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Fishing Western Alaska

A New Fishing Frontier that is Just Opening Up

Western Alaska contains the last frontier of North American fishing, but that is quickly changing. The giant pike of the lower Kobuk River, the trophy grayling of the Seward Peninsula, and sheefish in general are no longer secrets of the local Inupiat anymore. Word is getting out and fishermen are coming. But not in large numbers yet, so there are still many locations to explore and plenty of trophy class fish to go around. With care and restraint, these fisheries can be fantastic for years to come.

There is more infrastructure here than in the Arctic region, but this is still not an easy place to arrange a fishing trip. There is scheduled commercial airline flights to Nome, Kotzebue, and Unalakleet, but beyond that all summer travel is either by boat or bush plane. There are no roads beyond a few spurs around the major towns and villages. There are Lodges and guide services in the area, but there are no inexpensive options. So what would draw you to the area? Great potential for trophy fish.

Because these fisheries are just opening up to the outside, there are still plenty of mysteries to discover. And even in this region of slow growing seasons, there are lots of giants roaming the area.

Fish of Western Alaska

The region offers several unique fishing opportunities. Probably the most unique is the sheefish, often known as the Eskimo Tarpon or Inconnu (which is French for unknown.) This fish has been almost unknown to game fishermen until recent years, but they are now starting to catch the imagination of fishermen world wide.

Also available in the area are some of Alaska’s largest pike, char and grayling. King and Silver Salmon are found in fishable numbers south of the Seward Peninsula, with strong runs around Unalakleet. From the Seward Peninsula north, only Pinks and Chums are found in any numbers.

A full list of available game fish includes;

Arctic Char
Dolly Varden
Sheefish
Northern Pike

Grayling
Pink Salmon
Silver Salmon

Chum Salmon
King Salmon
Whitefish

Rivers of Western Alaska

The region has many clear water rivers clear and pristine rivers, including some of the most highly rated wilderness rivers in Alaska. Both the Kobuk and Noatuk are famous for their wilderness fishing experience and trophy Sheefish and Char. Some of the rivers to explore are:

Kivalina River
Wulik River
Noatak River
Kobuk River
Selawik River
Koyukuk River

Buand River
Agiapuk River
Pilgrim River
Nome River
Sinuk River
Snake River

Solomon River
Niukluk River
Kwiniuk River
Shaktoolik River
Unalakleet River

Lakes of West Alaska

West Alaska has a wealth of fishable Lakes, mostly along the flanks of the brooks range a sampling of the better lakes includes.

Fenaik Lakes
Matcharak Lake
Isiak Lake

Minakokosa Lake
Walker Lake
Iniakuk Lake

Wild Lake
Safety Sound

West Alaska Climate

The climate of West Alaska is milder than the Arctic or Interior regions of Alaska. The maritime effect works to moderate the extremes of temperature found in the other areas. A typical summer day is in the fifties for highs although eighties are possible. Typically summer is foggy and overcast although precipitation is light.

West Alaska Guides and Lodges

There are several guide services and lodges in the area. In general, there is more fishing infrastructure here than in other remote wilderness fishing areas, but it is still pretty light.

Unalakleet Lodge – www.unalakleet.com. This lodge is located right on the Unalakleet River which has a strong run of King Salmon as well as Char, Silvers, Dollies, and grayling. There is little competition in the area.