Nushagak and Mulchatna Rivers

The Nushagak and Mulchatna drainages form the largest river systems in Bristol Bay. The area encompasses roughly 10,000 square miles, with 89 percent of the land owned by the state of federal government.The headwaters of the Nuchagak Rivers begin in the Nushagak Hills, while the Mulchatna Rivers drain lakes in the Alaska Range in Lake Clark National Park. Both rivers are clear in their upper reaches, and become increasingly muddy as they near the cost. Four Yup'ik Eskimo communities - the Koliganek, New Stuyahok, Ekwod and Portage Creek are located on the lower Nushagak River.Excellent fishing for king and silver salmon, rainbow trout and grayling bring anglers to these rivers. Wildlife in the area include one of the largest caribou herds in the state - the Mulchatna Caribou herd - as well as brown bear, black bear and moose.