Unalakleet River

Type: Freestone river, Alaska (West)
Designation: Steelhead / salmon water
USGS gauges: 1 live
Guides: None listed
Shops: None listed

Today on the Unalakleet River

Caution: Rising water: fishable, but watch the level

No flow statistics here.

Flow now: 2,090 ft³/s
Water temp: 32°F (0°C)
Trend: Rising over 24 h
Last reading: Nov 4, 3:30 AM AKST (more than a day old)

At UNALAKLEET R AB CHIROSKEY R NR UNALAKLEET AK (USGS 15565700) Provisional USGS data

The Unalakleet River is a freestone river in Alaska, listed as Steelhead / salmon water by Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fish.

More about the Unalakleet River

1 USGS gauge on the water reports flow; Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fish lists 6 species, including arctic grayling, chum salmon and coho salmon.

Updated 4 Nov 2026 · Sources: ADF&G Northern sport fishing regulations, Northwestern: water-specific salmon season or bag limit, ADF&G Northern sport fishing regulations, Northwestern: water-specific salmon season or bag limit, USGS Water Data

The grey mouth of the Unalakleet River beside the village under a cloudy sky — Photo credit
The mouth of the Unalakleet River at Unalakleet, Alaska. Photo: Joseph from Cabin On The Road, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Where it is

Unalakleet River is a freestone river in Alaska.

Flow now at the gauge

UNALAKLEET R AB CHIROSKEY R NR UNALAKLEET AK

USGS 15565700 · NWS URUA2

Caution: Rising water: fishable, but watch the level

Rising: gauge height up 0.26 ft in 24 hours. Our rule of thumb: more than 10% (or 0.2 ft) in 24 hours, not a USGS class.
32°F now, 32°F at most in 24 hours: under the National Park Service's 68°F line (federal guidance; no Alaska line found). National Park Service
Cold water, 32°F. NWS: cold shock is dangerous at 50-60°F and colder; “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.” National Weather Service

What the agencies suggest

Keep an eye on your surroundings. Stand back from the shoreline and be aware of surroundings Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.

Discharge: 2,090 ft³/s
Gauge height: 88.6 ft
Water temp: 32°F (0°C)

Reading Nov 4, 3:30 AM AKST · provisional USGS data

This is the latest value USGS returned and it is more than a day old. It is not today's flow.

Rising · 24 h

Discharge · last 7 days

Discharge, about hourly

USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.

