World-Class Fishing on the Mulchatna River
The Mulchatna River at Alaska Trophy Fishing Safaris is home to some of the most sought-after fish in Alaska. Anglers can target Chinook (King) Salmon, Sockeye (Red) Salmon, and Coho (Silver) Salmon as they make their legendary runs. The river also boasts incredible populations of Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, and Northern Pike, offering a diverse and thrilling fishing experience in one of the most remote and pristine watersheds in the world.
Chinook (King) Salmon
Bristol Bay is hands-down the best king salmon fishery in the world. This is an indisputable fact because the rivers that flow through this region, historically, see an annual return of more than 100,000 king salmon. Wild native king salmon in the Mulchatna River can run anywhere from 10 to 50 pounds and average a whopping 25 to 30 pounds. The kings in Bristol Bay are healthy, bright, and put up an incredible fight. There is a good reason why we call them “Kings.” Anglers at our Bristol Bay fishing camp catch hundreds of kings every single day on only six to eight boats with two anglers apiece. On a good day, Kings can becaught on every drift. On average, we catch around thousands of kings every year during our narrow four-week kingfishing window. If you’re serious about catching king salmon free from the combat fishing crowds on other rivers, you really need to come and see us
Sockeye (Red) Salmon
The Mulchatna boasts close to world-record sized sockeyes in the 12 to 15 lb. and 30″-34″ range. This strong run is evident in the increased limit of 10/day over the years.Renowned for their brilliant red hue and rich flavor, Sockeye Salmon are one of Alaska’s most iconic fish. Each summer, millions of these powerful fish make their way from the Pacific Ocean to the pristine freshwater rivers and lakes of Alaska, completing a remarkable migration that sustains both the ecosystem and a world-class fishery. Known for their aggressive nature and incredible fight, Sockeye provides anglers with an exhilarating challenge, making them a prized catch. Whether hooked in the fast-moving currents or spotted in shallow waters as they turn deep crimson in their spawning phase, the Sockeye Salmon is a symbol of Alaska’s wild and unspoiled beauty.
Coho (Silver) Salmon
Bristol Bay is so famous for king salmon that silver salmon are often overlooked. However, the Mulchatna and Nushagak Rivers offer some of the most incredible silver salmon fishing in the state of Alaska. Even better, there is little competition from pink salmon, so it’s possible to target silvers with pinpoint accuracy.
Pound for pound, it’s hard to argue that silver salmon are the hardest fighting fish in the north. The bright chrome coho of the Mulchatna River make hard runs and leap high into the air. Beginning in July, more than 200,000 – 500,000 silver salmon make their way intothis part of Bristol Bay every year, and it’s possible to easily target them on fly fishing or traditional gear.
Rainbow Trout
The wild-run rainbows of Bristol Bay grow to more than 10 pounds and put up a tough fight. While you may have caught a rainbow trout in the Lower 48, you’ve never tangled with the rainbow subspecies we catch in the Mulchatna River, which is called the leopard-spotted rainbow trout. Leopard-spotted rainbows are covered with large black spots from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. They are native and indigenous to Bristol Bay waters and have nothing to do with hatchery-stocked fish caught in ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams in other locations. Leopard-spotted rainbows are hardcore predators that attack flies and lures with surgical precision. When you hook into one of these beautiful fish, you will definitely know it.
Arctic Char
The Arctic Char is one of the most prized and visually stunning fish found in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska. Known for its vibrant coloration—ranging from silvery-blue to deep red during spawning season—this cold-water species thrives in the pristine lakes, rivers, and tributaries throughout the area. Arctic Char are closely related to both salmon and trout, and they offer a unique challenge to anglers due to their elusive nature and preference for colder, oxygen-rich waters. In Bristol Bay, they can typically be found in the upper river systems and lake outlets, where the environment remains ideal for their survival and reproduction.
Anglers are drawn to Arctic Char not only for their beauty but also for the fight they put up when hooked. They typically range in size from 2 to 8 pounds, though larger specimens exceeding 10 pounds can be found in more remote locations. Their strong, aggressive strikes and acrobatic resistance make them a favorite among fly fishers looking for a true Alaskan wilderness experience.
Dolly Varden
Dolly Varden are one of the most plentiful and exciting fish to catch in Bristol Bay, Alaska—especially during August when their numbers peak and their colors become especially vibrant. Often mistaken for their close cousin, the Arctic Char, Dolly Varden are a distinct species known for their brilliant orange bellies, olive-green backs, and light spots along their sides, with spawning males showing particularly vivid hues.
They thrive in the region’s cold rivers and streams, especially near salmon spawning grounds, where they aggressively feed on salmon eggs and flesh during late summer. This makes August a prime time for anglers to target them in large numbers. Most Dolly Varden weigh between 1 and 5 pounds, though trophy specimens over 10 pounds can be found in less-pressured areas. Their abundance, beauty, and aggressive feeding behavior make them a favorite for both fly and spin anglers, offering consistent action and a rewarding Alaskan fishing experience.
Arctic Grayling
Arctic Grayling are a beloved species among anglers in Bristol Bay, Alaska, known for their elegance, unique appearance, and willingness to strike a well-presented fly. Easily recognized by their sail-like dorsal fin and iridescent coloration that can shimmer with hues of blue, purple, and gold, grayling inhabit the region’s clear, cold rivers and streams. They are especially abundant in the upper tributaries and remote waters where fishing pressure is low, making them an ideal target for those seeking a classic Alaskan wilderness experience. In August, grayling fishing is at its best, as they actively feed on insects and dry flies, providing exciting topwater action throughout the day. Though they typically range from 12 to 18 inches in length, larger specimens over 20 inches can be found in prime habitats. Their beauty, abundance, and enthusiastic surface takes make Arctic Grayling a favorite catch for fly anglers of all skill levels.
Northern Pike
Northern Pike in Bristol Bay, Alaska, offer a thrilling and explosive fishing experience, especially for anglers seeking aggressive strikes and powerful fights. Known for their sharp teeth, torpedo-shaped bodies, and ambush-style predation, pike are top predators in the region’s slower-moving rivers, backwater sloughs, and weedy lake margins. August is a particularly productive time to target them, as warmer water temperatures keep them active and feeding heavily. They strike hard on topwater lures, streamers, and large spinners, making for heart-pounding action in shallow waters. Pike in the Bristol Bay area commonly range from 20 to 40 inches, with some giants exceeding 45 inches and weighing over 20 pounds. Their ferocity, size, and acrobatic fights make Northern Pike an unforgettable catch and a favorite for anglers looking for big action in Alaska’s wild and untamed waters.
