The Nushagak River is approximately 275 miles long and is southwest Alaska's most extensive clearwater river system.  The river is host to not only the massive Chinook (King) salmon run, but is also host to the other four Pacific salmon species as well (Sockeye, Coho, Chum, Pink).  The river also supports sea-run Dolly Varden, resident Rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, Arctic char, and Northern pike.  The availability of all of these species of course depends on the time of year and the section of river.

King Salmon Fishing

If you are ready to catch some monster Kings, then you've come to the right place.  The Nushagak boasts one of the state's largest King salmon runs.  King salmon return to the Nushagak starting early June, but we don't book clients into our camp prior to June 13, when the run has strengthened.  From mid-June until mid-July, the river is full of King salmon.  Catching 10-20 King salmon per day is not unusual, and often clients catch even more.  While our regular fishing day is about 9 hours there is no reason why you couldn't fish for more Kings after dinner if you can stand it.  One of the best fishing holes on the Nushagak is right in front of the lodge!

Chum and Sockeye (Red) salmon are also available during King season with the Chum running from early June into July and with the Sockeye showing up during the last two weeks of June.

Silver Salmon Fishing

The mighty Coho (Silver) salmon show up on the Nushagak in later July and run through August.  Silver salmon are considered to be true acrobats when hooked-up.  We fish this Silver salmon run for 5 weeks from July 24 through August 20.

In even years, the Pink salmon run concurrently with the Silver salmon.  Although we target the feisty Silvers, the Pinks are still fun to catch.

Our Staff

Our staff has the experience to get you organized and on your way to fish the mighty Nushagak.  We have found most of our previous guests have had some experience fishing in a small boat, similar to the way we do it.  Our repeat guests are now enjoying the great stay with us without paying a premium for a guide to bait their hook.  The fish are there and waiting to be caught.

Salmon Fishing Gear

We furnish spin and cast fishing gear and have a limited amount of fly fishing gear.  You are welcome to bring your own gear.  King salmon gear should be medium-heavy duty with 15# to 20# test line.  We will be drifting and back trolling.  Silver salmon gear can be a little lighter duty (15#) with casting lures in mind.  We will supply bait and fishing lures.

Fly fishermen are encouraged to bring heavy gear for Kings and Silvers.  8-10 wt. rods (preferably 10wt.) for Kings and 8 wt. for Silvers.  Having a lighter rod for Arctic grayling fishing during a hatch can be fun also.  We can make recommendations on what flies to bring, however, we also do some fly tying at camp.  Most fly fishermen bring their own gear.  If you do not have fly fishing gear of your own to bring, please contact us in advance to check availability.

Boats

We have 6 riverboats with 40-100 hp 4-cycle outboard engines and we keep them in top condition.  We use only 4-cycle engines to keep noise at a minimum.