Becharof Lake
Becharof Lake in southwest Alaska is a vast, glacially-fed body of water renowned for abundant sockeye and coho salmon runs, prime wildlife viewing, and opportunities for expedition-style boating.
Learn More
Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Alaska |
| Subregion | Alaska Peninsula |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| County | Lake and Peninsula Borough |
| District | Becharof Lake |
| Timezone | AmericaAnchorage |
| Latitude | 60.75 |
| Longitude | -165 |
| Maps |
5:13 PM LOCAL TIMEBecharof Lake forms the centerpiece of southwest Alaska’s wilderness, extending for roughly 115 miles (185 km) through forests, tundra, and glacial valleys. Fed by snowmelt from the Alaska Peninsula and surrounding mountains, it supports immense sockeye salmon migrations, along with coho and chinook salmon, making it a vital commercial and subsistence fishery. Visually, the lake combines deep, silty channels with broad, shallow flats; anglers seek clear tributaries and creek mouths, especially during peak runs. Beyond fishing, Becharof offers remote camping and boat-based travel, with few formal facilities—best accessed via floatplane or by navigating the linked Ugashik and Nushagak river systems. Wildlife viewing is exceptional: look for Parus major (spelts), nesting seabirds, and moose along shoreline wintering areas while eagles and bears patrol the salmon-rich streams.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Sun Dec 14, 2025, 2:55 AM