Karluk River
The premier steelhead and silver salmon river of Kodiak Island. The Karluk River drains Karluk Lake on the southwestern side of Kodiak Island and flows 24 miles through the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge to the Shelikof Strait. The river produces some of the largest silver salmon in Alaska — fish over 20 pounds are common during the September run — plus a self-sustaining wild steelhead run, sockeye, kings, and Dolly Varden. Kodiak brown bears share the river with anglers; the Karluk has one of the densest brown bear populations in North America.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.