Fishing Traveler

The world famous Naknek River is located in the Bristol Bay Region of southwest Alaska. Naknek River is a 35 mile long (56-km) river. It flows westward from Naknek Lake, draining it into the Kvichak Bay arm of Bristol Bay. The Naknek River is a big river with big fish.  As a testament to the fishing that is available, the nearby town of King Salmon almost triples in size during the salmon runs.  Over 30,000 visitors year come through the towns of Naknek and King Salmon on the way to the Naknek River as well as other area hot spots.

Naknek River Fish Species

• Salmon - Kings, Silvers, Pinks, Sockeye and Chum
• Rainbow Trout
• Arctic Char
• Grayling

Naknek River Best Fishing Trip Times

These are general guidelines as best fishing trip times can vary season to season. 

Rainbow Trout are typically best during the first three weeks of June and then again in August and September with good action in July.  Rainbow Trout on the Naknek range between 6-12 lbs.

King Salmon are typically best in late June to early July.  Kings run between 10 and 50 lbs. 

Silver Salmon are typically best starting in early August through early October. Silvers are a bit smaller than Kings and range between 6-12 lbs.

Sockeye and Chums are available late June to early September.

Pinks are targeted late July through August.

Arctic Char & Grayling are available all season long.

Naknek River Fishing Trip Tackle

Blue Fly World Class Fishing Adventures has a nice outline of the type of rods to bring when on a fly fishing trip on the Naknek.

King Salmon – 10-12 weight rod, fast sink tip line
Silver Salmon – 7 – 9 weight rod, fast sink tip and floating line
Sockeye Salmon - 6-8 weight rod, fast sink tip and floating line
Rainbow Trout, Char and Grayling 6-8 weight rod, fast sink tip and floating line

 Katmai Fishing Adventures has a tackle guide.

Naknek River Fishing Patterns

When talking about rainbow trout on the Naknek River, think big according to Brad Hanson at Fishing Alaska.

The Naknek River in the Bristol Bay region is a renowned fishery, arguably boasting the world’s largest rainbows. Small insects are not on the main-course as the oversized Bows feed nearly year-round on smolt, eggs, flesh, Sculpin, and Lamprey - all big-bite, high protein foods.

Gary Laden talked about his technique for Silver Salmon on the Naknek in an article for GORP.

The ideal fly outfit for silvers would be an 8-weight rod and reel, spooled with weight forward floating line. Prime fly patterns include Popsicle, Cook’s Show Girl and purple egg sucking leech streamer flies. Spin-fishermen had equal success using medium-action 6 to 6-1/2 foot rods, smooth-drag reels and 10-pound-test line. Without question, the most productive baits were 3/8-ounce pink, mixed purple/pink or sunrise (mixed red, orange yellow) Marabou jigs. The most effective retrieval was a rise-and-fall action — allowing the jig to contact bottom on each fall and snapping it up about two feet on each rise.

Another article by Brandon Jensen breaks down patterns by seasons.

Naknek River Fishing Trip Reports

Bill Hodges wrote about his fishing trip to Naknek in 1998. Women’s Flyfishing has a 1997 fishing trip report.   Kodiak Commando provides a more recent fishing trip report at FliesandFins.com.  Here’s an excerpt…

We each caught about 40 bows per day a with the average fish being around 3 pounds. World class fishing may be an understatement. I also landed a 27 incher, another 28 incher and a 29 incher around 10 pounds while my dad never caught anything over 6 pounds. Like me he caught plenty of 3 to 6 pound Rainbow Trout. All the fish fought extremley hard, even the 3 pound trout took drag on our 9 weights! And while i never landed one over 30 inches, I remind myself what other fly fisherman would give to land 4 bows over 27 inches in 6 days! To put it simply it was one hell of a trip!

Gary Laden on an August fishing trip describes fishing the Silver Salmon run…

Skilled fly casters in my group were hooked into acrobatic silvers within minutes of launching onto the Naknek, a clear, shallow river extending from Bristol Bay to Katmai National Park. Amazingly, there were few boats to contend with on prime stretches of this fish-filled river.

Phil from Ozark Anglers fished at Naknek River Camp in August 2006 and has a picture filled report.

Just as a reminder that even the best fisheries can be challenging, check out Marcus Weiner’s report at Fish Alaska Magazine. 

