The Nushagak River is undoubtedly the healthiest in Alaska when it comes to king salmon numbers. There is a highly estimated return of King Salmon to the river most of the years, around 100,000 or more! This annual return average is the most extensive run of any king salmon fishery in the world. This most extensive run of King Salmon fish makes an opportunity to have the best Alaska salmon fishing trips.
The river lies on the west side of Bristol Bay, where the city of Dillingham is an outlet for the bay. The Nushagak River is so famous that it is far away and can only be reached by floatplane.
There are several lodges and campsites on this vast river system, making it a very facile river for piscators who visit yearly during the extreme of King Salmon starting in mid-June and into early July. This large run of king salmon makes your best Alaska salmon fishing trips.
On the Nushagak River, baits and single hook lures are allowed to catch king salmon. The piscators here use all means to stay in the fish throughout the day and change how the fish remain on top. Nushagak River anglers have every option available with the permitted use of bait. King Salmon has a pre-programmed innate desire to eat other king eggs, so fixing and drifting eggs is one of the best ways to catch giant salmon! If catching kings is everything you want to do, this river system is the best option for pure king salmon greed!
You may encounter certain climatic conditions on an Alaska salmon fishing trip. You should always pack for layering and be prepared for cold, soggy days with a waterproof raincoat and pants. Fly anglers must wear breathable waders and have light and thick fleece under the pants to survive on cold days. Layering systems are best with a synthetic shirt or wool blend.
When does King Salmon run on the Nushagak River?
The King Salmon Run begins in mid-June and lasts until mid-July. At the peak tide of this run, there will be several thousand king salmon, including salt, chrome bright, and very aggressively pass through the tidewater section to hit both flies and lures. There are some tides in this river that over 7,000 kings would cross Sonar on a single wave, crossing some rivers the total race of king salmon for the year! This large quantity of king salmon attracts so many anglers to this incredible fishery.
Fishing the Nushagak River for Trophy King Salmon
Techniques used to catch these Nushagak River king salmon include trolling, drifting egg patterns, spinnerbaits, and flies swinging over shallow spots and gravel bars where the king is traveled down the river or for short periods. Nushagak Kings will average around 20 pounds per piece, so what method is used to cut or release these kings will provide quite a thrill.
Hunting a Moose in Alaskan Forest
Hunting Moose in Alaska without a guide is a huge achievement. Yes, Alaska is undoubtedly a hunter’s paradise. But it’s double the size of Texas, with diverse ecosystems, entire mountain ranges, a wide variety of species, and thousands of miles of rivers. All you need is a hunting strategy, the right gear, and equipment, a great plan to execute your hunting ideas throughout the trip.
Doing Your Research
Any successful hunting in Alaska depends entirely on sound research. This research falls into one of two categories: non-perishable information and perishable information. Let’s look at each category and the type of information you need to collect. Non-perishable information usually only needs to be collected once. Once you have this data, you can use it for an Alaskan moose hunt, pass it on to friends who visit the exact location later, or store it for future use.
Getting Your Gear Together
If you’re a seasoned hunter, chances are you already have some gear that will work for Alaskan hunting. On the other hand, most Alaskans hunting are expeditions; they are much more than just a weekend excursion into the forest. Your survival may depend on the quality of your gear kit and equipment. Take the time to go through a good gear checklist and make sure you have all the necessary equipment.
Gearing up for an Alaskan hunt is no small thing. unguided moose hunting in Alaska will test the limits of the best equipment money can buy, and gear failure can have terrible consequences. You must have rain gear that provides sufficient ventilation but does not leak. The tent should be able to handle stormy winds. Sleeping bags should be warm and lightweight. Backpacks need to be rugged enough to hold heavy loads