Roadmap to the Fisheries
To be sure, the following is not a complete listing of all flowing water crossed by the highway, nor are all lakes listed that might be accessible from the road. Anglers should be aware that Arctic grayling, in particular, are found in virtually all flowing waters, at least at certain times of the year; and that explorations of small, unnamed creeks can sometimes pay off with excellent fishing results. As a general rule, fishing success in this area, as in almost any area, improves with distance from the road crossings. Be prepared to walk a modest distance up or down the stream to find better fishing, but remember that large animals may be present, as well as small varieties (mosquitoes) that can make life exciting or uncomfortable.
As a word of caution to those intending to stop and fish along the Dalton Highway, it should be remembered that the highway exists primarily to serve industrial transportation needs. On a typical summer day, dozens of loaded 18-wheel trucks travel at highway speeds along the narrow roadway in both directions. Parking along the highway roadway is not recommended because of the frequent large truck traffic, the dusty conditions, and flying rocks created by traffic. When planning to leave a vehicle for fishing it is a good idea to find parking places well off the roadway. In addition, be aware that most of the stream crossing turnouts are used by water trucks belonging to the Alaska Department of Transportation. Stream crossing turnouts are used to fill up before proceeding with maintenance work on the road. Park in these locations in such a way as not to impede tanker filling.
For convenience, stream crossings and lakes are identified by the name of the stream or lake as well as the distance in miles (rounded to nearest whole number) from the start of the Dalton Highway near Livengood. A description is provided for each water listed.
Southern Portion
Hess Creek 24 mi.
Yukon River 56 mi.
Ray River 69 mi.
No Name Creek (aka North Fork of Ray River) 80 mi
Kanuti River 107 mi.
Fish Creek 115 mi.
Bonanza Creek South Fork 123 mi and North Fork 124 mi.
Prospect Creek 135 mi.
Jim River 140 mi (Bridge #1), 141 mi (Bridge #2), 144 mi (Bridge #3).
Grayling Lake 149 mi.
South Fork Koyukuk River 157 mi.
Slate Creek 174 mi.
Marion Creek 179 mi.
Minnie Creek 186 mi.
Middle Fork Koyukuk River--Four bridge crossings from 189 mi to 205 mi.
Dietrich River 207 mi.
Northern Portion
Atigun River bridge crossings at 253 mi and 271 mi.
Tea Lake 270 mi.
Galbraith Lake 276 mi.
Island Lake 279 mi.
Toolik Lake 284 mi.
Horizon Lake 288 mi.
Kuparuk River 290 mi.
Oksrukuyik Creek 298 mi.
Dan Creek 331 mi.
Happy Valley Creek 334 mi.
Sagavanirktok River
Hess Creek 24 mi.
- Arctic Grayling, Whitefish
- Campsite available
Hess Creek is the largest stream between the Elliott Highway and the Yukon River bridge, and has resident Arctic grayling and whitefish. There is a good turnout and a gravel bar for parking. The stream may be navigable downstream by canoe or raft, but a motor would be necessary to travel about 25 miles upstream to the Yukon Bridge after reaching the mouth of Hess Creek. Sheefish, burbot, and northern pike are present near the mouth of Hess Creek. An abandoned gravel site, accessible by an access road about 500 feet north of the Hess Creek crossing, could be used as a campsite.
Yukon River 56 mi.
- Burbot
- Campground, dump station, boat launch, Gas/diesel, restaurant, motel, tire repair
A boat launching ramp is available on the northwest side of the river. Except for burbot fishing, essentially no sport fishing is done on the mainstem of the Yukon River because of winter turbidity. Chinook and chum salmon, northern pike, sheefish, Arctic grayling, whitefish, and burbot are all present in the river. Burbot fishing is popular in the fall before freeze-up and in the winter through the ice. During summer months commercial and subsistence gillnets fishing for salmon may be seen in the vicinity of the bridge. The Ray River mouth, about a mile downstream of the crossing, can be good for northern pike fishing during the summer.
Ray River 69 mi.
- Arctic Grayling, sheefish, northern pike, burbot, whitefish
Turnouts on both sides of the road provide overlooks of the Ray River, which joins the Yukon River about a mile downstream of the Yukon River bridge. The road does not cross the river and a steep walk is required to reach it. Once there, the river is usually fordable on foot with gravel bars to walk and fish. Arctic grayling, sheefish, burbot, northern pike, and whitefish occur in the Ray River.
No Name Creek (aka North Fork of Ray River) 80 mi.
