Description

December 2016December 2019 Naknek Special
Naknek Special

Naknek Top to Bottom
by Troy Letherman

The Naknek River drains the colossal, emerald-colored lake of the same name, which also happens to be one of the world’s most significant rearing grounds for juvenile sockeye salmon. As a result, it regularly pumps out trout of gargantuan size. These rainbows are a powerful draw for anglers, but the Naknek also hosts returns of all five species of Alaska’s Pacific salmon, and the multitude of streams and rivers of the greater drainage likewise present prolific angling opportunities to anglers during each stage of the season. It’s all here in this feature from Editor Troy Letherman, the where and when of one of Alaska’s most significant angling destinations.

It’s All About the Drift
by Kathy Anderson & Patrick Speranza

The power of the Naknek, and the power of her beautiful rainbows, is something to behold. Fish Alaska Associate Publishers Kathy Anderson and Patrick Speranza turn their visit into a quest to conquer these famous rainbows, calling upon a range of fishing styles and techniques to reach the fish. What they discover is that on the Naknek, like everywhere else trout swim, it is all about the drift.

Rainbow Bend Lodges
by Scott Haugen

Nestled on the banks of the Naknek River, Rainbow Bend Lodges features a series of small, quaint cabins with a stunning view of the river, and some of Alaska’s best fishing is located less than five minutes from the dock. Here Scott Haugen makes his fourth visit to the lodge and explores the river, noting the abundance and variety of its fisheries.