Wading and fishing side channels produces unexpected results. The Kvichak is the conduit to the spawning grounds for the world's largest run of red salmon, and on even-numbered years, millions of pink salmon. It also provides outstanding silver salmon fishing. Another commercial airline-accessible rainbow and salmon river is the Naknek. Like the Kvichak, it empties a huge lake system.
Fishing is generally from boats.
Most fishing begins in the town of King Salmon. King Salmon, Alaska, was not named Silver Salmon or Rainbow Trout for good reason. The town earned its name because of its huge runs of Alaska's state fish, the king. Talarik Creek Upper and Lower Talarik Creek probably are responsible for more trophy rainbow trout than any other state stream. Lake Iliamna's big resident rainbow migrate into these trickles every fall.