Area Sport Fishing Reports
Kuskokwim

June 4, 2026

Resident Freshwater Species

Northern Pike

Northern pike fishing has been excellent with increasing water clarity as the high water conditions have decreased. 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 patterns 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.

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.

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.

Dolly Varden

Dolly Varden catches have been reported to be spotty to poor in many Kuskokwim River tributaries.

Salmon

Sport fishing for king salmon has been closed in the Aniak River drainage. Many of the Lower Kuskokwim River tributaries downstream of the Aniak River are managed by the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge and have restrictions that are separate from State of Alaska regulations. It remains early in the season for reports of sport fishing for salmon in any locations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has closed the harvest of king and chum 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-06-26 closes the Aniak 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 hook 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 2026 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 2026 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.