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Aniak River

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For experienced outdoor enthusiasts, the Aniak River provides a challenging and rewarding experience.

The fishing begins each year in early July with the King Salmon run and culminates each year in mid-September with Rainbow Trout fishing reaching its peak, along with the end of the Silver Salmon run. In addition to Rainbow and Salmon fishing, the Aniak Adventure also offers great Dolly Varden and Grayling fishing.

Drop Off:  Float Plane from Bethel to Aniak Lake

Length:  Approximately 140 Miles

Float Duration:  Minimum 8 days. Average duration = 10-14 days

Topo Maps:

We do not provide maps.  Maps can be purchased through the U.S. Geological Survey office nearest you or in Anchorage by calling, 1-888-275-8747 (outside Alaska) or 1-907-786-7011 (in Alaska).  The following are the map sheets required for the Aniak river float:  Bethel B-1, C-1, Taylor Mountain C-8, D-1, Russian Mission A-1, B-1 and C-2.  

Pick Up:  Pick-up by boat (approx. 25 miles above the village of Aniak). Boat transports floaters to Aniak, Alaska. Our clients are then picked up by wheeled plane and transported back to Bethel.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the commitment of safety to our clients, each group will be required to carry a satellite communication device (ie. Sat Phone, DeLorme, inReach, etc). If you are unable to bring your own device, Papa Bear will provide you with one for a fee.

The Aniak River flows north from Aniak Lake through the foothills of the Kuskokwim Mountains 90 miles to the Kuskokwim River. The upper portion of the Aniak River is small, clear, and has excellent fishing for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling. It also provides spectacular scenery, clear cold water, and ample wildlife. The entire river is braided with gravel bars, and campsites are almost limitless along this river.

The Aniak river provides the adventurer the opportunity to raft Alaska’s backcountry, while experiencing some of Alaska’s finest fishing. It should be noted, this river is not for the novice rafter. It contains many “sweepers” and logjams. Previous rafting experience is a must, however, this is what makes the Aniak River a world-class adventure to float.

Fishing with egg patterns is often productive, particularly during salmon spawning. Silver and flashy streamers work well, and sometimes dry flies are the tackle of choice. Anglers using spinning gear will have good luck with a variety of spinners, spoons, and jigs, particularly flashy orange and pink ones.

Aniak is a Yup'ik word meaning "the place where it comes out," which refers to the mouth of the Aniak River. This river played a role in the Placer Gold Rush of 1900–01, when prospectors from Nome rushed to the Kuskokwim River Delta after hearing of discoveries along the "Yellow River", later believed to be the Aniak River because of the yellow tint from silt carried from headwater streams.

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