scheduled commercial flights to Dillingham, Dutch Harbor and King Salmon. Beyond there air taxis can get you anywhere in the region.

Alaska Wilderness Lodge – www.alaskaswildernesslodge.com. This lodge is located on the banks of Lake Clark on a rare private enclave within Lake Clark National Park. The lodges fleet of Beaver aircraft will get you on the fish.

Angler’s Paradise Lodge - www.katmailand.com. This lodge is located inside the Katmai National Park and is the only concession within the park. They run a number of lodges in the heart of the Katmai trout and salmon areas.

Fishing Unlimited Lodges. A beuatiful lodge on a secluded Lake Clark Bay. There are daily fly outs with guides to all the Illiamna area trophy trout areas. A perfect Alaskan fishing experience.