Kuskokwim Drainage Management Area
Fishing Opportunities
Kisaralik River Float
Description
The Kisaralik is a large clearwater river that flows northwest from the Kuskokwim Mountains to the Kuskokwim River just upstream of Bethel. There’s excellent fishing for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling. King and chum salmon are available late-June and July, and coho salmon during late August and September. Anglers normally float the river from Kisaralik Lake and are picked up by charter boat on the lower river. There are a few short sections of Class II and III water, and one falls with an easy portage.
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. Mouse patterns can also be very effective for rainbows in the right water. Silver/pink or orange spoons and silver or gold spinners work well for spinning gear, as well as white, pink, and silver jigs.
Getting There
The river is normally floated, and accessed by floatplane charter from Bethel or Dillingham, where there are providers of both guided and unguided trips, including outfitted trips that include rafts and other equipment rental, air charter, and can provide the boat charter normally used for the pickup. The float is mostly class I and II, but does have some class III water and one very short portage. The float is just over 100 river miles, and normally takes 8 to 10 days. Bears are common along the river, and floaters should take appropriate cautions.
Dates
Ends: September 258
Regulations
Before you go fishing please check the regulations.