View data as a table

Discharge, last 7 days: readings, about hourly, newest first. USGS provisional data may be revised. Missing hours or days are not filled in.
Time	Discharge (ft³/s)	Gauge height (ft)	Water temp (°F)
Nov 4, 3:30 AM AKST	2,090	88.1	32
Nov 4, 2:30 AM AKST	2,090	88.1	32
Nov 4, 1:30 AM AKST	2,090	88.1	32
Nov 4, 12:30 AM AKST	2,090	88.1	32
Nov 3, 11:30 PM AKST	2,090	88.1	32
Nov 3, 10:30 PM AKST	2,090	88.1	32
Nov 3, 9:30 PM AKST	2,090	88.1	32
Nov 3, 8:30 PM AKST	2,100	88.1	32.2
Nov 3, 7:30 PM AKST	2,110	88.1	32.2
Nov 3, 6:30 PM AKST	2,110	88.2	32.4
Nov 3, 5:30 PM AKST	2,120	88.2	32.4
Nov 3, 4:30 PM AKST	2,120	88.2	32.5
Nov 3, 3:30 PM AKST	2,120	88.2	32.5
Nov 3, 2:30 PM AKST	2,130	88.2	32.5
Nov 3, 1:30 PM AKST	2,130	88.2	32.5
Nov 3, 12:30 PM AKST	2,150	88.2	32.5
Nov 3, 11:30 AM AKST	2,150	88.2	32.5
Nov 3, 10:30 AM AKST	2,150	88.2	32.7
Nov 3, 9:30 AM AKST	2,150	88.2	32.7
Nov 3, 8:30 AM AKST	2,170	88.2	32.7
Nov 3, 7:30 AM AKST	2,170	88.2	32.9
Nov 3, 6:30 AM AKST	2,180	88.2	32.9
Nov 3, 5:30 AM AKST	2,180	88.2	33.1
Nov 3, 4:30 AM AKST	2,180	88.2	33.1
Nov 3, 3:30 AM AKST	2,180	88.2	33.1
Nov 3, 2:30 AM AKST	2,190	88.3	33.1
Nov 3, 1:30 AM AKST	2,200	88.3	33.1
Nov 3, 12:30 AM AKST	2,210	88.3	33.3
Nov 2, 11:30 PM AKST	2,210	88.3	33.3
Nov 2, 10:30 PM AKST	2,220	88.3	33.4
Nov 2, 9:30 PM AKST	2,220	88.3	33.4
Nov 2, 8:30 PM AKST	2,220	88.3	33.6
Nov 2, 7:30 PM AKST	2,220	88.3	33.6
Nov 2, 6:30 PM AKST	2,230	88.3	33.8
Nov 2, 5:30 PM AKST	2,230	88.3	33.8
Nov 2, 4:30 PM AKST	2,250	88.3	34
Nov 2, 3:30 PM AKST	2,250	88.3	34
Nov 2, 2:30 PM AKST	2,250	88.3	34
Nov 2, 1:30 PM AKST	2,260	88.3	34
Nov 2, 12:30 PM AKST	2,260	88.4	34
Nov 2, 11:30 AM AKST	2,260	88.3	33.8
Nov 2, 10:30 AM AKST	2,270	88.4	33.8
Nov 2, 9:30 AM AKST	2,280	88.4	34
Nov 2, 8:30 AM AKST	2,280	88.4	34
Nov 2, 7:30 AM AKST	2,280	88.4	34.2
Nov 2, 6:30 AM AKST	2,290	88.4	34.2
Nov 2, 5:30 AM AKST	2,290	88.4	34.2
Nov 2, 4:30 AM AKST	2,300	88.4	34.2
Nov 2, 3:30 AM AKST	2,310	88.4	34.3
Nov 2, 2:30 AM AKST	2,310	88.4	34.3
Nov 2, 1:30 AM AKST	2,320	88.4	34.5
Nov 2, 12:30 AM AKST	2,320	88.4	34.5
Nov 1, 11:30 PM AKST	2,320	88.4	34.5
Nov 1, 10:30 PM AKST	2,330	88.4	34.5
Nov 1, 9:30 PM AKST	2,330	88.4	34.5
Nov 1, 8:30 PM AKST	2,330	88.4	34.7
Nov 1, 7:30 PM AKST	2,340	88.5	34.7
Nov 1, 6:30 PM AKST	2,350	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 5:30 PM AKST	2,350	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 4:30 PM AKST	2,350	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 3:30 PM AKST	2,350	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 2:30 PM AKST	2,360	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 1:30 PM AKST	2,360	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 12:30 PM AKST	2,360	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 11:30 AM AKST	2,370	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 10:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 9:30 AM AKST	2,370	88.5	35.1
Nov 1, 8:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	35.1
Nov 1, 7:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	35.1
Nov 1, 6:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	35.2
Nov 1, 5:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	35.2
Nov 1, 4:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	35.2
Nov 1, 3:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	35.2
Nov 1, 2:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	35.2
Nov 1, 1:30 AM AKST	2,350	88.5	35.2
Nov 1, 1:30 AM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.2
Nov 1, 12:30 AM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.2
Oct 31, 11:30 PM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.2
Oct 31, 10:30 PM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.4
Oct 31, 9:30 PM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.4
Oct 31, 8:30 PM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.4
Oct 31, 7:30 PM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.2
Oct 31, 6:30 PM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.4
Oct 31, 5:30 PM AKDT	2,340	88.4	35.4
Oct 31, 4:30 PM AKDT	2,340	88.4	35.2
Oct 31, 3:30 PM AKDT	2,330	88.4	35.2
Oct 31, 2:30 PM AKDT	2,320	88.4	35.2
Oct 31, 1:30 PM AKDT	2,320	88.4	35.1
Oct 31, 12:30 PM AKDT	2,320	88.4	35.1
Oct 31, 11:30 AM AKDT	2,300	88.4	35.1
Oct 31, 10:30 AM AKDT	2,290	88.4	35.1
Oct 31, 9:30 AM AKDT	2,290	88.4	35.1
Oct 31, 8:30 AM AKDT	2,280	88.4	34.9
Oct 31, 7:30 AM AKDT	2,280	88.4	34.9
Oct 31, 6:30 AM AKDT	2,270	88.3	34.9
Oct 31, 5:30 AM AKDT	2,260	88.3	34.9
Oct 31, 4:30 AM AKDT	2,260	88.3	34.9
Oct 31, 3:30 AM AKDT	2,250	88.3	34.9
Oct 31, 2:30 AM AKDT	2,250	88.3	34.9
Oct 31, 1:30 AM AKDT	2,250	88.3	34.9
Oct 31, 12:30 AM AKDT	2,250	88.3	34.9
Oct 30, 11:30 PM AKDT	2,240	88.3	34.9
Oct 30, 10:30 PM AKDT	2,240	88.3	34.9
Oct 30, 9:30 PM AKDT	2,230	88.3	34.9
Oct 30, 8:30 PM AKDT	2,230	88.3	34.9
Oct 30, 7:30 PM AKDT	2,230	88.3	34.9
Oct 30, 6:30 PM AKDT	2,230	88.3	34.7
Oct 30, 5:30 PM AKDT	2,220	88.3	34.7
Oct 30, 4:30 PM AKDT	2,220	88.3	34.7
Oct 30, 3:30 PM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.7
Oct 30, 2:30 PM AKDT	2,220	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 1:30 PM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 12:30 PM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 11:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 10:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 9:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 8:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 7:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 6:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 5:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 4:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 3:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 2:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.7
Oct 30, 1:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.7
Oct 30, 12:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.9
Oct 29, 11:30 PM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.9
Oct 29, 10:30 PM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.9
Oct 29, 9:30 PM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.9
Oct 29, 8:30 PM AKDT	2,200	88.3	34.9
Oct 29, 7:30 PM AKDT	2,200	88.3	34.9
Oct 29, 6:30 PM AKDT	2,190	88.3	34.9
Oct 29, 5:30 PM AKDT	2,180	88.2	35.1
Oct 29, 4:30 PM AKDT	2,180	88.2	35.1
Oct 29, 3:30 PM AKDT	2,160	88.2	35.1
Oct 29, 2:30 PM AKDT	2,150	88.2	35.1