This small stream is a branch of the Ray River. There is a turnout at the bridge. The creek has incised banks with overhanging brush in many places. Fishing can be good in May or June for Arctic grayling but water levels generally decline in midsummer.
Kanuti River 107 mi.
- Arctic grayling, burbot, whitefish, northern pike
- Possible canoeing
This is the first tributary of the Koyukuk River crossed by the highway. Arctic grayling, burbot, whitefish, and northern pike occur here. There is a turnout at the bridge on the southeast side. The Kanuti River flows through the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge and joins the Koyukuk River about 80 miles downstream. The water has a slightly humic-stained color near the bridge crossing. Adventurous types might try paddling or walking a canoe upstream while fishing, then floating back to the bridge.
Fish Creek 115 mi.
- Arctic grayling, whitefish
- Arctic Circle is one mile past Fish Creek at Sign
Arctic grayling and whitefish are present. Fish Creek joins Bonanza Creek and flows about 30 miles before reaching the South Fork of the Koyukuk River. There is a small parking turnout on the northeast side of the bridge. The stream is small, generally clear in summer, and offers good fishing for Arctic grayling. Walking and wading can be difficult because of the brushy banks and log jams in places.
Area Camping: No Fee. 12 RV suitable campsites. 14 day limit. Toilets onsite.
Bonanza Creek South Fork 123 mi and North Fork 124 mi.
- Arctic grayling, burbot, whitefish
These creeks contain Arctic grayling, burbot, and whitefish. There is a good turnout on the southeast side of the bridge on the South Fork with room for a few campsites. The North Fork has a small turnout on the northeast side of the bridge. Both forks join and then meet Fish Creek before flowing to the South Fork of the Koyukuk River. The North Fork carries more volume than the South Fork.
Prospect Creek 135 mi.
- Chinook salmon, Arctic grayling, northern pike, whitefish
- Camping area available
Chinook salmon, Arctic grayling, northern pike, and whitefish are present. Turnouts at the bridge are poor to nonexistent. A materials site access road one-quarter mile to the south provides access to the creek and is a safe turnout. There is a small pond here created by gravel extraction. The area adjacent to the pond is a good campsite. Prospect Creek joins the Jim River within three miles of the road crossing and Jim River flows into the South Fork of the Koyukuk River.
Jim River 140 mi (Bridge #1), 141 mi (Bridge #2), 144 mi (Bridge #3).
- Chinook & chum salmon, Arctic grayling, burbot, whitefish, northern pike
- Campsites available, day trip canoe & rafting opportunities
The crossing at Jim River Bridge Number 3 is the largest of the three branches of Jim River. There is a good turnout for parking on the southeast side of the bridge. Chinook and chum salmon, Arctic grayling, burbot, whitefish, and northern pike are all found in the Jim River. This river is probably the most productive fisheries stream crossed by the Dalton Highway. The Jim River and Prospect Creek join and flow into the South Fork of the Koyukuk River. The road parallels the river for approximately 10 miles from Bridge Number 1 to the junction of the Bettles winter access road near Pump Station Number 5 (Prospect Camp). The winter access road leaves the Dalton Highway approximately one mile north of the Prospect Creek crossing and leads to the old Prospect Pipeline Camp and the Jim River. Campsites are available here. A nice day trip by canoe or raft begins at any of the bridge crossings with a take-out destination at the Bettles winter access road. The Jim River can also be reached by parking near the Douglas Creek bridge and walking over to the stream.
Grayling Lake 149 mi.
- Arctic grayling
- Possible canoe, raft or power boat use. Popular float plane access lake.
This 80-acre lake is relatively shallow, but constitutes an important rearing area for Arctic grayling. The outlet stream enters the Jim River. Excellent fishing for Arctic grayling is available during summer months. The turnout area at 149 mi is small and becomes crowded during hunting season when float planes land to pick up passengers and gear. A canoe, raft, or small power boat would be handy but not essential.
South Fork Koyukuk River 157 mi.
- Arctic grayling, whitefish
- Possible boat launch
Juvenile chinook and chum salmon, and adult Arctic grayling and whitefish are present in the vicinity of the bridge. There are turnouts on the south side of the bridge and it is possible to launch boats under certain water level conditions. The South Fork joins the Middle Fork Koyukuk River between Bettles and Allakaket, approximately 75 miles downstream of the bridge. The water is usually clear and runs between rocky shallow riffles and pools, making navigation by powered boat difficult. Excellent fishing for Arctic grayling can be found within walking distance of the bridge.
