Nuyakuk River


The Nuyakuk River is a tributary of the Nushagak River in southwestern Alaska, United States. From its source at Tikchik Lake, an extension of Nuyakuk Lake in Wood-Tikchik State Park, it flows eastward into the larger river upstream of Koliganek. The Nuyakuk's mouth is northeast of Dillingham.

Recreation

Many kinds of watercraft can be used for boating on the Nuyakuk. The Alaska River Guide describes the stream as "an excellent river for families or novices, with experience in portaging...especially those who enjoy fishing." The segments of the Nuyakuk that require portages occur along the upper of the stream below Tikchik Lake. Two sections of Class II water on the International Scale of River Difficulty are along this part of the river. Below this, the river plunges over a series of ledges in a sequence rated Class IV to V. Beyond these rapids and ledges, the river is Class I all the way to the mouth.
Game fish inhabiting the Nuyakuk include rainbow trout, char, Arctic grayling, silver salmon, king salmon, and lake trout. Anglers generally reach the river by floatplane or boat; accommodations include a private lodge along the upper river. There are good campsites except along the lower river near the mouth.