BRISTOL BAY FISHING REPORT - May 24, 2025

Hello there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Saturday morning fishing report for Bristol Bay. The sun rose at 5:12 AM today and won't set until 11:23 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to chase those fish!

Weather's cooperating nicely with partly cloudy skies, temperatures around 55°F, and light winds from the southwest at 8-10 mph. Current tide is on the flood, high tide coming at 10:42 AM, with a second high at 11:07 PM. Low tide at 4:26 PM. Water temps hovering around 46°F.

Folks, I'm thrilled to report that we're gearing up for what's shaping up to be another monster season here in Bristol Bay! The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is forecasting a total sockeye run of about 51.3 million fish, with some estimates going as high as 65.6 million. That's well above the 20-year average of 48.2 million fish.

The Nushagak District is looking particularly promising with a predicted inshore run of 20.36 million sockeyes. According to Tim Sands, the area management biologist, they're expecting to harvest about 15 million of those beauties. The fish size is trending larger than last year too, which is always a good sign.

Besides the massive sockeye numbers, statewide we're looking at a commercial harvest forecast of 138.4 million pinks, 20.8 million chums, and 2.4 million coho. The first sockeye scouts are already being spotted in some of the outer bays.

For you early birds out there, try fishing the mouth of the Naknek River on an incoming tide. Bead-headed leech patterns in purple and black have been producing, and don't overlook the classic egg-sucking leech in size 4.

If you're bait fishing, fresh herring chunks or salmon roe cured with a touch of pink Pautzke's has been the ticket. For hardware enthusiasts, blue and silver Vibrax spinners (size 3) or Pixee spoons have been turning heads.

Hot spots this weekend include the confluence of the Wood and Nushagak rivers, where some early sockeye are starting to stage, and the flats near Clarks Point, which has been producing some nice king salmon for trollers working the deeper channels.

Don't forget that Togiak District is also expecting a strong run this year. If the main Bay gets crowded, head west for some elbow room and equally productive fishing.

Remember your limits, respect the resource, and enjoy what's shaping up to be one of the best seasons in recent memory. This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines, folks!

Good morning from the Bay, this is Artificial Lure with your fishing update for Friday, May 23, 2025.

Folks, we're looking at the start of what promises to be another monster season here in Bristol Bay. The Department forecasts a sockeye run of about 51.3 million fish returning to the Bay this season, with commercial harvesters expected to land around 34.8 million of those beauties.

The weather today is running typical for late May - we've got partly cloudy skies, temperatures hovering around 52°F, and a light breeze coming in from the southwest at about 8 knots. Sunrise hit at 5:12 AM this morning, and we won't see sunset until nearly 11:15 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get after them.

For the tide situation, we're seeing a high tide at 10:42 AM, followed by a low at 4:53 PM. That ebb flow has been producing some excellent action as the sockeye start to stage for their river runs.

The early sockeye are definitely showing up in numbers now. Commercial guys are reporting strong catches in the Nushagak District, where they're expecting an inshore run of over 20 million fish this season. Tim Sands from Fish and Game tells me they're anticipating a harvest of about 15 million in that district alone.

What's really got people talking is that the fish size is trending larger than last year. The cooler spring seems to have given them more time to fatten up before heading inshore.

For you sport anglers, bright silver streamer patterns in sizes 4 and 6 have been the ticket, especially with a touch of pink or orange. If you're bottom fishing, fresh herring chunks are outperforming the frozen stuff three-to-one.

Hot spots this week include the deeper channels near the mouth of the Nushagak where the water's running about 6 degrees warmer than the surrounding shallows. The eddies just downstream from Graveyard Point have been particularly productive during the last two hours of the incoming tide.

The Togiak District is also starting to heat up, with early indicators suggesting we'll see numbers building there over the next week.

Remember to keep those hooks sharp and your nets wet. The 2025 run is shaping up to be one for the books, with Bristol Bay continuing its reign as the largest sockeye-producing region in Alaska. With a projected statewide commercial harvest of 214.6 million salmon (including 138.4 million pinks and 52.9 million sockeye), there's going to be plenty of action to go around.

This is Artificial Lure signing off - I'll catch you on the water!

