Artificial Lure here with your Monday, April 21, 2025, Bristol Bay fishing report. It’s prime springtime on the Bay, and you can feel the anticipation in the air. Let’s get you up to speed on what’s biting, where to go, and what to toss in the water.

Weather today is classic early-season Bristol Bay—expect cool mornings around freezing, warming up just into the 40s by midday. Winds are light out of the southeast, and conditions are fairly calm making it a perfect day to be on the water.

Sunrise this morning was at 6:32 am and sunset won’t be till 9:59 pm, so you’ve got plenty of daylight to chase fish. Tides today are running moderate, with a high tide around 12:15 pm and a low tide bottoming out at 6:40 pm, ideal for working river mouths and sloughs in the afternoon.

Sockeye salmon is the talk of the town. The 2025 run is shaping up strong with a forecast calling for about 51.3 million fish flooding the rivers. This should translate to a potential harvest of over 34 million sockeye just in Bristol Bay waters this season, keeping every net and rod busy. Fish are already trickling in and recent days have seen the first pickups near the Naknek and Egegik river mouths. Boats are reporting good early numbers with catches in the hundreds per set for commercial nets and a handful per angler for those dipping and casting.

For the sporties, rainbow trout are staging up in the tributaries, getting ready for the spring feast. Folks drifting the Alagnak and Nushagak are starting to see some chunky trout pushing the 20-inch mark. Dolly Varden are also making a showing in side channels, eager for egg patterns and flashy spoons.

For lures, nothing beats a classic Mepps spinner, Vibrax Blue Fox, or a brightly colored Pixee spoon for aggressive salmon and trout right now. Drab, egg-colored beads or streamers will fool rainbows and Dollies, especially in the morning hours. If you’re drifting bait, cured salmon roe is king, but don’t discount a gob of garden worms on a slow retrieve.

The Naknek River near King Salmon and the mouths of the Egegik and Kvichak Rivers are the current hot spots. These areas are seeing the most action as salmon stack up with the tides. For trout, the upper stretches of the Alagnak are coming alive, and local whispers point to the Wood River for a sneaky strong Dolly bite.

Overall, it’s a promising start to the 2025 season. The fish are here, tides are right, and the weather’s cooperating. Get your gear ready and tight lines out there, folks—you’re in for a good day on the Bay.

Artificial Lure signing off, wishing you all bent rods and full nets.

Artificial Lure here with your Bristol Bay fishing report for Sunday, April 20, 2025.

We’re in for a classic Alaska spring day out on the Bay. Sunrise rolled in at 7:27 AM, and you’ve got good light all the way to sunset at 9:56 PM, so there’s plenty of time to wet a line and chase some chrome. The weather’s mild and fair for this time of year—expect a chilly breeze off the water, but don’t look for much in the way of rain. That means it’s pretty comfortable for anglers working the banks, boat launches, or drifting out on the channels.

The tides today in Port Moller are moving big water and stirring up the fish. We had a solid high tide early at 4:13 AM peaking at 10.26 feet, a low at 10:07 AM at 5.62 feet, then another push to high at 1:55 PM sitting at 7.09 feet before a sharp drop to an evening low at 9:12 PM, nearly scraping bottom at just 0.12 feet. Those big swings have the fish active, especially right around the tide changes, so time those casts for the slack and outgoing flows if you want to get on the bite[2][4].

The big story this spring is sockeye—just like we’ve been hoping for. The Department of Fish & Game is predicting a strong run, with about 51.3 million sockeye expected in the system and a harvestable surplus north of 36 million fish. That’s well above the long-term average and means anglers (and nets) are seeing real action out there. Early catches have been topping a million fish a day in districts like Nushagak and Naknek-Kvichak, so there’s no shortage of targets right now[1][2][4][5].

If you’re looking to fill the cooler, focus on sockeye, but there are still some decent rainbows and char hanging around in the lower rivers and sloughs, especially early and late in the day. Fish are already feeling the push with the tides, so they’re moving into staging areas as we approach peak migration.

Best lures have been bright spinners and spoons—think reds, chartreuse, and silver flash for sockeye to match their aggression in these clear cold waters. Flies in flashy pinks and oranges are taking fish for the fly crowd. Traditionalists still doing well with cured roe and fresh shrimp, especially around muddy seams and drop-offs near the mouths. For rainbows and char, drift beads and small jigs matched to the smolt are producing steady bites.

