Alagnak River
The headwaters of the Alagnak River lie within the rugged Aleutian Range of neighboring Katmai National Park & Preserve. Every year, this wild and scenic river changes its course and branches anew, for which reason its sometimes called the Branch River. The Alagnak's extraordinary rainbow trout, char, grayling, and abundant salmon have helped it become a world class fishing destination. Popular for float fishing and offering outstanding fly fishing opportunities.
L ocated 290 miles southwest of Anchorage, AK, the Alagnak River traverses the beautiful Alaska Peninsula, flowing about seventy miles from it's twin sources of Kukaklek & Nonvianuk Lakes into the Kvichak River then Bristol Bay. Along the way providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience the unique wilderness, wildlife, and cultural heritage of southwest Alaska. It is possible
if you time it right that you might float the Alagnak river and not see another soul, but please note that this area has been used by people for thousands of years
and even when there are other users on the river they are usually
fleeting experiences. Weather on the Alagnak River tends to be cool, cloudy, and misty with frequent rain and wind. Average temperatures in the summer range between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit while night temperatures may drop to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter the Alagnak freezes over, temperatures run 29 to 44 Fahrenheit. Extremes from -46 to +88 Fahrenheit have been recorded in the region.
 One of the Alagnak River's most noteworthy features is its salmon population. The river is brimming with all
five different species of Pacific salmon such as king, silver, chum, pink and sockeye. In fact, the Alagnak provides an significant sockeye salmon spawning habitat for the Bristol Bay commercial fishery, the largest in the world. Pink salmon return to the river during even numbered years
and these rich salmon fisheries drive the eco system allowing for
abundant rainbow trout and other resident fish species. Wildlife also thrives along the Alagnak River. The surrounding environs are inhabited by a wide diversity of species Brown bears seek out area's where they can feed on spawning salmon and berries. Moose are attracted to the riparian habitat year round. Area's west of Kukaklek and Nonvianuk lakes along the Alagnak river corridor provide a winter home for caribou. Also found along the river are beaver, lynx, mink, otter, fox, wolverine and the occasional wolf. All species along the Alagnak such as the bald eagle and the Alaskan brown bear flourish as a result of the extraordinary salmon migrations on this river.
|
|
|
|
