Today we want to introduce you to our second southerly tributary, which flows out of the twin lake known as the Nonvianuk Lake forming the Nonvianuk River. Nonvianuk River (Non-vi-on-uk) The Nonvianuk River runs 11-miles from its mouth at Nonvianuk Lake to where it meets the Kukaklek River to form the Alagnak. The Nonvianuk river is mostly class 2 technical water, with many bolder gardens and shallow sections. Surrounded by rolling hills of tundra, there is a very “open feel” to the Nonvianuk River and it is a beautiful place to fish or spend a day wildlife viewing. The upper 4 miles of this river is the most productive and much like the Kukaklek it holds an abundance of trout. The...
As mentioned the other day, the Alagnak River is formed by two tributaries that each flow our of twin lakes. The most northerly tributary is known as the Kukaklek River. Kukaklek River (Ku-ka-click) Flowing out of Kukaklek Lake the river runs 19-miles through mostly fast flowing technical water until it reaches the confluence and joins with the Nonvianuk river to form the Alagnak. The Kukaklek is well known for its short section of narrow, class 3 rapids contained by steep canyon walls. What is less known is that a section of this rapids creates a small waterfall with an easily accessible, natural overlook which is perfect for viewing feeding bears in the height of the salmon run. When fishing this unique...
Alagnak River (A-lag-nak) This prestigious river is located within Katmai National Park, with its headwaters in the surrounding mountains and draining into Bristol Bay. It is also known as the Branch River, for its seemingly endless braided river channels. Wading and fishing are made easy on the many small natural islands and gravel bars, which the river flow creates. The Alagnak has world-famous runs of all five species of Pacific salmon, and is home to a host of resident fish, such as leopard rainbow trout, arctic char and grayling, lake trout and pike. Crystal clear water allows for perfect stalking conditions, whilst slow runs and fast riffles are commonplace, with pools well suited to holding pods of staging salmon, often...
The ATA Lodge is located on the Alagnak River, in an iconic section of its waters known as the upper braids. 6 miles upstream from the Lodge is where two rivers (Kukaklek and Nonvianuk) join to form the Alagnak. Because of our prime location and fleet of jet boats we are able to access all of this watershed and draw upon its many resources.
Over the next couple days, we will tell you a little bit more about each of the 3 main rivers that make up our exclusive fishery!
The Alagnak River flows through a wild land of captivating landscapes, abundant wildlife, and cultural heritage. Meandering down the braided river, you may discover a bald eagle perched atop a spruce tree in the boreal forest, gaze at a moose browsing above the river bank in the wet sedge tundra, or encounter a brown bear feasting upon spawning salmon. The Alagnak River’s wildlife and Class I–III rapids offer an exciting trip for many boaters, and the abundant fish make the river the most sought after destination for sport fishing in Southwest Alaska. Alaska Trophy Adventures Lodge is located in the heart of what is one of Alaska’s last truly remote rivers systems. Using jet boats to navigate these waters allows us to...