Hot spots right now include the Naknek River mouth for fresh sockeye and the upper Nushagak for a mixed bag of salmon and trout. If you’re chasing numbers, look for the inside bends and channel edges near Dillingham as fish move in with the tide.

That’s the word on the water today from Artificial Lure. Tight lines and enjoy the long Alaskan spring!

Artificial Lure here with your Saturday, April 19, 2025 Bristol Bay fishing report. Spring’s in the air and the Bristol Bay is waking up with promise. Sunrise was just before 7 am and sunset’s expected around 9:30 pm, so there’s plenty of daylight for those keen to log extra hours on the water.

The weather is classic spring—chilly starts warming to the high 40s and even low 50s, with a light breeze off the bay and mixed clouds. Layers and waterproofs are your best bet for comfort.

Tides have seen a fair bit of movement this week, which has really helped kick up activity. Today’s tides are mid-range, lending themselves well to early morning and late evening sessions as the fish tend to move in closer to shore with the extra current.

Sockeye salmon are already shaping up to be the season’s stars. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is calling for a very strong run this season, forecasting somewhere in the ballpark of 51.3 million sockeye salmon, with a potential harvestable surplus of over 34 million just in the Bay itself. That’s 50 percent higher than the long-term average, so expectations are running high and early reports from the water match the forecasts. Most of the chatter among the fleet is about sockeye, but as we approach June, chinook (king) salmon activity in the Nushagak District should start picking up as well[1][5].

Best recent catches have been just off the mouths of the Naknek and Kvichak Rivers. In the past couple of days, anglers are consistently landing good numbers of bright, hard-fighting sockeye—many in the 5 to 8 pound range. Early king sightings are scattered but will increase as May rolls on.

For gear, bright chartreuse and pink spinners and spoons are getting the most hits on sockeye, especially with a bit of flash in overcast light. If you’re drift fishing or working those river mouths, try a Flasher rig with a hoochie or a small cut plug herring. The sockeye seem to be responding best to lively presentation and sharp color contrast right now.

For bait, cured salmon roe is the local favorite, especially under a float at the river mouths. It’s hard to beat for fresh-run fish. For kings once they start pushing in, larger plugs and globbed roe will be your go-tos.

For hot spots, your best bet is around the Naknek River mouth and the Kvichak River’s lower sections. Both are seeing steady sockeye movement already. Keep an eye on the weather and the tides—fish are definitely moving with the water.

That’s the word from Bristol Bay for today. Tight lines, and don’t forget to have a backup rod handy—this season’s shaping up to be one for the books[1][4][5].

Artificial Lure here with your Friday, April 18, 2025, fishing report for Bristol Bay, Alaska.

We’re starting the day with a solid spring feel out here. Sunrise rolled in at 7:27 this morning, and you’ve got daylight to work with until sunset at 9:56 tonight, so plenty of time on the water. The weather is fair and mild by Alaska standards—chilly breeze off the water but not much in the way of rain, making it easy to move up and down the banks or on the boat.

Today’s tides in Port Moller are a factor to watch: high tide hit early at 4:13am at 10.26 feet, dropped to a low at 10:07am at 5.62 feet, then rises to another high at 1:55pm at 7.09 feet and falls off for the evening low at 9:12pm, just scraping the bottom at 0.12 feet. These big swings have fish moving and feeding, especially right around those tide changes[6].

The real headline all spring is sockeye. We’re on pace for a very strong run, with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game estimating a Bristol Bay sockeye run of 51.3 million this season. That’s well above the long-term average and means there’s going to be a lot of fish in the system and plenty for the nets and rods both[1][2][5]. Crews have already been hauling in big numbers—recent catches have been topping a million fish a day at times with districts like Naknek-Kvichak and Nushagak seeing big pushes. The action’s only heating up as the season picks up steam[9].

Trout and char are stirring in the rivers as the ice fades. Most rivers and streams are catch-and-release only for rainbows this time of season, but there’s plenty of action if you’re looking to hook into a feisty one before the salmon crowd arrives[4]. For the current regulations, remember: only unbaited, single-hook artificial lures are allowed right now. If you’re after pike or grayling on the lakes, the same single-hook artificial rule applies[7].

Best lures today: for trout and char, go with smaller streamers, articulated leeches, or sculpin patterns. Sockeye are still best chased with bright, flashy flies—think green or pink for Strike Indicators, or the classic Sockeye Lantern. For spin anglers, Vibrax spinners and Pixees in bright finishes are solid bets in moving water. Leave the bait at home until later in the summer; regs are artificial only for now[7].