What this level means general guidance

Not compared with the record because the reading is old.

Rising over 24 hours: gauge height up 0.26 ft. Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

NWS observed 88.6 ft stage, 2,490 ft³/s at Nov 5, 1:15 PM AKST (NWS gauge URUA2; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).

NWS has not set flood categories for this gauge.

Forecasts are not available. Only observed stages are available for this point.

Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Federal guidance. Alaska Department of Fish and Game publishes no water-temperature line for trout anglers that we found. The lines below are the National Park Service's, federal guidance, not a Alaska rule:

Under the federal 68°F line. Water 32°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 32°F. That is under the 68°F at which the National Park Service, at Grand Teton National Park, recommends anglers stop fishing in the afternoon (“cease fishing at 2 p.m. when water temperatures are likely to exceed 68°F”). Water warms through the afternoon, so check again later in the day: “Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature.”
High water temperatures prompt fishing advisory in Grand Teton National Park (29 July 2022) (National Park Service)

Species

Species the agency lists for Unalakleet River: Arctic grayling, Chum salmon, Coho salmon, King salmon, Pink salmon, Sockeye salmon.

Source: ADF&G Northern sport fishing regulations, Northwestern: water-specific salmon season or bag limit (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fish).

Safety

Rising water. Rising over the last 24 hours (gauge height up 0.26 ft). Keep your way back to the bank in sight and watch the level while you fish. “Rising” is our rule of thumb: more than 10% in discharge or 0.2 ft of gauge height in 24 hours, not a USGS or NWS class.
Cold water. Water 32°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)
Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

Open the USGS gauge page

Checked Nov 5, 2:19 PM AKST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.

