The one & only BristOL BAY

The Bristol Bay region is a vast area comprised of some 45,000 square miles of pristine ocean, endless expanses of tundra, six major river systems and millions of salmon. The rivers that empty into Bristol Bay are as wild as the fish; and while there are countless tributaries and smaller streams, the major rivers that feed this fishery are the Nushagak, Naknek, Kvichak, Ugashik, Egegik and Togiak.

The Bristol Bay commercial fishery began in 1886 - fishermen originally fished out of small wooden sailboats, and power vessels weren’t even allowed until some years later in 1951.

More than 130 years since it began, this fishery remains strong, with recent years smashing records for salmon returns and harvests. Bristol Bay is a model for healthy fisheries and science-based management, which has resulted in long term sustainability of these critical wild salmon runs.

The Sockeye Salmon run in Bristol Bay is the largest wild salmon run on the planet. Returns in recent years have topped 50 million fish - allowing for harvests of of 30-40 million. Bristol Bay is an economic engine for the state of Alaska, bringing thousands of fishermen to the area each year to earn a living and be a part of this historic fishery. In 2019, the ex-vessel value of this fishery topped $306 million.

As a family, we’ve been fishing these waters since 1982 and we love it here. Bristol Bay is a place unlike any other. We’ve got midwest roots, but we love Bristol Bay and we call it home each and every summer.