This is Artificial Lure coming at you with your Bristol Bay fishing report for Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

We’ve got another promising salmon season shaping up here in and around Bristol Bay. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is calling for a strong sockeye run, with their point estimate just over 51 million fish, and the Nushagak District alone expecting more than 20 million inshore[3][2]. That means there’s a big harvestable surplus, so prospects are bright for both commercial and sport anglers this spring and summer[5].

On the water today, expect typical late-May weather for the region—cool mornings, clouds rolling in and occasional rain, highs in the low 50s Fahrenheit, gusty winds picking up by afternoon. Light on-and-off drizzle might make things a little damp, but that’s Bristol Bay for you. Sunrise rolled in just before 5:40 AM, and sunset rolls out after 11:20 PM, so you’ve got a long window to chase the bite.

Tidal swings today are moderate with the morning incoming around 8 AM and afternoon outgoing by 3 PM. If you’re targeting salmon, those tide changes will turn on the bite, especially in the estuaries near Dillingham and up into the Wood and Nushagak rivers.

Reports from the past few days have folks already hooking into some early arriving sockeye, with good numbers moving into the Nushagak and Togiak districts[2]. Trout and char are still active in the streams and sloughs, especially where the smolt are on the move.

For lures, you can’t go wrong with classic bright spinners, small pink or chartreuse spoons, and the reliable bare red and white no. 3 Mepps. Drifting bits of cured salmon roe or running a strip of herring under a float is drawing solid strikes. If you’re fly fishing, try pink and purple Clousers, egg-sucking leeches, or weighted bunny leeches near the deeper channel edges.

Hot spots worth checking today include the mouth of the Nushagak River, especially at the Wood River confluence, and the estuary flats outside Dillingham. Another productive area is the Snake River mouth for early salmon staging, and anglers are also reporting feisty rainbow trout around Ekwok.

In short, the fish are on the move, the season is off to a strong start, and the outlook for the next several weeks is excellent for sockeye with bonus trout and char in the mix. Whether you’re chasing meat for the freezer or just out to wet a line, now’s the time to get on the water.

Tight lines and good luck out there, from your local source, Artificial Lure.

This is Artificial Lure reporting in from Bristol Bay, Alaska, on this fine May 19, 2025. Folks, we're looking at another powerhouse salmon season here in the Bay. The weather is cooperating nicely—conditions early this morning are cool and breezy, with patchy clouds. We’re expecting daytime highs in the low 50s, a bit of wind from the southwest, and just a hint of scattered showers later, typical for this time of year. Sunrise hit at about 5:18 a.m. and you’ll have daylight all the way until just after 11:09 p.m.

Tidal swings today are moderate, with the morning low just before 7 and a strong incoming tide through midday. That should get the fish moving in the main river mouths and along the flats.

Sockeye are the talk of the town and for good reason. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is forecasting a total run of about 51.4 million sockeye for the whole Bay, well above the long-term average. The Nushagak District is looking at over 20 million inshore, and commercial crews are projected to harvest about 15 million of those. Early counts from the Naknek and Kvichak Rivers are promising, with the Naknek/Kvichak already drawing in strong numbers of early-arriving sockeye. Folks fishing near the mouth of the Kvichak last week were reporting steady limits, most fish running 5 to 7 pounds and full of fight. Over on the Nushagak, boats picking the deeper channels are starting to see bigger schools move in with the tides[1][2][3][4][5].

If you're headed out, focus on the following hot spots: the mouth of the Kvichak River is hands-down the early-season favorite, followed closely by the deeper cuts off the Nushagak—especially as the tide swings in. For bank anglers, try the gravel bars above Dillingham, and don’t overlook the mid-channel drifts near Clarks Point.

Best lures right now are classic Bristol Bay fare: bright pink or chartreuse spinners, size 4 or 5, and the old reliable Pixee spoons. Sockeye are also taking well to flies, especially flashy streamers in cerise or flame. If you’re drifting bait, cured salmon roe or even a chunk of sardine is hard to beat. Keep it small and let the current do the work.

To sum up, we’re off to a strong start in Bristol Bay with plenty of salmon in the rivers, solid tidal pushes, and lots of daylight for getting after it. Tight lines and see you on the water!

This is Artificial Lure with your Bristol Bay fishing report for Sunday, May 18th, 2025, coming to you from the heart of sockeye country.

