Fishing Alaska's Remote Rivers

Appreciating the Dynamics of Fishing our local Alaska Rivers

There are many, many fishing venues across Alaska. From surf-fishing to saltwater down-riggers, large lakes and pothole 'honey holes".... For me, I love the dynamics of the Alaska river systems. Quite frankly, it's hard to find a more beautiful and mysterious ecosystem in Alaska than these clear-water gems. Now, not all rivers in Alaska are 'gin-clear.' Actually, the majority of them are glacial, silt-laden ice-water rivers with little to no visibility and support little life. But, really, these glacial rivers are extremely important to the networking relationship all Alaska tributaries share.... they are the backbone of the freshwater ecosystem. They are the artery in which thousands of adult salmon migrate through each summer season in seek of natal streams: their birthplace; the place in which they will spawn, die and complete the most amazing cycle in nature. These streams support nutrient-rich habitats for aquatic invertebrates, small minnows, salmon smolt (aka baby salmon), native rainbow trout, arctic grayling and many non-fishy wildlife species. Our home river, is one of the largest and most dynamic remote tributaries in south-central Alaska. Our river is among very few in Alaska of it's kind. Although many clear-water river systems dot the state of Alaska, very few are the perfect balance of diversity that we wade-fishing anglers believe to be a masterpiece. Literally, the numerous gravel bars, mid-stream islands, pinched-off oxbow backwaters, sandy-bottom eddies, pea gravel riffles, deep water runs and the ideal bottom content spawning salmon dream about (well, if they actually do dream). Animals all do have their preferences in nature. Lake Creek and this gorgeous river valley is definitely a work of natural art. To see the prevalence of salmon and trout that abound and the other bird life and mammals that depend on the local rivers is truly a spectacle. Many Alaska salmon streams are wide, sandy and slow moving in flat, open tundra. These rivers are born from wetlands near sea-level. Most mountain-fed rivers in Alaska as mentioned before are glacial. Ours would be a glacial river as well if it weren't for a large lake at it's sourch near the border of south Denali National Park. Glacial streams from the surrounding mountains drain into the lake which acts as a giant settling pond for all glacial sediment hence purifying the water as it runs clear upon entering the river system. Numerous other spring-fed tributaries also join our main river at various points This perfect architecture leads to the clear, gravel-bottom stream that supports such a wealth of fish and wildlife. We are so blessed to have all this as our backyard. Enjoy it and respect it. Welcome to the great experience of fishing Alaska's remote rivers.