Our Fisheries
Aleknagik Island Lodge is situated amidst two of Alaska’s most coveted fisheries—the Agulawok and Agulukpak Rivers, which are renowned for their productive and consistent fishing. These waters are teeming with rainbow trout, Arctic char, grayling, and Dolly Varden, making them a paradise for anglers.
The Wood-Tikchik lake system also hosts one of the largest sockeye salmon runs in the world. Every year, millions of sockeye return to the Wood-Tikchik lake system, with the majority passing through the Agulawok and Agulukpak Rivers. We typically see the Sockeye start running in the last week of June or the first week of July. When the timing is right, it's common to reach your limit on these impressive fish before lunch, leaving the afternoon open for targeting rainbow trout, Arctic char, and grayling.
During your stay at the lodge, you’ll also have the opportunity to fish the renowned Wood River. Known for its abundance of freshwater species, it’s also a prime location for targeting bright, chrome salmon. As the Wood River flows into Bristol Bay, anglers can take advantage of the tidal influence, catching chrome salmon as they enter the system. This adds another exciting dimension to your fishing adventure, giving you the chance to experience some of the best salmon fishing in the region.
Each day, you’ll fish these legendary rivers, returning to the lodge in the evening to relax and reflect on your adventure.
"Teach a person to fish, and they'll cast memories that last a lifetime."
Our Fishing Program
Our professionally guided fishing program offers a comprehensive experience, combining both fly fishing and conventional fishing techniques. Led by expert guides, you'll have the opportunity to master the precision of fly fishing while also enjoying the versatility of conventional gear. Whether you're casting in tranquil rivers for trophy trout or reeling in powerful salmon, our guides ensure you have the skills and knowledge to succeed. Tailored to all experience levels, this program provides a dynamic and immersive fishing adventure, guaranteeing a memorable day on the water.
Salmon Species
Sockeye Salmon
Sockeye salmon, also known as red salmon due to the vibrant color of their flesh, are highly prized for their rich flavor and firm texture. These fish are renowned for their remarkable migration journey, traveling from the ocean to freshwater streams where they spawn. Sockeye undergo significant physical changes during this process, including a shift in body color. Average size ranges from 4-8lbs.
Pink Salmon
Pink salmon, also known as humpback salmon, are the smallest and most abundant species of Pacific salmon. They are easily recognized by the distinct hump that males develop on their backs during the spawning season. Our Pink Salmon run in even-numbered years, starting in mid-July and continuing until mid-August. We target these fish in tidal areas, where they remain chrome-bright. Average size ranges from 3-5lbs.
Silver Salmon
Silver salmon, also known as coho salmon, are prized for their vibrant silver-colored bodies and exceptional flavor. Known for their acrobatic fighting style, cohos are a favorite among sport fishermen. These fish are super aggressive eagerly take flies, lures, jigs and bait. They have a longer migration than other salmon species, traveling from the ocean to freshwater rivers where they spawn. Our Silvers show up at the end of July, and run into September. Average size ranges from 8-12lbs.
King Salmon
King Salmon or Chinook Salmon typically enter our system in mid-June and run until the end of July. We fish the Nushagak River and the tributaries of the Wood River for our Kings, which generally weigh between 18 to 25 pounds, with some reaching up to 40 pounds.
Chum Salmon
Chum salmon, also known as Dog Salmon, are a species of Pacific salmon famous for their distinctive appearance, particularly during the spawning phase. As they migrate to freshwater to reproduce, their bodies undergo dramatic changes, including the growth of large, sharp teeth, which gives them their "dog" nickname. Average size ranges from 8-12lbs.
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Freshwater Species
Rainbow Trout
We are located in the heart of prime Bristol Trout Fishing, the Aguakpak, and Agulawak rivers are famous for their trout numbers and size. The Agulawak Rainbows run 14 – 20 inches up to 26 inches in length. The Aguakpak reach lengths up to 28 inches.
Arctic Grayling
These stunning, delicate fish are recognized for their prominent dorsal fins. They are eager to bite dry flies and can be found throughout the entire season. Their sizes range from 12 to 18 inches, with some reaching up to 22 inches.
Northern Pike
Known for its elongated body, sharp teeth, and distinctive greenish-gray coloration with lighter spots, the northern pike is a formidable hunter. It is an ambush predator, often lurking in vegetation to surprise its prey, which includes smaller fish and even birds. Their average size ranges from 3-8lbs.
Arctic char
Arctic char are known for its striking appearance, often displaying vibrant colors, including shades of red, pink, and green, depending on the season and environment. The Char are resident fish in our system. They range from 16 – 30 inches in length. We use streamers and jigs through mid-August, after that beads and flesh flies do the trick.
Dolly Varden
The Dolly Varden is recognized for its vibrant, colorful markings, the Dolly Varden has a distinctive pattern of spots on its body, typically in shades of red, orange, or pink. As a member of the salmonid family, this fish thrives in freshwater streams but also migrates to saltwater to feed. Their sizes range from 2-4lbs in our system.