Reading the gauges…

Check any river's flow

Follow Unalakleet River for flow alerts

Pick one of its USGS gauges and hear from us when the flow moves into or out of its usual range for the date, or crosses a flow you set. We check the public USGS reading every 2 hours and email only when it crosses, at most once every 6 hours. Flow alone is not a fishing forecast or a safety call.

Follow this water

Signed in: one step. Otherwise we email a confirmation link first. Every alert has one-click links to stop it.

Where to fish

Start from the agency's public access map. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.

Nothing on this page grants or implies access.

Alaska fishing and hunting access

Unalakleet River on the map

Gauges, shops and guides within 40 miles

Restrooms Access map

Map of Unalakleet River with 1 USGS gauge.

Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles

Restrooms near Unalakleet River

Restrooms within 2 miles of Unalakleet River in a straight line, nearest first, with what anglers found when they went. The map says a restroom is there, not whether it is clean or open today.

No restroom mapped within 2 mi yet — add one you know.

Campgrounds, fishing access sites and boat ramps often have one that isn't on the map yet.

Restroom locations and map details: © OpenStreetMap contributors, Open Database License, read Oct 24, 2026. Ratings, answers and photos are members' own; who shared them is never shown, and every photo is reviewed before it appears. Visits older than 18 months no longer count. Distances are straight-line miles, not driving. Nothing here grants access to private land. Community guidelines.

Regulations

Seasons, limits, special regulations and closures for each reach are on the agency pages below. Read them before you go.

Official designation: Steelhead / salmon water

Each comes from the agency's own published list; where the list names a reach it is quoted. A designation applies to the listed reach, not necessarily the whole water. Listed in the finder under trout, salmon & steelhead.

Steelhead / salmon water
On the ADF&G Northern sport fishing regulations, Northwestern: water-specific salmon season or bag limit list (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fish, read 2026-10-23). All waters with this designation

The water on the map

Measured from the National Hydrography Dataset (large scale) (U.S. Geological Survey, read 2026-11-04) for this water’s own mapped feature. Rounded figures; they describe the channel, not today’s conditions.

Length: 109.6 mi
Watershed: Unalakleet

Guides and shops near Unalakleet River

Listings marked Unclaimed are built from open map records and the business's own website: confirm licensing, rates, dates and hours directly.

Guides

No guide within 40 miles yet.

All Alaska guides

Shops nearby

No shop nearby yet.

All Alaska shops

Species and hatches

The species the agency lists here; presence varies by reach and season.

Listed by the state agency

Arctic grayling
Species guide
Photo credit
Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus), painting by Robert W. Hines for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: Robert W. Hines, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Chinook salmon
Species guide
Photo credit
Chinook salmon moving upstream in the lower Tuolumne River, California (Dan Cook, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). Photo: Dan Cook (USFWS), public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Coho salmon
Species guide
Photo credit
Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), illustration by Timothy Knepp for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: Timothy Knepp, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Sockeye salmon
Species guide
Photo credit
Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), illustration by Timothy Knepp for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: Timothy Knepp of the Fish and Wildlife Service., public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Pink salmon
Species guide
Photo credit
Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), illustration by Timothy Knepp for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: Timothy Knepp, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Chum salmon
Species guide
Photo credit
Chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), illustration by Timothy Knepp for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: Timothy Knepp, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

When the bugs come off

Alaska hatch chart

Plan your stay

Getting there

UNK · Unalakleet · 15 mi straight-lineFlights (opens in a new tab)
ANV · Anvik · 89 mi straight-lineFlights (opens in a new tab)
GAL · Galena · 115 mi straight-lineFlights (opens in a new tab)

About this

Miles are straight-line distances, not drive times.
Airports: scheduled passenger service, from OurAirports (public domain) (2026-11-04).
Lodges are listed when their own website talks about fishing. Prices and availability are the lodge's own.

Plan a trip here

None of our destination hubs is within 40 miles in a straight line. The trip planner builds a trip around the water itself: the guides and shops listed within 40 miles of it, its gauges and its nearest towns and airports.