We are right on the cusp of another classic Bristol Bay summer, and let me tell you, the anticipation is running as high as the tides. This year’s forecast is looking mighty strong. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is calling for a Bristol Bay sockeye run just shy of 51.4 million fish, with the Nushagak district alone expected to see about 20 million inshore run and a harvest approaching 15 million fish. That’s a hair below last decade’s average but a solid 38 percent above the long-term numbers, so plenty of action for both locals and folks coming in from Outside.

Fish activity is picking up as water temps creep higher. Early-run sockeye have started staging in the deeper channels, especially in the Naknek/Kvichak and Nushagak districts. Last year, during peak, the Naknek/Kvichak pushed over a million fish in a day, with the Kvichak River often seeing escapements topping 4 million. Right now you’ll find the early-movers sticking near river mouths, but a few are already pushing upstream, with more showing up daily as we head into peak weeks.

Weather-wise, we’re looking at mild, partly cloudy skies, highs in the upper 40s to low 50s, and the wind coming out of the southwest around 10 knots. Sunrise was at 5:10 a.m. and sunset will be about 11:15 p.m., so there’s plenty of daylight to chase these fish. Tides today are moderate, with high tide late morning and a good outgoing push early afternoon—prime time for intercepting fresh salmon moving in from the salt.

Hotspots I’d target include the mouth of the Kvichak River and the deep channels off Nushagak Bay. If you’re shore-bound, try working the gravel bars and seams around Egegik or Naknek on an outgoing tide.

Top producers right now are bright, flashy spinners and spoons in silver or chartreuse for the sockeye, but don’t overlook the classic pink Pixees. For bait, sockeye will often take brightly colored beads or cured roe, especially if you’re drifting under a float or bouncing along the bottom just off the channel edge.

Folks running setnets are starting to pick up some nice early sockeye, and a few kings have already been reported around the Nushagak. We’re hearing reports of heavy marks on the sonar and strong numbers at both test fisheries and weirs, setting us up for a banner few weeks.

That’s the latest from Bristol Bay. Tight lines and see you on the water!

Good morning from Bristol Bay, this is Artificial Lure with your Saturday, May 17th, 2025 fishing report. We are gearing up for what looks like another banner year on the water, with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game predicting a strong sockeye salmon run. This year’s forecast calls for about 51.38 million sockeye returning to the system, a number that’s 38 percent above the long-term average, so there’s plenty of reason to be excited[2][4][3].

Weather today is classic early season Bristol Bay—expect cool mornings in the low 40s climbing into the upper 50s by afternoon, a mix of clouds and sun, and a light southeast breeze. Sunrise hit around 5:40 this morning with sunset rolling in about 10:55 tonight, giving you plenty of daylight to work those favorite drifts.

The water is still on the cold side, but things are warming up. Early sockeye have started staging in the deeper channels, and the first pushes are being seen in the Naknek/Kvichak district. These spots are always solid bets for early action. The Kvichak River in particular is shaping up to be a hot spot, with last year’s escapement peaking over 4 million fish and early counts looking strong again this spring[5]. Nushagak’s deep channels are another early season go-to, and if you’re after some good numbers, the mouth and lower sections are worth your time.

Reports from the docks say the first fish are running on the smaller side so far, but there’s no shortage of action. Sockeye are making up the bulk of the catch, with a few early kings showing up for those working the tides and backeddies. As for lures, folks are having good luck with bright chartreuse or pink spinners and spoons—Blue Fox Vibrax in size 3 or 4, or the classic Silver Horde Coho Killer, have both been producing. If you’re fishing bait, cured roe or small cut herring fished under a float is always money, especially when the tide is turning.

Looking at the tides, we’re coming off a moderate exchange, so you’ll want to work those moving water windows to your advantage—early morning incoming or late evening outgoing should see a bump in fish movement.

To recap, my picks for today: Target the mouth of the Kvichak or drop into the deeper runs on the Nushagak. Bring a selection of chartreuse and pink hardware, and don’t be shy with bait if the fish are a bit finicky. The season’s just getting started, so get out there and make the most of these first big pushes.

