Aniak River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aniak River |
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Sunset along the Aniak River
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 Location of the mouth of the Aniak River in Alaska
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| Native name | Anyaraq |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Census Area | Dillingham, Bethel |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Kuskokwim Mountains northeast of Kisaralik Lake, Dillingham Census Area 2,766 ft (843 m) 60°20′09″N 159°13′12″W / 60.33583°N 159.22000°W |
| River mouth | Kuskokwim River Aniak, Bethel Census Area 52 ft (16 m) 61°34′28″N 159°29′15″W / 61.57444°N 159.48750°W |
| Length | 95 mi (153 km) |
The Aniak River is a beautiful river located in the state of Alaska, United States. It flows for about 95 miles (153 kilometers). This river is a branch, or tributary, of the larger Kuskokwim River. It is well-known for its amazing fishing spots and stunning natural scenery.
About the Aniak River
The Aniak River starts in the Kuskokwim Mountains. It flows mostly north, passing through different types of land. In its upper parts, it drains water from mountain areas. As it gets closer to the Kuskokwim River, the land changes to lowlands and open, treeless areas called tundra. The Aniak River finally joins the Kuskokwim River near the town of Aniak.
What's in a Name?
The name Aniak comes from the Yup'ik language. The Yup'ik people are native to this part of Alaska. In their language, Anyaraq means "the place where it comes out." This name refers to where the Aniak River flows into the Kuskokwim River.
The Aniak River also played a small part in history. Around 1900-1901, there was a "Placer Gold Rush" in the area. People heard rumors of gold discoveries along a "Yellow River." Many believed this was the Aniak River. Its water sometimes looks yellow because of the fine sand and mud, called silt, that it carries from its source.
Fishing Fun!
The Aniak River is a fantastic place for sports fishing. Many different types of fish live here. You can find various kinds of salmon, Arctic char, and rainbow trout. There are also Arctic grayling and, in the spring near the river's end, northern pike and sheefish.
If you go to Aniak Lake, which is connected to the river, you might catch lake trout. Because the fishing is so good, several special companies offer guided fishing trips along the Aniak River.
Traveling the River
Navigating the Aniak River can be quite challenging. The river flows very fast and has many different channels. There are also many natural obstacles. These include piles of wood, fallen trees that block the way, and "sweepers." Sweepers are trees that hang low over the water, almost touching it as the river flows by. These obstacles can move and change after the ice breaks up each spring.
The lower part of the river is easier to travel if you have an experienced boat driver. However, the upper part of the river is usually only reached by rafts. These rafts are often flown in by airplane and dropped off at Aniak Lake. This lake is about 100 miles (160 kilometers) upstream from where the Aniak River meets the Kuskokwim River.
During winter, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) of the Aniak River near its mouth cannot be used for travel on the surface. This is because the river doesn't freeze completely due to its fast flow. Instead, people use historical winter trails that run alongside most of the river's length.
