Fishing on the Alagnak River is a century's old activity. Archeologists unearthing former fish camps of Alaska Native peoples have discovered artifacts carbon dating back more than 9,000 years ago. Although the descendants of these Native peoples still fish the river on a subsistence basis, sport fishing of the Alagnak has dramatically increased in the past half century. Because of its abundant quantities of many species, the river is a popular destination for anglers wanting a complete experience. Each species make their "run" up the river at different times in the summer, meaning you will have to plan your trip around the fish's schedule.
June
This is the month for catching trophy rainbow trout. With the recent breakup of the ice, thousands upon thousands of salmon smolt are making their way from natal streams and are headed for Bristol Bay and open ocean.
Trouble for them equals opportune fishing for trout aficionados. The predatory rainbow trout also are out in full force trying to fill their bellies with the immature salmon.
The mix of these two species and eager fisherman creates intense action. It is perhaps the best time for dry fly-fishing--the practice of leaving the fly floating on the top of the water, allowing anglers to actually see when the fish strike. The trout are aggressive, causing them to surface more frequently.
Toward the end of June, the fishing focus on the Alagnak River switches to the red or sockeye salmon that begin to arrive in full force. In a reverse of other Alaskan river drainages, the red salmon show up here before the king or Chinook salmon do. However, the kings are quick to follow the reds in this region.
July
If you are lucky, and the fishing gods are with you, July is the month when one can reel in specimens of three types of salmon, trout and grayling.
The red salmon, which average 8 pounds but have been caught up to 15 pounds, rule the fishing the first couple weeks with anywhere from
1 to 2 million mature fish heading up to the river's feeder streams to spawn.
In general, by the second week of July, king salmon are plentiful in the river's mouth, although they have been there in lower numbers since the end of June. King salmon average 30 to 50 pounds, with individual fish on the higher end tipping the scale at 90-plus pounds.
Although not a highly sought sport fish, the chum or dog salmon has a strong run in mid-July on the Alagnak River. It is primarily caught by commercial fisherman selling to processing plants supplying the frozen fish industry marketing fish products to the lower 48 states.
However, according to the Alaska Department of Fish Game, approximately 25,000 are caught each year for personal use. Chum are good candidates for smoking and are also a staple for Native Alaskans that exercise subsistence fishing rights.
August
If you are fan of silver or coho salmon, then August is the right month for you to visit the Alagnak River. Narrowing your trip down to the right week can be tricky.
The silver salmon run on this river just isn't as predictable as the red salmon run. But when the silvers, which weigh between 8 and 12 pounds, show, they show in quantity. In most years, their numbers are highest by the third week of August.
In even numbered years, August on the Alagnak also showcases the pink or humpy salmon. This is a great first fish for kids to catch. Although they will put up a fight, landing one of these is a bit easier to manage as the are smaller than other salmon, averaging about 4 pounds. There also are plenty of them out there. ADF&G estimates more than 154,000 are caught each year in the state's sport fishery.
September/October
Although the salmon fishing is over, the influence of salmon is still felt on this river in these early fall months. The rainbow trout and grayling have spent the summer feasting on salmon eggs. They will be quite tasty once you get one to your frying pan.
However, now these fish are fattened up and not quite as quick to strike. This is the time of the year that tests a fisherman's skill and patience. It is also the time of the year when Mother Nature prepares for winter. The area's fall colors are in full flame and even if fishing isn't fast, the scenery is beautiful.
Management/Regulation
The Alagnak River, which begins in the Aleutian Range located in the Katmai National Park and Preserve, is part of the Bristol Bay Sport Fish Management Area as recognized by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. This state agency is tasked with monitoring fish and wildlife stocks to ensure long-term population stability.
As do other state management areas, the Bristol Bay area has its own specific regulations that are listed annually in a sports fish regulations pamphlet that is available in print and online. These regulations vary from species to species based on weight and/or length requirements and the number of fish that can be caught each day or throughout the season.
For instance, only one king salmon is allowed per angler per season versus what is known as "daily bag limits" for red or silver salmon that can vary from two to five. At times, based on run returns, weather and water conditions and the progress of catch, ADF&G regulators will issue "emergency orders" that supersede the annual regulations.
Licensing
Nonresidents ages 16 and older and residents ages 16 to 59 must purchase a fishing license and have it on their person when fishing. Get caught violating this basic rule and you will be ticketed by an ADF&G law enforcement officer.
To legally harvest a king salmon, a king salmon stamp available for separate purchase must be affixed to the back of your fishing license. Date, time and place of harvest must be filled out upon landing the fish. Many anglers get ticketed for not doing so.
Wild River
In 1980, the bulk of the Alagnak River's 67 miles were designated as a "Wild River" under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act and were slated to be managed under the 1968 federal National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
This designation prevents the permitting or licensing of hydroelectric dams or the diversion of the natural course of water. It mandates that the river be protected and preserved in its free-flowing state.
This is a big plus for fish-- especially salmon that must swim upstream against the current already facing enormous obstacles--and the anglers who want to catch them.
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