Kuskokwim Drainage Management Area
Fishing Opportunities

Holitna River


Description

A beautiful day on the lower Holitna River, just upstream from the Kuskokwim.The Holitna River is a large clearwater river that flows north from the Kuskokwim Mountains to the Kuskokwim River at the village of Sleetmute.  All summer there’s excellent fishing for Dolly Varden and Arctic grayling, and large Northern pike in the lower river and sloughs. King and chum salmon are available late-June and July, and coho salmon during late August and September.  Anglers normally float about 85 miles of the river from locations near the headwaters (as determined by float plane or wheel plane pilot) and are picked up by floatplane upstream of the confluence with the Kuskokwim, or float to Sleetmute and take scheduled air service.  The river is also navigable by prop boat for much of the lower 40 river miles, and by jet boat all the way to the Kogrukluk.  The river is all Class I, but there are a number of sweepers and log jams which require some boating skill to avoid.

Tackle

All the species present are attracted to egg patterns, especially during salmon spawning.  Silver and flashy streamers work well below water, and dry flies can be productive during the right conditions.  Silver/pink or orange spoons and silver or gold spinners work well for spinning gear, as well as white, pink, and silver jigs.  Pike will hit surface lures such as mouse or frog patterns, and are attracted to large rubber fish lures as well, and always use steel leaders for pike fishing.

Getting There

A large Northern Pike caught in the Lower Holitna RiverAccess to the Holitna is normally by air, either through McGrath or by charter from Anchorage.  There is also scheduled air service to Sleetmute. The river is normally floated, and accessed by floatplane charter from Aniak, Bethel, or McGrath, where there are providers of both guided and unguided trips.  Outfitted trips are available that include raft or other equipment rental and aircraft charter.  The float normally takes about 10 days.  Bears are common along the river, and floaters should take appropriate cautions.

Dates

Begin: May 135
Ends: September 258

Regulations

Before you go fishing please check the regulations.