Area Sport Fishing Reports
Kuskokwim

July 8, 2026

Resident freshwater species

With water conditions having returned to better levels and visibility increasing, sport fishing and subsistence rod-and-reel fishing in the Kuskokwim River drainage and the Kuskokwim Bay drainages have been good.

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. Large colorful spoons and spinners work well for catching sheefish. Initial high water levels have given way to more average water 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. 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.

Northern Pike

Northern pike fishing has been excellent, with water clarity increasing as water levels decrease. 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 large spoons work anytime, and topwater lures such as jitterbugs and large fly patters work best in late evening under the midnight sun when the large pike will lurk in the warm surface waters.

Be sure to watch the new ADF&G video, How to Fish for Northern Pike, for helpful tips on tackle and technique.

Salmon

Sport fishing for king salmon is open in the Kuskokwim River upriver from the Aniak River until July 25. Fishing for king salmon remains open in the Kuskokwim Bay streams - Kanektok, Goodnews, and Arolik. Catches of king salmon in the Kanektok and Goodnews Rivers are reported to be good. The Kuskokwim Bay Rivers are also still open for sport fishing for chum salmon

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge) has closed the harvest of king and chum salmon (below the Aniak River) to people who are not residents of the Kuskokwim River. Please contact their office at Bethel (907) 543-3151 or visit their website at Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for more information.

The Kuskokwim Bay Rivers - Kanektok, Goodnews, Arolik-may be a good alternative to king fishing on the lower Kuskokwim River tributaries. The Kuskokwim Bay tributaries remain open at this time – but please check for any announcements prior to making plans.

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

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.