That’s it for today from Artificial Lure. Tight lines and see you out on the water![2][3][5]

Good morning folks, this is Artificial Lure with your Bristol Bay fishing report for Friday, May 16, 2025. We’re off to an exciting start this season, with sockeye numbers already looking strong. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game projects around 51.38 million sockeye returning for 2025, well above the long-term average, which should mean great fishing opportunities throughout the bay.

Weather-wise, today’s shaping up classic for May—skies are mostly overcast with a cool breeze out of the southwest and temperatures hovering in the upper 40s to mid-50s. Expect some mist and patchy fog early, burning off towards midday. Tidal swings this week are moderate; high tide hits in the late morning and again in the early evening, setting the stage for good action in the moving water, especially on the flood.

Sunrise came early at about 5:20 am and sunset won’t be until nearly 10:40 pm, giving you plenty of daylight to chase fish. The water is still cold, which means fish are holding deeper, so adjust your tackle accordingly.

Early reports from the Naknek and Kvichak systems are already promising, with sockeye staging in decent numbers near the river mouths. Nushagak has also started to pick up, especially around the deeper channels. Over the past week, local boats have been seeing steady action—catches of several hundred sockeye per day for the more dialed-in crews is not uncommon, with a few lucky folks bumping close to a thousand on banner tides. Folks are also picking up occasional kings and some chunky char in the lower rivers.

Best lures right now are chartreuse and hot pink spinners, size 4 or 5, and flashy spoons. If you’re drifting, a silver Vibrax or Pixie is hard to beat for sockeye. For bait, cured salmon roe is still the top producer, especially on a smaller hook and light leader. Some are also doing well using sand shrimp.

For the fly crowd, bright pink or orange streamers and bead rigs are working well in slower water and seams. Swing them deep in early season flows.

If you’re looking for hot spots, target the mouth of the Kvichak River and the tidewater stretches of the Naknek. Both are seeing strong early pushes. The deeper sections of the Nushagak are also worth a look—get in tight on the seams and channel edges, especially as the tide starts pushing in.

That’s your report for today—tight lines and see you on the water.

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Bristol Bay fishing report for this beautiful Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Folks, the sockeye salmon are starting to make their presence known in Bristol Bay, and I'm excited to tell you we're on track for that strong run of 51.38 million fish that Fish and Game predicted for this season[1][2]. That's a healthy 38% above the long-term average, so we're looking at plenty of action in the weeks ahead[1].

The early runners are already moving through the deeper channels, with numbers building daily. Water temps are still on the cool side at about 42°F, but that's warming up nicely with our recent string of sunny days. The sockeye are beginning to school up near the river mouths, particularly around the Naknek and Kvichak areas, which typically heat up first[5].

If you're heading out today, you'll want to know the tide is coming in until about 11:30 AM, with a high of 16.2 feet, then dropping to a low of 2.1 feet around 5:45 PM. These changing tides are pushing nice schools of fish into the channels, so time your trips accordingly.

Sunrise was at 5:12 AM, and we've got plenty of fishing time with sunset not until 10:37 PM. Take advantage of those long Alaska days!

For those targeting sockeye, bright red or pink Vibrax spinners in sizes #3 and #4 have been producing consistently. Don't forget your silver-bodied flies with a touch of red – the Flash Fly pattern has been money lately. If you're fly fishing, a slow retrieve with short strips has been triggering strikes.

Hot spots this week include the deeper channels off the mouth of the Kvichak River, where several anglers reported 15-20 fish days yesterday[5]. The area just west of the Nushagak River mouth is also producing well, especially on the incoming tide. For a bit less pressure, try the edges of the Egegik River – I've had reports of some bigger fish hanging there, though fewer in number.

For you King salmon enthusiasts, runs are expected to be below average this year, particularly in the Togiak River area[4]. If you're targeting Kings, you might want to adjust expectations and focus more on the abundant sockeye.

Remember that the commercial season will be ramping up soon, so now's the time to get out there before the nets go in. The Port Moller Test Fishery data is showing strong early returns, confirming we're in for that banner year predicted back in November[3].

Pack plenty of water and sunscreen – the forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with highs around 55°F and light winds of 5-10 mph from the southwest.

Tight lines and screaming reels to you all! This is Artificial Lure, signing off until tomorrow's report.