Top hotspots: the Naknek River is running hot for early sockeye and always has a shot at big trout. The lower Nushagak is another go-to—action has been steady for both trout and early salmon. If you’re looking for something quieter, check out the Egegik River or one of the creeks feeding into Kvichak for early season char and grayling.

That’s the lay of the land today, folks. Make sure your hooks are sharp, your line is good, and your hands are ready—there’s plenty of fish in Bristol Bay right now and more on the way. Good luck out there and keep ‘em wet!

Artificial Lure reporting in with your Bristol Bay, Alaska fishing report for Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

We’re waking up to a classic spring morning here on the Bay. Sunrise hit at 7:32 AM and we’ll have light until sunset at 9:52 PM, giving us plenty of time on the water. Today’s tides in Port Moller show a high at 2:45 AM, a low at 8:32 AM, another high at 12:42 PM, and the day’s lowest tide at 7:52 PM. That afternoon low should draw fish into the deeper runs and along channel edges, so plan your casts accordingly if you’re chasing salmon or looking for an active bite from the resident trout and char[6].

Weather’s looking favorable—cool and overcast, typical for April with a light breeze out of the southwest. Roads are still soft in places, so anglers should use caution if heading to remote boat launches or gravel bars.

Now for the big news—salmon forecast. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is calling for a strong 2025 sockeye run. They’re predicting around 51.3 million sockeye returning to Bristol Bay, with a harvestable surplus of about 36.4 million fish, mostly in Bristol Bay proper. That’s a notch below the past decade’s record runs, but still 50 percent above the long-term average, so plenty of fish to go around[1][4][5]. Early test sets and reports from the lower rivers hint that fish are already staging and moving in with the tides.

Recent catches have mostly targeted resident rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic char. Trout action has been steady in the upper Naknek and Alagnak, where the fish are chasing smolt imitations and swinging leeches in the deeper pools. As for salmon, it’s still early—most of the sockeye and kings will hit their peak from June onward, but locals are already gearing up.

By regulation this time of year, it’s artificial lures only. Best bets have been single-hook streamers, smolt patterns, and flashy spoons in silver, chartreuse, or blue. Unbaited single-hook spinners and 3-inch plastics are drawing strikes from trout and char in the slower, warmer backwaters. Bait is prohibited on many drainages, so make sure you’re following the rules[7]. Flies like egg-sucking leeches and flesh patterns are working well after ice-out in the main rivers. For those after northern pike in the lakes, try large topwater plugs and weedless swimbaits near flooded grass.

Hot spots today include the lower Naknek River, where trout are active below the Rapids, and the stretch from Egegik village downstream—solid for early char and the occasional jack king. The upper Nushagak River is another great choice for those looking for solitude and a chance at a mixed bag, especially with the afternoon tides pushing fish upriver.

That’s the scoop for today from Bristol Bay. Tight lines, play the tides, and don’t forget your rain gear—April weather can change quick. This is Artificial Lure, wishing you a safe and productive day on the water.

Today, April 14, 2025, Bristol Bay, Alaska, is setting up to be a rewarding day for anglers. Sunrise kicked off at 7:37 AM and the sun will set at 9:48 PM, giving plenty of daylight for fishing adventures. The tide chart for Port Moller in Bristol Bay indicates a high tide at 11:44 AM at 7.42 feet and a low tide at 6:42 PM at 0.95 feet, which could offer prime conditions for targeting fish during the tide shifts.

Weatherwise, expect brisk and overcast conditions, perfect for fishing as cloud cover often incites fish activity. Be sure to bundle up and prepare for potential drizzle to make the most of your time on the water.

Recent fishing reports have highlighted good action in both salt and freshwater areas. Salmon enthusiasts should note that king salmon fishing kicks off on May 1, so hold tight for that season. For now, anglers are enjoying catch-and-release action with rainbow trout. Arctic grayling and Dolly Varden are also biting well. Lake Iliamna and the Wood River drainage remain hotspots for trout, while the Togiak River drainage is yielding smaller fish like grayling and young salmon.

Given the seasonal regulations in place, it's important to note that only unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures are permitted year-round in most of Bristol Bay's waters. Highly effective lures include spinners like Rooster Tails for grayling and streamers such as Woolly Buggers for trout. For fly fishers, darker dry flies like Adams or Dark Cahills in sizes 12-14 are performing well for grayling. A six-weight fly rod works great for bigger rainbows, while a four-weight rod is ideal for smaller species like grayling.

