Area Sport Fishing Reports
Kuskokwim

August 6, 2026

Kuskokwim River Tributaries

Salmon Fishing

In 2026 king salmon was closed throughout the season in the Aniak River drainage and closed by regulation on July 26th. Sport fishing for other salmon species remained open. Coho salmon fishing in the lower tributaries of the Kuskokwim River is normally very good in early August, but so far has been very slow and sonar counts at Bethel have been low. Fishing for coho salmon in the middle river is usually still good in late August, so may improve. Sockeye salmon fishing will be largely over soon.

Resident freshwater species

Early August has proven to have very high water through most drainages in the Kuskokwim River due to remarkably wet and windy weather. Anglers will find northern pike in shallow, weedy waters that are adjacent to cooler deeper waters. Northern pike fishing should improve if warm temperatures and lower water conditions return. 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 though so plan accordingly.

Kuskokwim Bay Tributaries

Salmon Fishing

Sport fishing for all species remained open, however sport fishing for king salmon closed by regulation on July 26th. Coho salmon fishing in the Kuskokwim Bay tributaries should be very good in early August, and then taper off as the month progresses, especially if there are high water events. Fishing for coho salmon in the Kuskokwim Bay rivers (Kanektok, Goodnews and Arolik) is usually still good in late August. 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. Additionally, 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.

Consider using these best practices when releasing live fish

• 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.
• If you can not remove the fly easily, consider cutting the line or the hook.

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

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-06-26 closes the Aniak River drainage to sport fishing for king salmon.

ADF&G News

Download the ADF&G Mobile App today. Don’t forget to bring your 2026 sport fishing license. You may purchase your sport fishing license at the ADF&G Online Store and print it off from the comfort of your home. Also, be sure to review Emergency Orders and the 2026 Northern Sport Fishing Regulations Summary Booklet for the area you are fishing before you head out.

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