Kanetok

Togiak National Wildlife Refuge

The Kanetok River float starts at Kagati Lake and ends at the village of Quinhagak. The river is 80 miles long and is good for a 7 day float. It gets more than 8000 user days a year of which 60% are guided trips. The river has many bends and large braids so it can handle a large number of floaters. In the early season, before July 10,  70% of the user days take place on the lower river. After July 10, use is spread out over the whole river. Because of the high use on this river the TNWR has implemented some rules. The guided trips start on  odd days, so you would want to schedule your trip to start on an even day, if possible. Also, camping at the outlet of Kagati Lake is limited to one day.

Upper, Middle and Lower Kanetok

The first 25 miles wind through the western Ahklun Mountains. This is the most scenic part of the river with opportunities to see Moose, Caribou, and Brown Bear. The terrain on this part of the river is good for hiking.

Middle

The middle third of the river is the home of the “miracle mile”, a stretch of river that is famous for Rainbow fishing. TNWR has a special study for Rainbow in this area, where they have documented as many as 100 Rainbow per kilometer. Rainbow average 1.5 to 2 lbs. with a good chance to catch a 5 pounder. The Char and Dolly fishing are also very good here. This section of the river is very braided and can handle a lot of people.

Lower

The lower third of the river has good salmon fishing. The Kanektok has an annual average Red Salmon escapement of 30,000 fish. The peak numbers of Reds are in the river August 1. The Kanektok has an annual King escapement of 7,000 fish. Peak fishing for Kings is June 25. Some people consider this to be the best fly fishing for Kings in the State of Alaska. Chums have an annual average escapement of 10,000 fish and the timing is about the same as reds.

On even years, Pinks have an average total run of 35,000. Peak user days on the river correlates with the salmon runs. Peak use on the river is June 18 through July 1 for Kings and August 7 through September 1 for Silvers. The lower 20 miles of the river is bordered by private Quinhagak Corp. land. You need to obtain a Recreational Land Use Permit from Qanirtuuq, Inc. prior to your trip if you intend to camp on their land.

Qanirtuuq, Inc.
PO Box 69
Quinhagak, AK 99655

Phone: 907-556-8289
907-556-8165

In summary, this river provides good Rainbow, Dolly and Salmon fishing. Because of the good fishing and the nature of the river (easy access and floating) it has a high amount of use. There will be numerous parties on the river at the same time but you won’t see them much because of the river’s bends and braids.

Cost for Kanektok Float

Drop off at Kagati Lake (Beaver - Payload=1200 lbs.) $3,000
Pick up at Quinhagak Village Airstrip (wheel plane) estimate $2,400 (1000 lbs. payload pickup)
Raft Rental 13 ft Sotar w/rowing frame $120/day 2