Kanektok River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kanektok River |
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The Kanektok River flows through the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge.
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 Location of the mouth of the Kanektok River in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Census Area | Bethel |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Kagati Lake Togiak National Wildlife Refuge 1,059 ft (323 m) 59°52′48″N 160°07′25″W / 59.88000°N 160.12361°W |
| River mouth | Kuskokwim Bay 1.5 miles (2.4 km) west of Quinhagak 0 ft (0 m) 59°44′46″N 161°55′53″W / 59.74611°N 161.93139°W |
| Length | 75 mi (121 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 752 sq mi (1,950 km2) |
The Kanektok River is a 75-mile (121 km) long stream located in southwestern Alaska, United States. It begins high up in the Ahklun Mountains from two lakes called Kagati and Pegati. From there, it flows west until it reaches Kuskokwim Bay on the Bering Sea, near the town of Quinhagak.
Almost the entire river flows through the beautiful Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge helps protect the amazing wildlife and natural environment of the area. The land along the last 17 miles (27 km) of the river is owned by the Quinhagak Village Corporation.
Fun on the Kanektok River
The Kanektok River is a popular spot for outdoor adventures like floating and fishing. The river's difficulty can change, from Class I (easy) to Class II (medium) on the International Scale of River Difficulty. This means different parts of the river are suitable for various types of boats and skill levels.
Boating and Floating Adventures
You can float down the Kanektok River using many kinds of boats. However, the very beginning of the river, just below Kagati Lake, can sometimes be too shallow for boats. Further down, the river has swift currents, many small channels that split and rejoin (called braided channels), and places where fallen trees or plants might be in the water. Because of these challenges, floating the upper parts of the river might be difficult for people who are new to boating.
When the water levels are high, the first 55 miles (89 km) of the river can become even more challenging, sometimes reaching Class III (difficult) conditions. This means it requires more skill and experience to navigate safely.
Fishing for Alaska's Famous Fish
The Kanektok River is known as one of Alaska's best rivers for catching salmon and trout. Many different types of fish live here, making it a favorite spot for anglers.
The main types of fish you can catch include:
- Rainbow trout
- Char (a type of fish similar to trout)
- Arctic grayling
- King salmon (also known as Chinook salmon)
- Silver salmon (also known as Coho salmon)
- Chum salmon
- Red salmon (also known as Sockeye salmon)
There are a few ways to enjoy fishing on the Kanektok River. Some people float down the river from its starting points, casting their lines as they go. Others might hire a boat to travel upriver from Quinhagak. You can also find tent camps and lodges along the lower part of the river, which offer great places to stay and fish.
