Fishing so good you'll never want to leave Alaska...
Katmai Lodge’s central location on the Alagnak River provides our guests with speedy access to Alaska’s best tidewater and freshwater fishing for salmon and trout. In fact, we’ll have you fishing world-class waters the very same day you arrive at Katmai Lodge!
Alagnak River Fishing Calendar
For Fishing News Visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Home Page
The guides at Katmai Lodge target fresh, strong salmon in their prime. We do not and will not target spawning or near spawning fish.
Fish Species of the Alagnak River
King Salmon / Chinook Salmon
During the last week of June, large schools of King salmon begin arriving in the Alagnak river. These salmon average 30 pounds with monsters in the 50’s caught each season from Katmai Lodge.
These very aggressive, large fish readily attack big streamer flies as well as bright colored plugs.
Sockeye Salmon / Red Salmon
Sockeye salmon, averaging 5-10 pounds each, return to the Alagnak during the first week of July. The Alagnak averages two million of these bright, chrome rockets each season.
These fish hug the gravel bars in 1 ½ – 3 feet of water as they march their way up stream. Sockeye are an intricate part of the Bristol Bay ecosystem. They are the major food source for all of the resident fish populations in the rivers.
Chum Salmon / Dog Salmon
Chum salmon arrive in mid-July and fish well through August. They average 12 pounds, but can range up to 20 pounds. These are the most aggressive salmon to a fly.
They will chase down and attack a fly on the swing, just off the bottom, or a dry fly walking across the surface. Pound for pound, these acrobats are the most fun, toughest fish in the Alagnak River.
They can be caught until your arm says “No More!”
Silver Salmon / Coho Salmon
Silver salmon arrive in the Alagnak River in August. These aggressive chrome bullets are fresh from the ocean and looking for a fight. They are very willing players on fly or spinning gear.
The Coho Salmon of the Alagnak river run from 10-15 pounds and up to 20 pounds. They are very strong fighters – the most acrobatic of all species of Pacific salmon. Once hooked, hang on! Catching them on dry flies is something you’ll never forget.
Humpy Salmon / Pink Salmon
Humpy salmon runs occur on even years only, and arrive in the Alagnak River late July through August. They average 5-10 lbs, are extremely aggressive and easily caught on fly or spinning gear.
With the addition of so many fish to the river, there is non-stop action on Humpy years.
It’s a great time for families with kids!
Rainbow Trout
Katmai Lodge has excellent trout fishing all season with a diversity of styles to fish for trout.
After a long winter and with spawning behind them, the feeding frenzy begins in June.
From the gentle sip of a dry fly, the relentless pursuit of a mouse skating across the surface, or the bone-jarring stike to a streamer, the Rainbows of the Alagnak promise exciting fishing and memories for a lifetime.
Late August brings the trophy-sized trout, having gorged themselves on salmon eggs all Summer. The average size of these bruisers is 20-25 inches, with prized fish over 30″ being caught each season!
Arctic Grayling
Arctic grayling are a beautiful, native stream fish with the dorsal “sail fin.”
They average 14-16”, and are great fun to catch with light gear and dry flies. For a smaller fish, they bring a lot of action and are a pleasant surprise.
The Alagnak River supports a healthy population of grayling and adds variety and challenge to your Katmai Lodge Alaska fishing trip.
Arctic Char / Dolly Varden
You can expect incidental catches of colorful Archtic char all season, though the best time is late August and September.
This fish averages 18 inches in length and are a blast on both fly and spinning gear alike.
Northern Pike
This ferocious predator is an invasive species on the Alagnak River and can be caught year-round.
Fly-Outs & Fishing Locations
Taking Home Your Alaskan Catch
Your experience at Katmai Lodge will be one you’ll remember for the rest of your life and will want to share with your family and friends. At the end of your stay our guides will professionally vacuum seal and pack up to 50 pounds of your catch for you to take home and share.
As a parting gift from us, you will receive an email with photos of your trip and your fellow anglers from the week. Those back home are sure to enjoy both the salmon and images!