Area Sport Fishing Reports
Kuskokwim

August 6, 2025

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 Rivers. 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 Rivers. 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 local residents have cited the low chum salmon 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 through the summer. 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 and has now closed by regulation in the Kuskokwim Bay streams (Kanektok, Goodnews, and Arolik Rivers) after July 25. Catches of king salmon in the Kanektok and Goodnews Rivers were reported to have been good.

The Kuskokwim River and Kuskokwim Bay drainages all report large numbers of coho salmon entering the rivers, and the Kuskokwim River mainstem sonar had counted 210,148 as of August 5. The average passage for that date is approximately 70,000 fish. Sport fish catches in the Kanektok and Goodnews Rivers are reported to be excellent. Sport catches of coho in the areas of the Kuskokwim River where sport fishing is currently allowed (upstream of the Aniak River and including the upper Aniak River) is reported to be excellent.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge) has closed the harvest of king, chum and coho salmon to people that are not residents of the Kuskokwim River (but not currently the Kuskokwim Bay Rivers). Please contact their office in Bethel at (907) 543-3151 or visit their website for more information.

Emergency Orders

Please review the Emergency Orders and Advisory Announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip:

• Emergency Order 3-KS-V-03-25 closes the Kuskokwim River drainage to sport fishing for king salmon.

Best 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

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

Don’t forget to bring your 2025 sport fishing license. You may purchase your sport fishing license online at the ADF&G Online Store. Also, be sure to review Emergency Orders and the 2025 Northern Sport Fishing Regulations Summary Booklet for the area you are fishing before you head out.

For more information, please call Kuskokwim-Goodnews Area Manager John Chythlook at (907) 459-7361.