No hub within 40 miles

Plan a trip here

Fish these abroad

Matched on the fish the agencies list for both waters first, then the same water type, an official designation or flagship listing on both, and a similar mapped size where USGS hydrography covers both.

At most two waters per country. A shared fish is a listing, not a promise: presence varies by reach and season.

Like the Unalakleet River? Same fish, overseas.

Flagship water
Photo credit
The Hurunui River on the Jollie Brook Circuit, Canterbury. Photo: Michal Klajban, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hurunui River
Canterbury, New Zealand
Same fish: chinook salmon · also a freestone river
Freestone river
Photo credit
The Río Futaleufú, Los Lagos. Photo: Kaaty.7, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Río Futaleufú
Los Lagos, Chile
Same fish: chinook salmon & coho salmon · also a freestone river
Flagship water
Photo credit
The Rakaia River where the Wilberforce joins it, Canterbury. Photo: Michal Klajban, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rakaia River
Canterbury, New Zealand
Same fish: chinook salmon · also a freestone river
Freestone river
Photo credit
The Santa Cruz River from National Route 40, downstream of Lago Argentino. Photo: Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, via Wikimedia Commons
Río Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, Argentina
Same fish: chinook salmon · also a freestone river
Freestone riverRepresentative photo · not Río Petrohué
Photo credit
The Río Puelo at Las Gualas, Cochamó. Photo: Nicolás from seno de reloncaví, Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Río Petrohué.
Río Petrohué
Los Lagos, Chile
Same fish: chinook salmon & coho salmon · also a freestone river
Freestone riverRepresentative photo · not Río de las Vueltas
Photo credit
The Río Gallegos at Güer Aike, Santa Cruz, with the Güer Aike bridge behind. Photo: Hugo Luis Pérez Baranovich, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Río de las Vueltas.
Río de las Vueltas
Santa Cruz, Argentina
Same fish: chinook salmon · also a freestone river

Fish it when it's winter here

Southern seasons open while ours close.

Flagship water
Photo credit
Lake Taupō. Photo: Ériugena, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lake Taupō
Waikato, New Zealand
Season open all year · DOC
Flagship water
Photo credit
Penstock Lagoon, Central Highlands, Tasmania. Photo: Mike Cline, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Penstock Lagoon
Tasmania, Australia
Season open Aug–May · Inland Fisheries Service
Tailwater
Photo credit
The Río Limay, Argentina. Photo: P. Hughes, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Río Limay
Río Negro, Argentina
Season open Nov–May · Patagonian fishing regulation
Freestone riverRepresentative photo · not Río Petrohué
Photo credit
The banks of the Río Palena near La Junta, Aysén. Photo: Lin linao, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Río Petrohué.
Río Petrohué
Los Lagos, Chile
Season open Nov–May · SERNAPESCA
Lake or reservoirRepresentative photo · not Lago Llanquihue
Photo credit
The Río Simpson passing Coyhaique, Aysén. Photo: Manxuc, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Lago Llanquihue.
Lago Llanquihue
Los Lagos, Chile
Season open Nov–May · SERNAPESCA
Lake or reservoir
Photo credit
Lago Nahuel Huapi from Llao Llao. Photo: David, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lago Nahuel Huapi
Río Negro, Argentina
Season open Oct–May · Patagonian fishing regulation
Flagship waterRepresentative photo · not Mataura River
Photo credit
The Oreti River near Lumsden, Southland. Photo: Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, via Wikimedia Commons Not Mataura River.
Mataura River
Southland, New Zealand
Season open Oct–Apr · Fish & Game NZ
Flagship water
Photo credit
Great Lake, Tasmania. Photo: Peripitus, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Yingina / Great Lake
Tasmania, Australia
Season open all year · Inland Fisheries Service

Gear checklist

A wade-fishing checklist for big western trout rivers: a 9 ft 5–6 weight outfit, nymph, dry and streamer setups, waders, boots and a wading staff, with estimated prices by tier and where to buy.

A woman in waders and a sun hat wades a broad river and casts, bluffs on the far bank

Big western rivers (wade fishing)

9′ rod, 5–6 weight, floating line · Rainbow and brown trout, whitefish

Open the checklist

Videos for this water (5)

Watch: reading a trout stream

Seams, shelves and soft water, shown on real rivers.

Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.

How I Learned to Read Water (Fly Fishing)Embedded from YouTube · Mad River Outfitters · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube
How To Read The Water with Tom RosenbauerEmbedded from YouTube · The New Fly Fisher · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube
Reading the Water to Successfully Locate TroutEmbedded from YouTube · Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube

Not sponsored All videos on reading water

Watch: nymphing basics

Indicator rigs, depth and detecting the take.

Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.

90° Nymph RigEmbedded from YouTube · Huge Fly Fisherman · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube
Casting with an Indicator & Better Nymphing TechniquesEmbedded from YouTube · The New Fly Fisher · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube

Not sponsored All videos on nymphing

Fish Tales

Trip stories anglers chose to share publicly and tagged with Unalakleet River.

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Sources for this page

Not a statement of access, fish presence or conditions.

Something wrong?

All 13 sources and dates

A water page organises discovery. It does not assert public access, legal access, current fish presence, guide availability or fishing conditions.

Flows, gauge statistics and flood stages come from USGS and the National Weather Service when the page is shown. Regulations, stocking, species and season statements link to the agency that publishes them; this page copies only the species names and the quoted sentences. Guide and shop listings come from the Legendary directories. Position: the USGS gauge UNALAKLEET R AB CHIROSKEY R NR UNALAKLEET AK. Water type is our own classification.

UNALAKLEET R AB CHIROSKEY R NR UNALAKLEET AK

USGS 15565700 · NWS URUA2

Caution: Rising water: fishable, but watch the level

Rising: gauge height up 0.26 ft in 24 hours. Our rule of thumb: more than 10% (or 0.2 ft) in 24 hours, not a USGS class.
32°F now, 32°F at most in 24 hours: under the National Park Service's 68°F line (federal guidance; no Alaska line found). National Park Service
Cold water, 32°F. NWS: cold shock is dangerous at 50-60°F and colder; “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.” National Weather Service

What the agencies suggest

Keep an eye on your surroundings. Stand back from the shoreline and be aware of surroundings Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.

Discharge: 2,090 ft³/s
Gauge height: 88.6 ft
Water temp: 32°F (0°C)

Reading Nov 4, 3:30 AM AKST · provisional USGS data

This is the latest value USGS returned and it is more than a day old. It is not today's flow.

Rising · 24 h

Discharge · last 7 days

Discharge, about hourly

USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.

