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Alagnak Wild RiverSockeye Salmon in Spawning Colors
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Alagnak Wild River

The headwaters of the Alagnak Wild River lie within the rugged Aleutian Range of neighboring Katmai National Park & Preserve. Meandering west towards Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea, the Alagnak traverses the beautiful Alaska Peninsula, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience the unique wilderness, wildlife, and cultural heritage of southwest Alaska.

 
Download the park newspaper,

Extra! Extra!

Read all about the Alagnak! Download (PDF, 4.96 MB) the latest edition of the Alagnak/Katmai/Aniakchak newspaper, The Novarupta. It's a great resource for planning your visit—not just to the Alagnak, but to the other public lands in Southwest Alaska as well.
 
Angler with BIG rainbow trout.

Awesome Angling!

Located 290 miles southwest of Anchorage, AK, the Alagnak Wild River has increased in notoriety among anglers around the world to become one of the most popular fishing destinations in all of southwest Alaska.
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Be safe in bear country!

The Alagnak is Bear Country!

To ensure the safety of both people and bears, visitors to the Alagnak should familiarize themselves with some general guidelines for traveling in bear country.
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P.O. Box 245
King Salmon, Alaska 99613

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Phone

Headquarters
(907) 246-3305

Fax

(907) 246-2116

Climate

Weather in the Bristol Bay area tends to be cool, cloudy, and misty with frequent rain and wind. Day temperatures in the summer range between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit while night temperatures may drop to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The surface of the Alagnak freezes in the winter, but water continues to flow. Frozen overflow creates thin layers of dangerous ice which pose a hazard for those who attempt winter river travel. Whatever the season, weather conditions may prevent airplanes from flying in, so parties should be prepared for at least one extra day on the river. Wearing layers of clothing makes it easy to regulate your body temperature.
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When spawning, male sockeye salmon develop a brilliant red color and distinctive hump.  

Did You Know?
Each summer, the five species of Pacific salmon return to their birthplace in the Alagnak Wild River to spawn and die. As they migrate upstream by the hundreds of thousands, they undergo incredible morphological changes. Male sockeye salmon turn a brilliant red and develop a distinctive humped back.

Last Updated: September 11, 2008 at 22:58 EST