At the outset, we were having problems finding fish. At the end of the first day, we had landed two trout. One was in the mid-20 inches range and gave us some hope that we might find fish. On Day 2 we were blanked. Skunked. Not one nibble. When you spend a whole day on a river in which you have caught many trout on many occasions and catch nothing, you naturally begin to question your ability and sanity.

Now, Marcus did end up catching some nice fish during his trip.  The Naknek River is a great fishery but after reading or hearing the hype for any destinaion, we often expect to go and catch fish after fish.  Even fishing trips that are more challenging can be rewarding.  Marcus sums up his trip by saying…

As I look at it now, I’m reminded that even the most familiar fisheries keep their secrets well.  And sometimes, when taking the time to revisit a favorite spot, you can find an entirely new experience waiting for you, which for both travelers and fishermen is the greatest reward.

I couldn’t put it any better.

Nankek River Guide Service

Little John’s Guide Service - John Kopy is an expert USCG licensed Captain and licensed Guide in NewYork and Alaska. You will learn retrieval and presentation “secrets” along with lessons in how to read the water. Novice and experienced anglers will find John to be an excellent teacher. This trip will be an educational journey that will help your fishing success wherever you fish!

Naknek River Angling - Naknek River Angling offers the finest fly fishing adventures at the most affordable prices.
Naknek River Angling clients return year after year to experience “the best fresh water fishing in the world”.

Six Rivers Guide Service - We are your connection to fishing northern California as well as southwestern Alaska’s coastal river systems for salmon, trout and steelhead.

Naknek River Lodging

A fishing trip to the Naknek isn’t cheap at least if you have a similar budget to mine.  Brandon Jensen explains in a 2006 article…

The price will be much higher, however, as you will be staying at some sort of lodge. The good thing is, not all lodges are obscenely expensive. There are a few on the Naknek and Kvichiak that are around $1800 pp for 6 days fishing and the fishing is excellent; you just won’t be paying for all the world-class accommodations. On the other end of the spectrum you have fly-out lodges that are 5-to-7 grand for a week’s fishing.

Lodges and Outfitters *This list is not exhaustive as there are many lodges and outfitters that service this area.

Alaska’s Naknek Anglers - While vacationing with us you will fish the productive streams and rivers of the legendary Bristol Bay region. This phenomenal resource offers excellent fishing for all five species of Pacific Salmon as well as a host of resident species including Trophy Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Arctic Grayling, Dolly Varden, Lake Trout, and Northern Pike.

Bear Trail Lodge - Naknek River’s Bear Trail Lodge really is the epitome of the Alaskan experience. Situated on what is considered the #1 Trophy Rainbow Trout river in Alaska by Fish Alaska Magazine, and offering some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing in North America, Bear Trail Lodge should be at the top of your list of destinations in Alaska. A must for the serious angler!

Blue Fly World Class Fishing Adventures - Blue Fly is located in King Salmon Alaska at the heart of the Bristol Bay. The rich waters of the Naknek and surrounding rivers are not only home to the worlds largest salmon runs but also record breaking Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char and Arctic Grayling. It is not uncommon for anglers to hook into rainbows measuring 30 plus inches! But of course you will have to see for yourself…

Crystal Creek Lodge - Naknek River fishing lodge

Fox Bay Lodge - King Salmon Alaska Fishing Lodge and Guides for King, Silver, Sockeye Salmon and Rainbow Trout - Alaska Fishing Lodge!

Katmai Fishing Adventures - Katmai Fishing Adventures is located on the banks of the Naknek River in King Salmon, Alaska and offer a wide variety of fishing packages for your enjoyment.

King Salmon Guides - King Salmon Guides is based in the heart of Bristol Bay, located in the fishing town of King Salmon. As Alaska’s premier fishing outfitter, King Salmon Guides combines the quality services of a fly-out lodge with the flexibility of personalized itineraries based on the needs and expectations of each of our clients. With King Salmon Guides, you can plan your trip based on the number of days you have available while maintaining a first class Alaskan adventure.

