Area Sport Fishing Reports
Kuskokwim

Archived Sport Fishing Report

July 05, 2022

ADF&G news

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Freshwater fishing

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

Sheefish

Sheefish are available 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 attracting the interest of these fish. Water temperatures have cooled to more average temperatures recently, which has contributed to better fishing.

Rainbow trout

Rainbow trout catches are currently reported as fair in both the sport and subsistence rod-and-reel fisheries. These popular fisheries occur in Kuskokwim Bay rivers such as the Goodnews, Kanektok, and Arolik Rivers, and in the lower Kuskokwim drainage that includes the Kisaralik, Kwethluk, Kasigluk, and Aniak Rivers. These are popular guided and outfitted fisheries in remote Alaska, with many private businesses providing excellent services and opportunities.

Dolly Varden

Dolly Varden catches have been reported to be spotty to poor in many Kuskokwim River tributaries. Many locals have cited the recent low chum salmon numbers as a possible reason for low Dolly Varden catches as the fish adjust their behavior patterns to search for other food sources.

Northern pike

Northern pike fishing has been excellent with increasing water clarity. Any clearwater mouth or connected slough complex along the mainstem Kuskokwim River affords excellent fishing opportunities. 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.

King salmon

• Sport fishing for king salmon has been closed in the Kuskokwim River drainage, but remains open in the Kuskokwim Bay streams (Kanektok, Goodnews, and Arolik). Sport fishing for king salmon in the Kuskokwim drainage will remain closed for this season due to expected poor escapement numbers and extensive subsistence fishery closures. Catches of king salmon in the Kanektok and Goodnews Rivers are reported to be good.
• The Kuskokwim Bay rivers (Kanektok, Goodnews, Arolik) may be a good alternative to king fishing on the Kuskokwim River tributaries. The Kuskokwim Bay tributaries remain open at this time – but please check for any announcements prior to making plans.

Chum salmon

Chum salmon have been coming in at very low numbers, prompting a sport fishing closure for chum salmon in the Kuskokwim River drainage (excluding the Kuskokwim Bay drainages). This closure will remain through the season.

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-02-22 closes the Kuskokwim River drainage to sport fishing for king salmon.
• Emergency Order 3-KS-V-09-22 Extends the previous closure of the Kuskokwim River drainage king salmon sport fishery to July 25^th. By regulation, this fishery closes after the 25^th of July.
• Emergency Order 3-CS-V-17-2022 closes the Kuskokwim River drainage to sport fishing for chum salmon.

For More Information

Call the Kuskokwim Goodnews Area Manager John Chythlook at (907) 459-7361.

Additional Tips

• Don’t forget to bring your 2021 sport fishing license. Help maximize social distancing by purchasing 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 2021 Northern Sport Fishing Regulations Summary Booklet for the area you are fishing in before you head out.
• Because fish typically grow and reproduce more slowly at high latitudes and elevations, please use proper techniques when engaging in catch-and-release in order to ensure the survival of the released fish such as:
  • Use lures with a single hook and crimp down the barb. Do not use bait.
  • Land the fish with a soft net and keep the fish in the water when removing the hook.
  • To release the fish, hold it gently facing into the current or in water without current gently cradle the fish and move it slowly back and forth until it swims away under its own power.