The Fishing

Katmai Lodge’s central location on the Alagnak River provides our guests with speedy access to Alaska’s best tidewater and freshwater fishing for salmon and trout. Find out about our packages and specials, and view our fish calendar for species and times available.

Millions of salmon swim past Katmai Lodge each year on their way to the spawning grounds upriver. In fact, four of the five salmon species that visit the Alagnak, spawn within two miles below and 45 miles above the lodge.

The Alagnak boasts one of the biggest sockeye runs in Bristol Bay, in addition to great runs of all other salmon species. Our Chum salmon run is second to none. 

For Fishing News Visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Home Page

Find out more about salmon species on the Alagnak:

The guides at Katmai Lodge target fresh, strong salmon in their prime. We do not and will not target spawning or near spawning fish.

“With my job, I am fortunate to fish at some of the finest fishing lodges in the world, and Katmai Lodge is on the top of my list. Though I am a saltwater fishing guy, nothing is more thrilling to me than hooking a giant Alaskan rainbow trout in a pristine river surrounded by incredible scenery and wildlife. I can’t wait to get back to Katmai!” ~ Pete Gray, Producer/Host, Let’s Talk Hookup, Inc.

“I was first introduced to Katmai Lodge in 1991. Since that time, I have returned each summer for the most fantastic fishing imaginable. I have fly fished all over the world and have endured all sorts of critters and flying insects, outhouses and cold tasteless food. For me and my friends, Katmai Lodge has always fulfilled our anticipated dreams of comfortable accommodations, bountiful gourmet cuisine, fantastic guides and great fishing … and not end in the disappointment of a bargain lodge.”
~ Dr. Ray Sugiyama, Long Beach, CA

Learn more about Trout fishing on the Alagnak:

Katmai Lodge offers the finest Rainbow trout fishing in Alaska with access to hundreds of miles of wadeable stream.

Spey Fishing

“We have been to Katmai Lodge for many years fishing for kings and chums. Not only has the fishing been excellent, but the overall experience would be hard to beat. Under the new ownership, Katmai Lodge has provided great camaraderie, and the management and staff has gone out of their way to make our stay extremely enjoyable. Katmai Lodge is a great fishing destination and we hope to continue our annual visits. “ ~ Nigel and Jenny Gibbs, Berkshire, UK

The Alagnak River is a spey fishing paradise! Kings, and especially Chums, are phenomenal to catch with a spey rod. The Alagnak Chum run is second to none, and using a spey rod is an exciting variation on the catch. We welcome you to bring your spey rod and reel, and our guides will lead you to the fish.

King / Chinook Salmon

During the last week of June, large schools of King salmon begin arriving in the Alagnak. These salmon average 30 pounds with monsters in the 60’s caught each season.

King salmon test the limits of anglers’ muscles and equipment. An angler using a fly rod or gear rod can catch 5-15 chrome bright Chinook each day throughout the Alagnak system, and some years more.

Whether you use a fly rod or a gear rod, fishing for Kings is superb! These very aggressive fish readily attack big streamer flies or bright colored plugs. Most days, gear fishermen are able to land twice as many of these huge fish as the fly fishermen. Your guide will make sure you are well prepared for these fish using any technique you desire.

Sockeye / Red Salmon

“I have been fishing in Alaska for over 25 years and have fished at many different lodges. But I keep going back to Katmai Lodge. All the different lodges have some excellent fishing at times, but none are as consistent as Katmai Lodge. " ~ Gary L. Fairbanks, Fairbanks Outfitters, Yakima, WA

Sockeye salmon visit the Alagnak during the last week of June. These fish average from 5-10 pounds, and each angler can catch 50-75 per day. They are a great fly-rod fish. The Alagnak gets between one-and-a-half and two million of these chrome bright rockets each season. These fish hug the gravel bars in 1 ½ - 3 feet of water as they march their way up stream. Having to endure hundreds of fish per minute swimming past you in crystal clear water is a sight and experience to behold! These fish are a very intricate part of the Bristol Bay ecosystem. They are the major food source for all of the resident fish populations in the rivers. Standing ankle deep in crystal clear water, making a cast and having it answered with a series of a dozen three and four foot jumps is amazing! They jump, flip and spin at what seems to be a hundred miles an hour.

Chum / Dog Salmon

Chum salmon arrive in early July and fish well through August. They average 12 pounds, but can go up to 20 pounds. These are the most aggressive salmon to a fly. They will chase down and attack a fly on the swing, just off the bottom, or a dry fly waking across the surface. Pound for pound, these are the toughest fish in the river. They can be caught until your arm says “No More!”

Silver / Coho Salmon

Silver salmon arrive in the Alagnak in August. These aggressive chrome bright bullets are fresh from the ocean and looking for a fight. They are very willing players in the fly or spinning world. The Coho of the Alagnak run from 10-15 pounds, and up to 20 pounds. They are very strong fighters – the most acrobatic of all species of Pacific salmon. Once hooked, then hang on! Catching them on dry flies is something you’ll never forget.

Humpy / Pink Salmon
Humpy salmon runs occur on even years only, and arrive in the river late July through August. They average 5-10 lbs, are extremely aggressive and easily caught on fly or gear. With the addition of so many fish to the river, there is non-stop action on Humpy years. It’s a great time for families with kids.

Spring Rainbow Trout
We have great trout fishing all season, but spring on the Alagnak is a special time with a diversity of styles to fish for trout. After a long winter and with spawning behind them, the feeding frenzy begins. From the gentle sip of a dry fly, the relentless pursuit of a mouse skating across topwater, or the bone-jarring stike to a streamer, the Rainbows of the Alagnak promise exciting fishing and memories for a lifetime. See our Spring Trout Specials!

Summer Rainbow Trout
Though salmon steal the show in July and August, you will want to take at least some time to experience this special fishery. Within minutes of the lodge, great catches of Rainbows are always available.

Fall Rainbow Trout
Fall trout are in peak condition having gorged all summer on salmon eggs and flesh. They
average 18-24 inches, and every year, trout of 30+ inches are caught.

Arctic Grayling


Arctic Grayling are a beautiful native stream fish with the dorsal “sail fin.” They average 14-16”, and are great fun to catch with light gear and dry flies. For a smaller fish, they bring a lot of action. The Alagnak supports a healthy population of Grayling to add variety and challenge to your trip.

Arctic Char / Dolly Varden


You can expect incidental catches of this colorful fish all season, though the best time is late August and September. Average 18”.

Northern Pike
This ferocious predator is in the river year round, though the best fishing time is in August and September.