Gakona Lodge is Blessed by the fact that we have access to great fishing (and it’s not combat fishing).  When we talk about fishing, what rivers are we talking about… The following information should assist with your fishing or if you are planning on hiring us to guide you... what to expect!

The Klutina River is accessed via the Richardson Highway about 12 miles south of Glennallen.  The Klutina River has good runs of both Alaska King (chinook) salmon and the world famous Copper Red (sockeye) salmon. The Klutina provides excellent opportunities to catch sockeye salmon!   The river is glacial and swift which produces ideal red salmon fishing opportunities. The salmon run close to the shore to avoid the main current of the river. The more productive fishing spots include fishing at one of the two bridge crossings on the highway system; or one of the many river access points along the road to the Klutina Lake. The road to Klutina Lake is rough in areas, particulary further up toward the lake.   There are many Guides that offer jet boat service for kings, but there is also hike accessible access to the confluence on the downstream side of the confluence with the Copper River. In addition, the rough road leading to the Klutina Lake has side roads and trails that lead to the river. Typically, the farther up toward the lake one travels the better the fishing opportunity for landing kings.   Please be aware that Ahtna Incorporated (a native corporation) owns much of the property surrounding the river.   Please respect their property rights. For additional guides see our link page at www.gakonalodge.com.    For additional do-it-yourself info on Alaska fishing see www.alaskaroadsidefishing.com.

The Gulkana River is accessed via the Richardson Highway, just north of the town of Glennallen or adjacent Gakona Lodge. The Gulkana is known for its excellent grayling fishing and also has respectible runs of both Alaska King (chinook) salmon and the world famous Copper Red (sockeye) salmon. Rainbow trout are also present in the Gulkana River. There are 83 miles of Gulkana River between Paxon Lake and the Richardson Highway bridge. Roads and trails departing the Richardson Highway provide access to portions of the river. Floating the 50 mile stretch from Paxon Lake to Sourdough is the best way to access the upper section of river, but there are also two trails about 7 miles long that provide access to this section as well. Near Mile Marker 169, the Meirs Lake, Middle Fork trail takes off and leads to the confluence of the Middle Fork. Near Mile Marker 161, the Haggard Creek trail leads to the Canyon Rapids section of the Gulkana. Easier access via the road system is on the lower part of the river at the following areas: Richardson Highway bridge, near mile marker 127; Pull out near mile marker 129 with a trail leading a little over a mile to the river; Sailers Pit access road that leads 1 mile to the river just past mile marker 129; just before mile marker 137, a gravel road leads a little over 1/4 mile to the river; one-half mile short of mile marker 140, there is a pull out with a trail that leads approximately one-half mile to the river; Sourdough campground road is accessed off the Richardson Highway mid-way between mile markers 147 and 148. Jet boats access the river from this campground and mainly travel upriver in salmon season.  Gakona Lodge has access to the mouth via the Lodge.   Please be aware that Ahtna Incorporated (a native corporation) owns much of the property surrounding the river.   Please respect their property rights.  For additional guides see our link page at www.gakonalodge.com.  For additional do-it-yourself info on Alaska fishing see www.alaskaroadsidefishing.com.

Valdez Alaska on a clear day is one of the most scenic towns in Alaska! The drive from Gakona Lodge (16 miles north of Glennallen) down to Valdez is spectacular as well featuring snow capped mountains, glaciers, and magnificent water falls!

There are two primary ways to fish Valdez:

1. Go to Allison Point and fish for pink salmon or silver (coho) salmon. In season, both provide incredible action from the bank!
2. Hire a charter to take you fishing out toward where Prince William Sound meets the Gulf of Alaska. Tip: It's a long ride - hire a charter with a fast boat! Halibut, Rockfish, and Cod are the primary species targeted by charter boats. Charters out of Valdez also offer overnight trips for salmon shark.   We would be happy to assist you with a Guide.
3. Towards the middle of August the Silver Salmon start running.   It is a great opportunity for extraordinary action.   For guides see our link page at www.gakonalodge.com. 

 Valdez is sometimes referred to as "Little Switzerland"

 Klutina River


 Klutina River 

Sockeye on the Gulkana River

Floating Ice at Mile Lake on the Copper River

Klutina River offers Kings and Reds and the Gulkana River offers Kings, Red, Rainbow and Grayling