Slate Creek 174 mi.
- Dolly Varden, Arctic grayling, whitefish, some chinook & chum salmon
- Gas/diesel, lodging, RV park, post office, restaurant, phone
- Camping, State Trooper, Visitor Center, F&W officer
This stream enters the Middle Fork Koyukuk River at Coldfoot. Dolly Varden, Arctic grayling, and whitefish all can be found, and both chinook and chum salmon have been reported in the stream. Resident Dolly Varden are a small, nonanadromous variety, and are not abundant. The stream banks are brushy and turnouts are small.
Marion Creek 179 mi.
- Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden
- Camping area
Arctic grayling and small Dolly Varden are present in the creek. An ungated turnout into an old materials site about one-half mile north of the bridge on the northeast side provides access to an extensive parking and camping area. Marion Creek joins the Middle Fork Koyukuk River to the west of the road.
Camping: Fee area. 27 RV suitable campsites. 14 day limit. Toilets onsite.
Minnie Creek 186 mi.
- Arctic grayling, burbot, whitefish
Arctic grayling, burbot, and whitefish are present in this small stream. Turnouts are provided on both the northwest and southwest sides of the bridge.
Middle Fork Koyukuk River--Four bridge crossings from 189 mi to 205 mi.
- Chinook & chum salmon, Dolly Varden, Arctic grayling, whitefish
- Boat launch possible, Canoe/rafting from here to Coldfoot
- Toilets, litter barrels, jet & airboat navigation possible
In addition, the stream is accessible from the north end of the airstrip at Coldfoot, where boat launching may be possible under good conditions. The road parallels the river for several miles. Chinook and chum salmon, Dolly Varden, Arctic grayling and whitefish are present in the stream. The river flows south to join the South and North forks of the Koyukuk River. Fishing can be good under clearwater conditions, but the water is usually somewhat turbid with silt. The best road turnout is at Bridge Number 3 (204 mi) which has toilets and litter barrels on the northeast side. Fish from many of the smaller tributary streams probably drop back into the Middle Fork for overwintering. A good canoe or raft trip starts at one of the Middle Fork bridges and takes out at Coldfoot. Power boating in the Middle Fork requires shallow operation capabilities and would be feasible only for jet-boats and airboats.
Dietrich River 207 mi.
- Dolly Varden, Arctic grayling, burbot, whitefish
- Canoeing & rafting possible
Dolly Varden, Arctic grayling, burbot, and whitefish occur in this river. The road parallels the river for about 25 miles as it goes up the Dietrich River valley. The river is very braided and travels through a broad floodplain. Rain tends to bring water to high and muddy levels within a short time. The stream can be reached from the road in many places along the route. There is a turnout on the southwest side of the bridge. Canoes or rafts could be launched here for travel down the lower Dietrich River and the Middle Fork Koyukuk River. The Dietrich River joins the Bettles River near 208 mi to form the Middle Fork Koyukuk River. Generally, fish move upstream in the spring and summer to spawn and feed, and downstream in fall to overwinter in the lower Dietrich or Middle Fork Koyukuk
River.
Atigun River bridge crossings at 253 mi and 271 mi.
- Dolly Varden, burbot, whitefish
- Good flyfishing, grizzly bears in area
Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, burbot, and whitefish are present. Arctic grayling are distributed throughout the upper Atigun River and many of its tributaries. Several miles of stream are accessible from the Dalton Highway as far north as the Number 2 Bridge at 271 mi. Only very small turnouts are present at the bridge crossings, but by parking on the Dalton Highway shoulders and walking a short distance, many stretches of river may be reached. Fun flyfishing for small to medium sized (6 to 11 inches) Arctic grayling can be had when clearwater conditions prevail during the summer.
Tea Lake 270 mi.
- Arctic grayling, burbot, lake trout
This lake is located near the road and near the access road to Pump Station Number 4. A short downhill walk to the west side of the road over slightly wet ground brings one to the lake shore. Present here are Arctic grayling, burbot, and lake trout. Fishing success would be enhanced by using a boat or raft, but the craft would have to be carried down to the lake.
Galbraith Lake 276 mi.
- Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, lake trout, burbot, whitefish
- Difficult access, little fishing pressure
Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, lake trout, burbot, and whitefish are all present. Water is slightly turbid, and maximum depth has been measured at 23 feet in this 1,030 acre lake. The lake is visible to the west side of the Dalton Highway, and an access road runs to an active airstrip about 1.5 miles from the highway. However no road exists to the lake itself. The access road crosses the inlet stream well above (1.5 miles) the lake. The inlet stream is probably not navigable using canoes or rafts. Lake trout are occasionally present in the lower portion of the inlet stream in the fall, but probably do not travel as far upstream as the access road. Fishing on the lake itself requires an overland hike over semi-wet tundra. The lake receives little fishing effort for this reason. An outlet stream enters the Atigun River about 200 yards upstream of Atigun Bridge #2.
Island Lake 279 mi.
- Arctic grayling, Arctic char, lake trout, whitefish
- Fishing may be poor
Arctic char, Arctic grayling, lake trout, and whitefish are present. This lake is located a short distance to the west and downhill of the Dalton Highway and is not directly accessible by road. There are no active inlet or outlet streams. Fish populations in the
lake are presently very sparse in comparison with prior years.
Toolik Lake 284 mi.
- Arctic grayling, lake trout, whitefish
- Boat fishing possible
Present are Arctic grayling, lake trout, and whitefish. The lake drains north into the Kuparuk River. There is a marked access road to the lake, which is located about a mile west of the highway. The University of Alaska operates an Arctic biology field research station at Toolik Lake, located at the termination of the access road. A boat would facilitate fishing. Maximum depth is about 77 feet and area is 358 acres. Inlet and outlet streams are present. Lake trout fishing is best at breakup and just before freeze-up in the fall. Many other small lakes upstream and downstream from Toolik Lake are accessible by foot. Several represent good fishing opportunities for those willing to spend the effort needed to get there.
Horizon Lake 288 mi.
Arctic char are present in this small lake. No active inlet or outlet streams are present.
It is located less than a mile east of the Dalton Highway and is not visible from the road. Resident char populations in small lakes such as this are likely to be extremely sensitive to overfishing. The population has probably been isolated for a long time.
Kuparuk River 290 mi.
Arctic grayling are present in this far upstream branch of the east fork of the river.
Water is slightly humic stained. There are turnouts on the road and north of the bridge on the east side. A pipeline access road is present on the east side of the road that extends a little way upstream.
Oksrukuyik Creek 298 mi.
Arctic grayling and burbot are present. This stream, which drains the Campsite Lakes 5 miles south of the road, also crosses the road at 310 mi just north of Pump Station Number 3. Anglers may wish to try walking a short distance to the mouth of the creek at its junction with the Sagavanirktok River. Good fishing for burbot is reported in mid-summer at the mouth.
Dan Creek 331 mi.
Arctic grayling are present. This swift small stream flows into the Sagavanirktok River.
Shoulder parking for three or four cars is available on the west side of the road at the bridge. Be careful parking because of steep hills on either side of the crossing. Park well off the road.
Happy Valley Creek 334 mi.
Arctic grayling are present. Turnouts to the east and west provide ample parking for any size vehicle. Happy Valley Creek flows into the Sagavanirktok River at the north end of the Happy Valley airstrip.
Sagavanirktok River
- Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, burbot, whitefish
- Road follows river for 100 miles
- Excellent float trip river due to many road access points
No crossings of the Sagavanirktok River are made by the Dalton Highway, although the river parallels the road for about 100 miles as it flows north to Prudhoe Bay and the Arctic Ocean. Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, burbot, and whitefish are present in the stream. While the Arctic grayling are year-around residents of the stream, most of the Dolly Varden leave the stream to feed in the ocean during the open water months. They return to spawn and overwinter in the river and some of its tributaries beginning in late August.
Dolly Varden of over 10 lb. are not uncommon, but average size is from 3 to 6 lb. for adults. Fishing success in the river is limited to those periods when the adults are making their spawning migration in late summer. The stream can be reached by foot or vehicle from many points, where the road comes in close proximity to the river. One of the first such locations is just north of Pump Station #3 at 311 mi. Another convenient access point is located near the Ice Cut at 325 mi. The Happy Valley airstrip at 334 mi provides another such location. Other good access points are located just outside of Deadhorse where the road swings very close to the river. The Sagavanirktok River also presents good opportunities for boating, rafting and canoeing in conjunction with fishing trips. Float trips are facilitated by the multitude of road access points.
A word about fishing regulations
Anglers are reminded to consult current fishing regulations before setting out on any fishing trip. Regulation booklets are available at all Alaska Department of Fish and Gnme offices and most sporting goods, and many grocery stores.
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