Area Sport Fishing Reports
Kuskokwim

July 8, 2024

Local Conditions

With water conditions having returned to better levels and visibility increasing, fishing in either the sport fishery or the subsistence rod-and-reel fishery in the Kuskokwim River drainage and the Kuskokwim Bay drainages has been good.

Resident freshwater species

Sheefish

Sheefish are catchable at the mouths of many clearwater rivers such as the Aniak and Holitna Rivers, as well as other clearwater streams near Bethel such as the Kwethluk and Kisaralik. Large colorful spoons and spinners work well for these. Initially, high water levels have given way to more average levels and clarity which has contributed to better catchability.

Rainbow trout

Rainbow trout catches are currently reported as fair in both the sport fisheries and the subsistence rod-and-reel fisheries. These popular fisheries occur in the Kuskokwim Bay rivers - Goodnews, Kanektok, and Arolik, and in the lower Kuskokwim drainages that include the Kisaralik, Kwethluk, Kasigluk, and Aniak. These are popular guided and outfitted fisheries in remote Alaska, with many private businesses that provide excellent services and opportunities.

Dolly Varden

Dolly Varden catches have been reported to be spotty to poor in many Kuskokwim River tributaries. Many locals have cited the low chum numbers as possibly responsible for Dolly Varden behavior patterns as they adjust to other food sources.

Northern pike

Northern pike fishing has been excellent with increasing water clarity as the high water conditions have subsided. Any clearwater mouth or connected slough complex along the mainstem Kuskokwim River affords excellent fishing. Anything that imitates prey and attracts attention will work. Crocodiles and larges spoons work anytime, and topwater lures such as jitterbugs and large fly patterns work best in late evening under the Midnight Sun when the large pike will lurk in the warm surface waters.

Salmon

Sport fishing for king salmon has been closed in the Kuskokwim River drainage, but remains open in the Kuskokwim Bay streams (Kanektok, Goodnews, and Arolik. Sport fishing for king salmon in the Kuskokwim Drainage will remain closed for this season due to poor expected escapement numbers and extensive subsistence fishery closures. Catches of king salmon in the Kanektok and Goodnews Rivers are reported to be good.

The Kuskokwim Bay rivers (Kanektok, Goodnews, Arolik) may be a good alternative to king fishing on the Kuskokwim river tributaries. The Kuskokwim Bay tributaries remain open at this time – but please check for any emergency orders prior to making plans.

Catch-and-Release Practices

During these times of salmon conservation, it is important to use best practices when handling fish, especially if a fish is accidentally caught that is in a closed fishery. These practices include:

• Keeping the fish in the water
• Using single-hook lures or flies
• When taking pictures, cradle the fish with both hands
• Pinching your barbs down
• If you cannot remove the fly easily, consider cutting the line or the hook

For more information about proper catch-and-release techniques, visit the ADF&G website.

Enjoy these western Alaska fishing opportunities, operate boats in courteous manner, pack out your waste and only leave your footprints. Good luck fishing!

ADF&G News

Download the ADF&G Mobile App today. You can purchase and display your fishing license and king stamp, record your annual harvest (i.e. king salmon), access sport fishing regulations and locations, and much more on your mobile device. You can also purchase licenses through the ADF&G online store and print it off at home. Make sure to review emergency orders, advisory announcements, and the 2024 Northern Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary Booklet for the area you are fishing before you head out.For more information, please call the Kuskokwim-Goodnews Area Manager John Chythlook at (907) 459-7361.