The Nushagak is one of those rivers that offers both the excitement of a new experience and the familiarity and comfort of a well known stretch of water. The new exists in many of the river’s tributaries—from the King Salmon to the Nuyakuk to the Mulchatna, where an angler can experience some fine angling off the beaten path. Perhaps a float down the Chilikadrotna, Stuyahok, or Koktuli rivers to provide a new twist in the annals of an adventurer in Alaska. The familiar exists in the lower mainstem of the Nushagak, as many anglers have experienced superior king salmon fishing and make the Nush a yearly pilgrimage during the ample run of Chinook. There is something comforting in returning to a river that is familiar, and also something exciting in exploring a river drainage that rivals any in Alaska. We hope that the pages of this issue serve you well in planning and enjoying an upcoming trip to the Nushagak. For those that have traveled to the Nushagak, liked the characteristics of the system, and are ready to explore other possibilities, an option to consider is the Kuskokwim River system.

Located in western Alaska, the Kuskokwim River begins in the Kuskokwim Mountains of interior Alaska and travels approximately 900 miles southwest to the Bering Sea. The drainage has population centers at Bethel, Aniak, and McGrath, as well as numerous villages. The lower Kuskokwim includes tributaries like the Aniak, Kisaralik, Kasigluk, Kwethluk, and Eek in addition to the adjacent waters of Kuskokwim Bay like the Arolik, Kanektok, and Goodnews rivers. The upper Kuskokwim includes all water bodies upstream of the Aniak River, notably the Holitna and George rivers, in addition to many smaller streams.

Many of the popular tributary float trips are over a hundred miles in length, offering remote fishing opportunities for salmon and resident fish. There are 23 fish species indigenous to the Kuskokwim River drainage. Fishermen commonly target the following: king, silver, pink, red and dog salmon, rainbow, steelhead and lake trout, grayling, Arctic char, Dolly Varden, sheefish, pike, and burbot.

Having personally floated the Kisaralik River (March 2004 issue), I can say that it offered a wide scope of fish species and terrain. From the shadow of the Kilbuck Mountains to the tundra of the lower river, the environs and fishing were often spectacular. It offered varied angling opportunities to fit most styles and also incorporated the wild and scenic aspect of a remote float trip. The gems are fragile and unspoiled, so please practice responsible usage practices from low impact camping to proper catch-and-release practices.

If it’s on the Nushagak, Kuskokwim, or for that matter any fishing destination in the Great Land that you find yourself, take a minute to appreciate all that Alaska has to offer. I’ve become more fulfilled as an angler since I realized that satisfying fishing is only loosely based on catching. Good luck and many pleasant day dreams in planning for your 2005 Alaska adventures.

Marcus Weiner and Melissa Norris
Publishers