Photo by NPS, Tamara Olson.

Brooks River bears looking for salmon.

Bear viewing
Katmai is one of the premier brown bear viewing areas in the world. The most recent bear survey documented over 2000 brown bears in the park and preserve. Brooks Camp is the most visited area of the park where brown bear congregate to feed on sockeye salmon at the Brooks Falls or the Brooks River. Viewing platforms have been set up to accommodate visitor numbers without affecting bear behavior.

Outside of Brooks Camp, other areas along the coast and in the preserve also host bear viewing activities. On the coast, Hallo Bay and Geographic Harbor are two popular areas. In the preserve, Moraine Creek and Funnel Creek also attract bear viewers. Bears frequent specific areas at different times, primarily related to food availability. To plan your visit to coincide with the best bear viewing times, click here.

Photo by NPS.

Sockeye salmon.

Sport-fishing
Before Katmai was known for bear viewing activities, most visitors came to the park for its world-renown sport-fishing opportunities. Trophy rainbow trout are found in many lakes and streams as well as grayling and dolly varden. Strong seasonal runs of salmon are also found in particular areas of the park, including both sockeye (red) and coho (silver) salmon.

Although the fishing is exceptional, these prized sportfish are still vulnerable to overfishing. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) carefully monitors the populations to ensure that the present regulations maintain the long-term stability of the Katmai sport fishery. Visitors intending to fish should become familiar with these regulations specific to the Bristol Bay area.

An Alaska sport fishing license is required of all nonresidents 16 and over, and most residents 16 to 59. You may also need a harvest record card and/or king salmon stamp before you fish. For more information and to buy your licenses, stamps, and tags online, visit ADF&G's License and Permits web site. Sport fishing licenses and king salmon stamps may also be purchased from a license vendor (most AK sporting goods stores), by calling (907) 465-2376, or by mail at:

ADF&G Licensing Section
1255 W. 8th Street
P.O. Box 115525
Juneau, AK 99811-5525

Canoeing/Kayaking
The Savonoski Loop is a popular canoeing and kayaking route in the park. Click here for more information.

Hunting
Hunting is only allowed in the preserve area of Katmai. Check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website (link provided) for the latest hunting dates and regulations for the preserve.