Area Sport Fishing Reports
Kuskokwim

August Season

Note: Presence of a particular fish species does not necessarily mean that it is legal to fish for that species. In addition, some waters have terminal tackle restrictions and all have bag and possession limits that may differ between drainages. Please consult current sport fishing regulations for the waters in which you plan to fish.

Sometimes sport fishing regulations are modified inseason, usually in the case of salmon. Please review these “Emergency Orders” prior to wetting your line.

Kuskokwim River Tributaries

Salmon Fishing: In 2014 with poor returns of king salmon in the area, sport fishing for king salmon is closed through the entire Kuskokwim-Goodnews Management area. Sport fishing for other species remains open. In addition, anglers may use only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure in the entire Kuskokwim–Goodnews Area. Coho salmon fishing in the lower tributaries of the Kuskokwim River should be very good in early August, and then taper off as the month progresses. Fishing for coho salmon in the middle river is usually still good in late August. Chum salmon fishing may still be good in the tributaries, but expect them to be fully colored up and no longer silver. Sockeye salmon fishing will be largely over.

Resident Species Fishing: Northern pike fishing should remain quite good if warm temperatures and lower water conditions prevail. Anglers will find northern pike in shallow, weedy waters that are adjacent to cooler deeper waters. August can be a very wet month though, and often many good northern pike fishing areas are washed out. As in June and July, sheefish, Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, burbot and Arctic grayling can be found throughout the Kuskokwim River drainage. Sheefish and burbot are often found at river mouths. Burbot may be taken on setline gear. Rainbow trout fishing is generally very good in August in the lower Kuskokwim tributaries: the Kwethluk, Kisaralik/ Kasigluk, and Aniak rivers. These rivers are prone to getting washed out in high rain events so plan accordingly.

Kuskokwim Bay Tributaries

Salmon Fishing: In 2014 with poor returns of king salmon in the area, sport fishing for king salmon is closed through the entire Kuskokwim-Goodnews Management area. Sport fishing for other species remains open. In addition, anglers may use only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure in the entire Kuskokwim–Goodnews Area. Coho salmon fishing in the Kuskokwim Bay tributaries should be very good in early August, and then taper off as the month progresses. Fishing for coho salmon in the middle river is usually still good in late August. Chum salmon fishing may still be good in the tributaries, but expect them to be fully colored up and no longer silver. Sockeye fishing will be largely over.

Resident Species Fishing: As in June and July, Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, and Arctic grayling can be found throughout the Kuskokwim Bay drainages. Rainbow trout fishing is generally very good in August in the Kuskokwim Bay tributaries: the Kanektok, Arolik, and Goodnews Rivers. Like many local rivers, these rivers are prone to getting washed out in high rain events so plan accordingly.

For additional information or concerns, please call (907) 543-1677 or (907) 459-7361.

Local Perspectives

Anglers visiting western Alaska are encouraged to respect the rights of private property owners and to respect traditional perspectives. Many local residents are concerned about catch-and-release fishing practices. Yup’ik people feel these practices are disrespectful to fish and are in conflict with their traditional ethics. These ethics teach that when animals are mistreated, the natural order becomes disrupted and people risk future food shortages. If disrupted, the fish will move away and may never return to the river. It is important that visitors acknowledge and respect these traditions by respecting their catch and observing careful catch-and-release practices.

  • Keep the fish in the water,
  • Use single hook lures or flies,
  • When taking pictures, cradle the fish with both hands,
  • Pinch your barbs down and
  • If you can not remove the fly easily, consider cutting the line or the hook.

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

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