View data as a table

Discharge, last 7 days: readings, about hourly, newest first. USGS provisional data may be revised. Missing hours or days are not filled in.
Time	Discharge (ft³/s)	Gauge height (ft)	Water temp (°F)
Nov 4, 3:30 AM AKST	2,090	88.1	32
Nov 4, 2:30 AM AKST	2,090	88.1	32
Nov 4, 1:30 AM AKST	2,090	88.1	32
Nov 4, 12:30 AM AKST	2,090	88.1	32
Nov 3, 11:30 PM AKST	2,090	88.1	32
Nov 3, 10:30 PM AKST	2,090	88.1	32
Nov 3, 9:30 PM AKST	2,090	88.1	32
Nov 3, 8:30 PM AKST	2,100	88.1	32.2
Nov 3, 7:30 PM AKST	2,110	88.1	32.2
Nov 3, 6:30 PM AKST	2,110	88.2	32.4
Nov 3, 5:30 PM AKST	2,120	88.2	32.4
Nov 3, 4:30 PM AKST	2,120	88.2	32.5
Nov 3, 3:30 PM AKST	2,120	88.2	32.5
Nov 3, 2:30 PM AKST	2,130	88.2	32.5
Nov 3, 1:30 PM AKST	2,130	88.2	32.5
Nov 3, 12:30 PM AKST	2,150	88.2	32.5
Nov 3, 11:30 AM AKST	2,150	88.2	32.5
Nov 3, 10:30 AM AKST	2,150	88.2	32.7
Nov 3, 9:30 AM AKST	2,150	88.2	32.7
Nov 3, 8:30 AM AKST	2,170	88.2	32.7
Nov 3, 7:30 AM AKST	2,170	88.2	32.9
Nov 3, 6:30 AM AKST	2,180	88.2	32.9
Nov 3, 5:30 AM AKST	2,180	88.2	33.1
Nov 3, 4:30 AM AKST	2,180	88.2	33.1
Nov 3, 3:30 AM AKST	2,180	88.2	33.1
Nov 3, 2:30 AM AKST	2,190	88.3	33.1
Nov 3, 1:30 AM AKST	2,200	88.3	33.1
Nov 3, 12:30 AM AKST	2,210	88.3	33.3
Nov 2, 11:30 PM AKST	2,210	88.3	33.3
Nov 2, 10:30 PM AKST	2,220	88.3	33.4
Nov 2, 9:30 PM AKST	2,220	88.3	33.4
Nov 2, 8:30 PM AKST	2,220	88.3	33.6
Nov 2, 7:30 PM AKST	2,220	88.3	33.6
Nov 2, 6:30 PM AKST	2,230	88.3	33.8
Nov 2, 5:30 PM AKST	2,230	88.3	33.8
Nov 2, 4:30 PM AKST	2,250	88.3	34
Nov 2, 3:30 PM AKST	2,250	88.3	34
Nov 2, 2:30 PM AKST	2,250	88.3	34
Nov 2, 1:30 PM AKST	2,260	88.3	34
Nov 2, 12:30 PM AKST	2,260	88.4	34
Nov 2, 11:30 AM AKST	2,260	88.3	33.8
Nov 2, 10:30 AM AKST	2,270	88.4	33.8
Nov 2, 9:30 AM AKST	2,280	88.4	34
Nov 2, 8:30 AM AKST	2,280	88.4	34
Nov 2, 7:30 AM AKST	2,280	88.4	34.2
Nov 2, 6:30 AM AKST	2,290	88.4	34.2
Nov 2, 5:30 AM AKST	2,290	88.4	34.2
Nov 2, 4:30 AM AKST	2,300	88.4	34.2
Nov 2, 3:30 AM AKST	2,310	88.4	34.3
Nov 2, 2:30 AM AKST	2,310	88.4	34.3
Nov 2, 1:30 AM AKST	2,320	88.4	34.5
Nov 2, 12:30 AM AKST	2,320	88.4	34.5
Nov 1, 11:30 PM AKST	2,320	88.4	34.5
Nov 1, 10:30 PM AKST	2,330	88.4	34.5
Nov 1, 9:30 PM AKST	2,330	88.4	34.5
Nov 1, 8:30 PM AKST	2,330	88.4	34.7
Nov 1, 7:30 PM AKST	2,340	88.5	34.7
Nov 1, 6:30 PM AKST	2,350	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 5:30 PM AKST	2,350	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 4:30 PM AKST	2,350	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 3:30 PM AKST	2,350	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 2:30 PM AKST	2,360	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 1:30 PM AKST	2,360	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 12:30 PM AKST	2,360	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 11:30 AM AKST	2,370	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 10:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	34.9
Nov 1, 9:30 AM AKST	2,370	88.5	35.1
Nov 1, 8:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	35.1
Nov 1, 7:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	35.1
Nov 1, 6:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	35.2
Nov 1, 5:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	35.2
Nov 1, 4:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	35.2
Nov 1, 3:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	35.2
Nov 1, 2:30 AM AKST	2,360	88.5	35.2
Nov 1, 1:30 AM AKST	2,350	88.5	35.2
Nov 1, 1:30 AM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.2
Nov 1, 12:30 AM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.2
Oct 31, 11:30 PM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.2
Oct 31, 10:30 PM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.4
Oct 31, 9:30 PM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.4
Oct 31, 8:30 PM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.4
Oct 31, 7:30 PM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.2
Oct 31, 6:30 PM AKDT	2,350	88.5	35.4
Oct 31, 5:30 PM AKDT	2,340	88.4	35.4
Oct 31, 4:30 PM AKDT	2,340	88.4	35.2
Oct 31, 3:30 PM AKDT	2,330	88.4	35.2
Oct 31, 2:30 PM AKDT	2,320	88.4	35.2
Oct 31, 1:30 PM AKDT	2,320	88.4	35.1
Oct 31, 12:30 PM AKDT	2,320	88.4	35.1
Oct 31, 11:30 AM AKDT	2,300	88.4	35.1
Oct 31, 10:30 AM AKDT	2,290	88.4	35.1
Oct 31, 9:30 AM AKDT	2,290	88.4	35.1
Oct 31, 8:30 AM AKDT	2,280	88.4	34.9
Oct 31, 7:30 AM AKDT	2,280	88.4	34.9
Oct 31, 6:30 AM AKDT	2,270	88.3	34.9
Oct 31, 5:30 AM AKDT	2,260	88.3	34.9
Oct 31, 4:30 AM AKDT	2,260	88.3	34.9
Oct 31, 3:30 AM AKDT	2,250	88.3	34.9
Oct 31, 2:30 AM AKDT	2,250	88.3	34.9
Oct 31, 1:30 AM AKDT	2,250	88.3	34.9
Oct 31, 12:30 AM AKDT	2,250	88.3	34.9
Oct 30, 11:30 PM AKDT	2,240	88.3	34.9
Oct 30, 10:30 PM AKDT	2,240	88.3	34.9
Oct 30, 9:30 PM AKDT	2,230	88.3	34.9
Oct 30, 8:30 PM AKDT	2,230	88.3	34.9
Oct 30, 7:30 PM AKDT	2,230	88.3	34.9
Oct 30, 6:30 PM AKDT	2,230	88.3	34.7
Oct 30, 5:30 PM AKDT	2,220	88.3	34.7
Oct 30, 4:30 PM AKDT	2,220	88.3	34.7
Oct 30, 3:30 PM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.7
Oct 30, 2:30 PM AKDT	2,220	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 1:30 PM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 12:30 PM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 11:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 10:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 9:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 8:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 7:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 6:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 5:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 4:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 3:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.5
Oct 30, 2:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.7
Oct 30, 1:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.7
Oct 30, 12:30 AM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.9
Oct 29, 11:30 PM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.9
Oct 29, 10:30 PM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.9
Oct 29, 9:30 PM AKDT	2,210	88.3	34.9
Oct 29, 8:30 PM AKDT	2,200	88.3	34.9
Oct 29, 7:30 PM AKDT	2,200	88.3	34.9
Oct 29, 6:30 PM AKDT	2,190	88.3	34.9
Oct 29, 5:30 PM AKDT	2,180	88.2	35.1
Oct 29, 4:30 PM AKDT	2,180	88.2	35.1
Oct 29, 3:30 PM AKDT	2,160	88.2	35.1
Oct 29, 2:30 PM AKDT	2,150	88.2	35.1

