ALAGNAK WILD RIVER

THE ALAGNAK WILD RIVER

The Alagnak Wild River, designated as a Wild River preserves the upper 56 miles of the river in a free-flowing condition, and protects the river and its immediate environment for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The river is managed free of impoundments and diversion, inaccessible by road, its shorelines primitive and its water unpolluted.

The Alagnak is one the most popular fly-in fishing trips we offer in southwest Alaska. The Alagnak Wild River protects populations of all five species of pacific salmon, as well as significant rainbow trout, arctic char, arctic grayling, and northern pike populations.

The Alagnak Wild River’s abundant wildlife and Class I-III rapids offer exciting opportunities for sightseers and adventure-seekers alike. Whether cruising, paddling, or floating, we will enjoy some of the most attractive sportfishing in the world. With significant populations of rainbow trout, arctic char, grayling, and sockeye and king salmon, the Alagnak has become a top destination for our sportfishing adventures in Southwest Alaska.

Alagnak Wild River
The Alagnak is a clear free-flowing river that drains an area of 2,237 square miles (3,600 square kilometers) and empties into the Kvichak River near Bristol Bay in southwestern Alaska. The river and its major tributary, the Nonvianuk River, flow westward from lakes located within Katmai National Park and Preserve.

Headwaters of the 79 mile (127 kilometer) long river and its tributary are Kukaklek and Nonvianuk Lakes, respectively. In the local language the word alagnak means, “making mistakes.” According to a life-long area resident, “the channel is always changing, causing mistakes and getting lost.” Every year the river changes and branches which is why it is known locally as “the Branch River.” The Yup’ik people pronounced Alagnak as “Ah-lock-anok.” Euroamericans anglicized its pronunciation as Lockanok. The Alagnak River was first documented by the Russian Captain Tebenkov in 1852.

LOCATION

Feel free to call us any time for assistance with directions, travel information, lodging & dining suggestions, or anything else to help make your trip a great one!