For those looking to maximize their efforts, try fishing near the Agulowak River outlet into Lake Aleknagik or the nearby waters of Lake Iliamna. Both areas are seeing healthy fish activity and offer a mix of trout and grayling. In saltwater, the Ugashik and Naknek River mouths are worth exploring, particularly during high tide when fish move closer to the shore.

As always in Alaska, be prepared with proper gear and clothing, and double-check local regulations before heading out. With the tides, weather, and fish activity aligning well today, it promises to be a memorable outing in Bristol Bay. Tight lines!

Good morning, anglers! Here's the Bristol Bay fishing report for Sunday, April 13, 2025.

The tides today in Port Moller are setting up nicely for fishing. The first low tide hit around 2:38 AM, followed by a high tide at 9:20 AM, and the second low tide is expected at 4:58 PM. Sunrise was at 7:13 AM, and we’ll have a long day of fishing ahead, with sunset not until 10:08 PM. Weather in the region is calm, with temperatures hovering in the low 40s (°F), some light winds, and scattered clouds—ideal for a productive day on the water.

The anticipation for Bristol Bay’s 2025 sockeye salmon run is building. Forecasts project about 51.3 million sockeye returning to the bay, with a harvestable surplus of 34.8 million fish. While the major runs will peak in the summer, anglers can still find some early-season action by targeting resident species like Dolly Varden and Arctic char. Ice-out conditions in smaller tributaries such as the Naknek and Alagnak rivers may make them great spots to visit now.

Artificial lures are your go-to for these waters, as bait is prohibited year-round. Single-hook spinners, spoons, and brightly-colored jigs tend to perform well. For anglers fly fishing, patterns that mimic salmon fry or leeches are effective, particularly near river mouths or deeper pools. Stick to gear that complies with regulations, as only unbaited, single-hook lures are allowed during this period.

Recent catches in the region have shown moderate activity along the Naknek River, with anglers reporting several Arctic char and the occasional bright rainbow trout. Remember, rainbow trout fishing in this area is strictly catch-and-release. For those looking for coho or chinook, the main season doesn’t kick off until later in the year, so plan accordingly.

If you’re seeking hotspots, try casting near the mouth of the Naknek River or the Agulowak River in the Wood River System. These spots are known to hold fish during transitional times in early spring. Another good choice is Lake Aleknagik, particularly near its outlets, where Arctic char have been active.

Be sure to keep an eye on conditions and follow Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations to help preserve these incredible fisheries. Tight lines, and happy fishing!

Bristol Bay anglers, greetings on this fine Saturday, April 12, 2025! The fishing opportunities today are excellent, with a mix of ideal tides, promising salmon runs, and decent weather adding to the allure of the region's pristine waters.

Sunrise today in Bristol Bay occurred at 7:42 AM, and sunset is set for 9:44 PM, giving you ample daylight for your angling adventures. The tides at Port Moller reflect a low tide early at 5:10 AM (3.63 ft) and a high tide peaking at 10:55 AM (8.18 ft). Another low tide will occur at 5:35 PM (1.58 ft). These tidal shifts are generally favorable for fishing, particularly near slack tide around midday.

The weather in Bristol Bay today looks cooperative for fishing. Expect mild temperatures, light winds, and partly cloudy conditions. This type of weather often encourages fish to remain active, particularly in the sheltered bays and rivers.

Sockeye salmon is the star of the show this year, with a strong forecasted run of 51.3 million fish for 2025. Although slightly below the last 10-year average, it remains well above the long-term average, providing plenty of action for both commercial and recreational fishers. Recent reports highlight excellent hauls in the Naknek-Kvichak, Nushagak, and Egegik districts, with millions of fish caught during peak days. The Nushagak River system has been particularly productive, making it one of the top hotspots at the moment.

For gear, remember the local regulations: only unbaited, single-hook artificial lures may be used in many areas, particularly for targeting trout and salmon. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and flies designed to mimic small baitfish or krill. Brightly colored patterns that imitate salmon smolt can work wonders, particularly in clearer waters. If you're going after northern pike in some of the connected lakes, larger topwater lures and swimbaits can yield exciting results.

Top fishing spots to target today include:
1. The Naknek-Kvichak River system: Known for its exceptional sockeye salmon runs and expansive fishing grounds, this area is prime for filling your cooler.
2. The Nushagak River: This hotspot consistently delivers outstanding catches of sockeye and is known for its reliable fishing action.

For those looking for a quieter experience, consider the Egegik River or even the Wood River system, which less frequently draws the crowds but still offers solid fishing potential.