King Salmon Inn - Formerly the Ponderosa Inn, King Salmon Inn is situated against the panoramic wilderness backdrop of Alaska’s world-famous Bristol Bay watershed. The remoteness of the area, accessible only by air, appeals to the sport-fisherman seeking the ultimate fishing adventure.  King Salmon Inn offers comfortable, carpeted, clean rooms with private baths. Our fishing packages include three family-style meals, boats, motor and nets, and transportation to and from the boat dock.

King Salmon Lodge - Located on the world famous Naknek River in the Bristol Bay Region of Alaska, King Salmon Lodge is a full service Alaskan Fishing Lodge offering the best of both worlds for Anglers and Non-Anglers alike. The fishing in this area is outstanding! You can expect trophy Rainbows, Arctic Char, Grayling and depending on the week all five species of Pacific Salmon. Just a hop from the lodge you can see the massive “Alaska Coastal Brown Bears” at Brooks, or the fabulous “Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.” From the King Salmon Lodge, you can experience the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.

Naknek River Camp - The Naknek River Camp offers an affordable choice to an Alaskan fishing trip. The camp has 4 riverfront cabins located within Katmai National Park, just 7 or 8 miles upriver from Crystal Creek, also on the world famous Naknek River. We have quick access to both the Naknek River and also the 40 mile long Naknek Lake.

Rainbow End - For a natural experience unequaled anywhere, visit Rainbow Bend in Alaska’s Southwest. It is a land of secrets waiting to be uncovered; where real adventure awaits around every bend in the river.

Rapids Camp Lodge - At the end of the road, at the end of the world, on the famous Naknek River Rapids, you’ll find Rapids Camp Lodge. While it is only seven miles up-river from King Salmon and just an eighty minute flight from Anchorage, it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of every day life and close to perfect. The Bristol Bay watershed is home to pristine wilderness, majestic views, enormous rainbow trout, five species of salmon during early migrations, Artic char, grayling, pike and trout, as well as the second largest national park in the United States. Katmai National Park is 4.2 million acres of virtually untouched; wilderness where you can find moose, caribou, wolves, eagles and, of course, the Alaskan brown bear.

Salmon King Lodge - Your fishing home in the Alaskan bush.

Naknek River Insects

You can’t go north and forget about the mosquitos.  Bill Hodges writes from experience on an Alaskan fishing trip…

The State bird. Size of a small Buick. There have been many monikers for the famous Alaskan mosquito. Big Creek, and the inside of our cabin at night, proved to be their greatest feeding ground. Deet and Backwoods Off proved effective enough outside in the wilds, and head nets were used a lot on Big Creek, but these critters still found their way to unprotected flesh while we slept. We all suffered from nighttime bites, which left us with whelps to ponder and scratch for weeks to come. Ron’s arms were so swollen by the time he got back to Anchorage; we had to make a fast run to a pharmacy to relieve the pain and swelling.

Naknek River Climate

Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation reports this about the climate of the area…

The climate is mainly maritime, characterized by cool, humid, and windy weather. Average summer temperatures range from 42 to 63; average winter temperatures range from 29 to 44. Extremes from -46 to 88 have been recorded. Total precipitation is 20 inches annually, including 45 inches of snowfall. Fog is common during summer months.

Naknek River Fishing Trip Recommend Clothing

Katmai Fishing Adventures has good advice on what to pack for your fishing trip.

You can’t dress too warm!!! The trick is to wear non-constrictive layers of clothing and top them off with a warm hat, gloves and the highest quality of rain gear.  The rain gear blocks the wind, which is ever present in tundra country, especially on the river. Waders are a must for all fly-out trips and any fly fishing you plan on doing in the Naknek River. Chest waders are the only sensible option, they are also an excellent source of warmth. During June, July and August you will find Gore-Tex breathable waders adequate protection, for September and October you may want to consider neoprene for additional warmth.  

Naknek River Fishing Regulations

Before any fishing trip, you should familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations of that State, Alaska Department of Fish & Game.

Naknek River Bears

Oh yeah, this is bear country.  Make sure you do your research on how to stay safe when fishing with bears.

This information has been provided to help you plan a Naknek River fishing trip.  I have made my best effort to be as accurate as possible about the information provided but cannot guarantee its accuracy.  If you have anything to add for a fishing trip to Naknek River, please feel free to comment.  Also if you have taken a fishing trip to Naknek River and would like to write a report, let me know.