Fish Commonly Found in Alaska

Alaska is a patchwork of many different kinds of aquatic ecosystems. The Chugach National Forest has at least five different kinds distributed across 607 stream systems! While there are numerous species of fish found throughout the National Forests and the state, the presence of salmon is one of the defining features. Decaying salmon carcasses infuse critically important marine derived nutrients into aquatic, riparian, and terrestrial ecosystems.

"Located along the fisheries-rich Gulf of Alaska, the Chugach and Tongass national forests are among the world great treasures of freshwater habitats for the five species of Pacific salmon. Rainfall averaging 120 inches per year feeds 32,000 miles of streams and 189,000 acres of lakes across the forests. These abundant waters provide major fisheries for subsistence, commercial and sport uses. As much as ninety-five percent of the state salmon catch comes from fish produced in the waters of the national forests."

"There are at least 19 fish species that occupy the Chugach National Forest. In terms of abundance, economic value, cultural significance, and ecological importance, the five species of Pacific salmon play the primary role. In addition, there are six additional anadromous species that occupy national forest waters and are also part of the indigenous aquatic ecosystem[.]" Further information incorporating additions from the Tongass National Forest will be added here shortly.

Information pulled from the Chugach National Forest - Forest Plan Assessment 2014. less ↑