BECHAROF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

In 1978, Jimmy Carter designated 1.57 million acres of Bristol Bay as a national monument. Two years later it was made the wildlife refuge known today as Becharof National Wildlife Refuge. The area covers a massive swath of differing landscapes and habitats. From the rocky coastline bordering the Pacific Ocean to the windswept tundra home to caribou, wolves, coastal brown bears, fox and more, to the jutting mountain landscape bordering Katmai National Park and the second largest lake in Alaska, the refuge is a must see destination for any guest visiting during our season.

There is so much to do in the refuge. Sport fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing and photography are just some of the variety of activities available. Visitors can view Mt. Peulik volcano, which last erupted in 1845. Becharof Lake, located in the refuge, is the second largest lake in Alaska. It is 35 miles long, 15 miles wide and as much as 600 feet deep. This massive lake is the hatchery for the world’s second largest run of sockeye salmon and provides Bristol Bay fisheries with an estimated 6 million salmon each year!

Sport Fishing in Becharof National Wildlife Refuge

The opportunities to fly-out to remote streams within the refuge begin in early June and continue until late October. The streams and lakes draw anglers to fish for salmon along with trout, arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, and more. Cast mice patterns to large grayling, strip bright flies to coho, or indicator fish to trophy char. This wildlife refuge has breathtaking scenery and heart racing fishing.