Good morning from Bristol Bay, this is Artificial Lure with your May 12th fishing report. The 2025 season is shaping up to be a memorable one out here, with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game predicting another strong sockeye salmon run. The forecast calls for about 51.3 million sockeye returning to the bay this year, which is well above the long-term average and should give all of us plenty of action on the water. There’s a potential harvestable surplus of over 34 million fish just for Bristol Bay itself, so expect things to get busy as the peak approaches[1][3][5].

Weatherwise, we’re seeing cool mornings with temps in the mid 40s warming up into the high 50s by afternoon. Skies are mostly cloudy today with a light southwest breeze—nothing that should keep you off the water. Sunrise this morning was at 5:13 AM and sunset rolls around at 10:36 PM, giving you a long day to chase fish. Tidal swings are moderate, with the higher tides pushing fish in around midday and just before sunset, so plan your trips to the river mouths and estuaries around those times for the best bites.

On the fish front, early sockeye are just starting to stage in the deeper channels. We aren’t at peak numbers yet—those are usually mid-June into July—but both the Naknek/Kvichak and Nushagak rivers are showing increased activity. Last year at this time, crews were already putting up thousands of fish per day in these districts, and with this year’s forecast, expect the same or better[4].

As for gear, folks are having success with chartreuse and pink spinners, especially Vibrax or Pixee spoons. Drifting cured salmon roe remains a top bait, especially in the slower water near river mouths. If you’re targeting bigger kings, try larger plugs like Kwikfish in bright orange or metallic finishes. Jigging in deep holes with white or blue bucktail jigs has also been putting up fish.

A couple of hot spots you won’t want to miss: The mouth of the Kvichak River is a classic early season bet with fish funneling in on every incoming tide. Over on the Nushagak, look for action in the slower side channels near Dillingham, especially on the flood tide. Don’t overlook the Egegik if you want a little less traffic and solid catches—they usually pick up just behind the Naknek and Kvichak.

That’s the scoop for today. The run is just getting started, but all signs point to another banner Bristol Bay summer. Tight lines and good luck out there!

Morning folks, Artificial Lure coming to you with your Bristol Bay fishing report for May 11, 2025. The season’s shaping up to be a classic Alaskan spring—plenty of chill in the air but with long, bright days ahead. Sunrise today was just after 5:30 AM and sunset will stretch past 10:45 tonight, giving you a full window for those long hauls on the water.

Tides are moderate today, with a morning high right after sunrise and a late afternoon low—perfect for working those river mouths and channel drop-offs. The weather’s typical for early May in the bay: expect temps in the low to mid 40s, scattered clouds, a light breeze, and the ever-present chance of drizzle. Pack your rain gear and a thermos of hot coffee.

Now for the good news—fish activity is picking up. Early sockeye are moving in, and forecasts from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game predict a robust sockeye run this year, with over 51 million expected to return bay-wide. That's above the long-term average, so prospects are solid for both sport and subsistence anglers. Last year, rivers like the Naknek and Kvichak saw huge pushes early, with the Kvichak alone passing more than 4 million fish midseason and the Nushagak close behind[1][3][4].

Reports the last few days say early fish are stacking up along the deeper channels and at the mouths of the Naknek and Kvichak. Some commercial crews have already started to see promising numbers on their test sets. If you’re after sockeye, dead drifting with small pink or green yarn flies or matching a #2 or #3 Vibrax spinner in Firetiger or Chartreuse has produced steady action. Folks running plugs are getting bites on silver and orange K-11 Kwikfish in the slower water near shore. For those using bait, roe sacs cured in shrimp flavor are the ticket.

Don’t overlook the feeder kings. Troll herring or large silver spoons along the outer sandbars on the Egegik and Ugashik for a shot at an early Chinook. In the evenings, sea-run Dolly Varden are hitting small spoons and egg imitations in the lower river stretches.

Hot spots today: set up near the mouth of the Kvichak River on the incoming tide for sockeye staging, or hit the Nushagak between Portage Creek and the mouth for mixed bags of salmon and trout. If the wind lays down, try the Egegik flats—last season’s early risers pulled in some nice kings there.

It’s early, but Bristol Bay is already humming. With strong runs expected and fish on the move, now's the time to fill the freezer or just enjoy a day with line in the water and eagles overhead. Tight lines from Artificial Lure, and see you on the river.