With the tides, weather, and fish activity aligning, now is the time to get out there. Tight lines, and enjoy the bounty of Bristol Bay today!

Fishing report for Bristol Bay, Alaska, Friday, April 11, 2025:

The day dawns with ideal conditions for anglers across Bristol Bay. Sunrise is set for 7:45 AM, with sunset at 9:42 PM, giving fishermen plenty of light for a productive day on the water. At Port Moller, tides are as follows: low tide at 4:20 AM (2.78 ft), high tide at 10:29 AM (8.72 ft), another low tide at 4:58 PM (1.93 ft), and a high tide closing out the day at 11:29 PM (8.61 ft). Timing your fishing with these tides, particularly the morning high tide, could bring excellent results.

Weather-wise, conditions are cool and typical for spring in Bristol Bay. Expect overcast skies with light winds — a perfect setup for fishing. Dress warmly and pack a rain jacket, as the unpredictable weather can bring drizzles.

In terms of fish activity, although king salmon season doesn’t officially open until May 1, species like rainbow trout and Arctic char are active. Note that rainbow trout must be released at this time of year, per regulations. Sockeye salmon are drawing attention as the 2025 run is projected to be robust, with an estimated 49.6 million fish expected to return to the bay. Currently, salt and fresh waters are open for fishing all species except where special restrictions apply.

With bait prohibited in most areas, anglers should use unbaited, single-hook artificial lures or flies. For local favorites, try patterns like egg-sucking leeches or Dolly Llamas for trout and char. If you’re casting for grayling near the lodge streams, darker dry flies such as Adams or Humpies in size 12 or 14 are reliable bets.

Hot spots today include the Naknek-Kvichak District, historically productive for early-season fishing. The Wood River system is another excellent choice, with opportunities to hook Arctic char before main salmon runs pick up. Check current regulations, as certain tributaries may be closed to fishing until June 7.

Recent catch numbers highlight the area’s bounty; Bristol Bay fleets have already hauled significant sockeye numbers this year, with millions of fish passing through the rivers over the past weeks. This reinforces the bay’s reputation as the world’s premier salmon fishery.

Wherever you drop a line today, enjoy the rich waters of this pristine region, and respect the conservation measures that sustain its incredible fisheries. Tight lines!

Fishing in Bristol Bay, Alaska, on April 9, 2025, offered anglers a mix of prime opportunities and seasonal changes. The day began with a sunrise at 8:03 am local time and concluded with sunset at 9:27 pm, providing plenty of daylight to hit the waters. Weather conditions hovered in the mid-40s Fahrenheit, with a partly cloudy sky and gentle winds—a relatively calm spring day perfect for fishing.

The tidal schedule from Port Moller showed a high tide at 4:59 am at 11.59 feet, a low tide at 10:45 am at 4.15 feet, another high tide at 3:58 pm at 9.2 feet, and a final low tide at 10:49 pm at -1.9 feet. Planning your fishing during the changing tides proved essential, as fish tend to be more active during these transitions.

Fishing activity in Bristol Bay today highlighted the area's robust sockeye salmon runs. While the peak of the sockeye season is later in the summer, the 2025 forecast is promising, with an estimated run of over 49 million fish this season. Subsistence anglers reported fair success with sockeye and coho salmon catches in freshwater tributaries such as the Nushagak and Kvichak River systems. However, keep in mind regulations heavily restrict bait use; only unbaited, single-hook artificial lures are allowed, emphasizing preservation efforts for the area's pristine fisheries.

Popular lures included bright, vibrant patterns of artificial flies and spinners, with chartreuse and pink proving most effective. Local wisdom suggests using lures that mimic salmon fry or smelt to entice larger predator fish. While bait is prohibited, anglers targeting rainbows or Dolly Varden in the still-open areas found success with smaller, naturalistic patterns like bead-head nymphs or egg-imitation flies.

Hot spots today included the mouth of the Nushagak River, where salmon begin their migration, and Lake Aleknagik near the Wood River system. These areas consistently produce good catches and featured moderate fishing pressure. Anglers targeting species like Arctic char found luck in the deeper pools of the Agulowak River.

While regulations require catch-and-release for rainbow trout and limit retention of gamefish, most anglers reported excellent sport fishing. By adhering to these rules, the Bristol Bay ecosystem continues to support the world's largest sockeye salmon population, along with thriving populations of other salmon species and resident fish. For the best experience, follow local advisories and enjoy the pristine waters of this angling haven responsibly.