Alaska · Lake and Peninsula Borough
Kvichak River
Lake and Peninsula Borough · 50 mi · Class I–II
Optimal: 5000–25000 CFS · USGS #15300500
9,860CFS
11.01 ft gauge height
Optimal↓Falling slowly (-30 cfs/hr)(-140 in 3h)
Avg flow: 14,000 cfsHist. median: 12,600 cfsUSGS #15300500
Bristol Bay Watershed · Largest Sockeye Run on Earth · ADF&G Trophy Rainbow Trout
The single largest sockeye salmon run on earth. The Kvichak River drains Lake Iliamna — Alaska’s largest lake — and supports a sockeye run that has historically averaged over 10 million returning fish per year, with peak runs over 40 million. The river is also home to one of the great trophy rainbow trout fisheries in the world; Iliamna-system rainbows commonly exceed 30 inches feeding on the eggs and carcasses of the salmon return. Fly-out lodge fishing only — there is no road access to the Kvichak.
Outfitters
Igiugig Lodge
Fly-out trophy rainbow trout lodge on the upper Kvichak
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
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.
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