What this level means general guidance

Not compared with the record because the reading is old.

Rising over 24 hours: gauge height up 0.26 ft. Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

NWS observed 88.6 ft stage, 2,490 ft³/s at Nov 5, 1:15 PM AKST (NWS gauge URUA2; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).

NWS has not set flood categories for this gauge.

Forecasts are not available. Only observed stages are available for this point.

Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Under the federal 68°F line. Water 32°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 32°F. That is under the 68°F at which the National Park Service, at Grand Teton National Park, recommends anglers stop fishing in the afternoon (“cease fishing at 2 p.m. when water temperatures are likely to exceed 68°F”). Water warms through the afternoon, so check again later in the day: “Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature.”
High water temperatures prompt fishing advisory in Grand Teton National Park (29 July 2022) (National Park Service)

Species

Species the agency lists for Unalakleet River: Arctic grayling, Chum salmon, Coho salmon, King salmon, Pink salmon, Sockeye salmon.

Source: ADF&G Northern sport fishing regulations, Northwestern: water-specific salmon season or bag limit (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fish).

Safety

Rising water. Rising over the last 24 hours (gauge height up 0.26 ft). Keep your way back to the bank in sight and watch the level while you fish. “Rising” is our rule of thumb: more than 10% in discharge or 0.2 ft of gauge height in 24 hours, not a USGS or NWS class.
Cold water. Water 32°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)
Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

Open the USGS gauge page