American Creek

American Creek Concession, Katmai National Park

The American Creek is a world-famous, prolific rainbow trout, dolly varden, and grayling fishery in Katmai National Park. It is deep in the Naknek River watershed. To reach its remote location one must fly to the American in a floatplane or boat scores of miles and several lakes and rivers from King Salmon. It is at the approximate center of the Katmai region, flowing between Hamersley Lake and Coville Lake. The lower section of the American Creek is woody and braided, and a long walk from effective seaplane landing areas. One must have a boat to fish it effectively. The National Park Service issues six concessions to fish the American Creek by boat, and Crystal Creek Lodge holds one of the six concessions.

Watch a video of American Creek

The American Creek is a fly fishing only, catch and release destination. Many fishing possibilities can present themselves from early-season mousing or dry fly fishing to FAT late-season rainbow trout. While there you may be lucky enough to fish with the brown bears of Katmai, as it is a place where the bears fish for the prolific sockeye salmon that spawn there.

The American Creek is a short 20-minute flight from Crystal Creek Lodge. En route, you will be treated to the magnificent sights of Naknek Lake, Grosvenor Lake, Coville Lake, and perhaps a view of several dormant volcanoes & the famous Valley of 10,000 Smokes. There are also notable historic sites of the ancient and modern eras of man to be shown and interpreted from the air.

There is no extra charge to fish the American Creek. Please inquire as to current conditions and availability while meeting with your guides at the lodge.

Please view our catch and release video. You will be given the opportunity to review this video at the lodge during check-in.

Please view our brown bear etiquette video. You will be given the opportunity to review this video at the lodge during check-in.