Unalakleet, Alaska, sits on the west coast of the state along Norton Sound, 392 miles from Anchorage. Home to around 800 year-round residents, this tight-knit community is renowned for its incredible fishing opportunities.

Unalakleet

All photos courtesy of Unalakleet River Lodge

North West Alaska offers an exceptional opportunity for fishing, wildlife viewing and exploration. Uncrowded and remote, The Unalakleet River takes anglers off the beaten path to the heart of premier fishing. With sweeping views and miles of river to explore, the Unalakleet River is a must-fish location for anglers looking to explore.

The Unalakleet River

Designated Wild and Scenic, the Unalakleet River boasts incredible fishing without the pressure of crowds or flyouts. With 80 miles of pristine waterways, the Unalakleet River is the perfect location for the avid angler eager to embrace the solitude of North West Alaska.  With its wide bends, palisades, gravel bars, sweeping mountain views, and lush tundra, the Unalakleet River offers exceptional fishing opportunities in the heart of the Alaska Wilderness.  The Unalakleet River is a flourishing habitat for all five pacific salmon species and Dolly Varden and a year round home to large Arctic Grayling. 

What you’ll Catch

The Unalakleet River, located at the mouth of the Norton Sound on the Pacific Ocean, is the prime habitat for all five pacific salmon species, Grayling and Dolly Varden.  This gives anglers the opportunity to spin fish, fly fish or do a bit of both.  For the best experience on the Unalakleet, boat travel up river is necessary to reach fishable spots and gravel bars for wading.

Best Time to Fish the Unalakleet River

Summer time on the Unalakleet is the best time to plan a visit. Late June through early September are the best months to experience the  Salmon runs and the best time for anglers eager to get in on the action. Weather is typically mild, with a mix of rainy days and sunny summer weather.  Visitors can expect temperatures in the 50-60℉ most days with some cooler temperatures toward late August or early September.

When to Fish by Species

  • King Salmon appear from mid-June to early July.
  • Chum Salmon appear in late June and early July and continue through August. 
  • Pink Salmon appear in late June and early July, continuing through August.
  • Silver Salmon begin their run in late July, peaking in August and continuing into September.
  • Dolly Varden and Arctic Grayling are available all summer for a classic Alaskan fishing experience.
Unalakleet
Unalakleet

How to get to Unalakleet Alaska

A visit to the Unalakleet River requires a few stops!  Travelers first fly into Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC) in Anchorage. From there, travelers board the RAVN Air flight from Anchorage to Unalakleet  with a travel time of around two hours arriving in the small village of Unalakleet. 

Unalakleet

Village of Unalakleet

The village of Unalakelet, home to 800 year round residents, is the local hub for accessing the Unalakleet River. The small village nestled between the sandy coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Nulato Hills, tundra, and Unalakleet River, provides a glimpse into the rural life of North West Alaska. With a full sized paved runway, and a few local stores, a visit to Unalakleet requires planning ahead for accommodations, transportation and dining.  For those that are eager to step away from bustling city life and step into adventure, Unalakleet is a prime destination for fishing.