Northwest Drainages Management Area
Fishing Opportunities

The Niukluk River flows to the southeast out of the Bendeleben Mountains on the Seward Peninsula, and flows through the village of Council approximately 12 miles upstream from its confluence with the Fish River.  The river crosses the Nome-Council road 68 miles from Nome.    This section of river, about 30 miles, can be floated in small rafts and canoes, and consists of Class I and II water.  Arctic grayling are not extremely abundant, but many of those present are quite large.  The river also has Dolly Varden, and pink and chum salmon during July and early August, and coho salmon from mid-August through September.

For Arctic grayling and Dolly Varden, both dry flies and nymphs can work well, and small spoons, spinners, and jigs are effective spinning gear.  Salmon egg imitations are also effective once the salmon arrive in July.  Dolly Varden will bite on flashy pink, orange, and silver tackle, which will also occasionally catch a salmon.  Chum and pink salmon are found in large numbers, and spinners and spoons can catch both.  Coho salmon arrive in August and are the most aggressive salmon.  Large streamer flies, spoons, spinners, and salmon eggs all catch coho salmon.  The Niukluk River is very clear and often times you can sight-cast to fish. 

From Nome, take the Nome-Council highway about 68 miles to the village of Council, where there is river access, and jet boats can be launched from the gravel bars.  There are sport fishing guides that can take you fishing or transport your raft upriver to float back down to the village.  Much of the land around Council is private so respect signage when parking or fishing along shore.  Good fishing can also be had from the gravel bars near the village.  It's also possible to hike with a pack raft about 10 miles up the Soloman River from the Nome-Council road and over the old railroad grade to the Casedepaga, and then float down to the Niukluk and down to Council.

Arctic Grayling
Coho Salmon
Dolly Varden
Pink Salmon

Begin: May 145
Ends: September 258

Before you go fishing please check the regulations.