Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around Bristol Bay, Alaska, as of January 30, 2025.
First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, January 30, the tidal report for Port Moller in Bristol Bay shows a low tide at 4:15 AM with a height of -0.23 meters, followed by a high tide at 11:51 AM reaching 3.23 meters. The next low tide is at 5:32 PM with a height of 1.76 meters, and the final high tide of the day is at 9:54 PM, hitting 2.55 meters[2].
Weather-wise, it's a typical winter day in Bristol Bay, with sunrise at 9:39 AM and sunset at 6:12 PM. The temperatures are chilly, and you can expect some wind and possibly some light snow flurries.
Now, onto the fish activity. Although we're in the off-season for the peak salmon runs, which usually occur from June to August, there are still some fish to be found. Recently, the Bristol Bay area has seen significant activity during the summer months, with the 2024 sockeye salmon run totaling 51.6 million fish, the 10th largest inshore run since 2004[5].
For those looking to catch something during this time, you might have better luck targeting species like rainbow trout, arctic char, or Dolly Varden. These fish can be found in the rivers and streams feeding into Bristol Bay, such as the Nushagak and Kvichak rivers.
When it comes to lures and bait, for trout and char, you can't go wrong with fly fishing. Use beads or small streamers that mimic the natural baitfish and insects in the water. For Dolly Varden, try using small jigs or spinners. If you're after salmon, although it's not the peak season, using spoons like the Kwikfish or Blue Fox Vibrax can be effective.
As for hot spots, the Nushagak River is always a favorite. It's known for its massive runs of sockeye salmon during the summer, but it also holds a healthy population of trout and char year-round. Another spot is the Kvichak River, which offers similar fishing opportunities and is accessible through various Alaska fishing lodges[3].
In summary, while the peak fishing season is still months away, there's still plenty of action to be had in Bristol Bay. Dress warm, choose the right lures, and head to the Nushagak or Kvichak rivers for a chance to land some beautiful fish. Tight lines, everyone