Bristol Bay – Dillingham, Alaska

Bristol Bay – Dillingham, Alaska

In this pristine area of the state you have the opportunity to catch some of the freshest, best red salmon in the world. Dillingham is on the extreme northern end of Nushagak Bay on the northern edge of Bristol Bay.  You can not only catch great fish in this area but you can also meet some of the 300 residents that hold commercial licenses to fish and see the harbor that serves over 600 boars.  You can even take a tour of the Peter Pan Cannery if you want, during the summer time only.l

The Peter Pan Cannery is one of our Nations oldest operating canneries.  It was established in 1901 and although it has certainly been modernized of the years there are still signs of its history surrounding you while you take your tour.  The tours being in late June and start at 1 pm.

In Dillingham you will see the influences of the Russians and the Yup’ik Eskimos.  The area is 60 percent Alaska Native or part Native who still preserve many of the traditions that make them so interesting.  You will be able to see the Native arts and crafts such as grass basketry, ivory carving, Eskimo dolls and masks. 

You may want to visit the Samuel K. Fox Museum and see some of the traditional and contemporary Alaskan arts, crafts and of course the important artifacts that make the history of the region so enticing.

There are many lodges in the area where you can stay while visiting the area and numerous charters available to take you out to catch the red salmon, grayling and arctic char.

You will also be at the gateway of the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Wood-Tikchik State Park and Walrus Island state Game Sanctuary when you are in Dillingham.  The opportunity for so many different things to do and see when you are in Dillingham will keep you busy from the moment you arrive. 

There is also the Western Alaska Sled Dog Race which is held in early March.  If you want to participate in these races you must meet all of the requirements for both the musher and the dogs.  But if you are not going to race you will certainly enjoy watching and cheering for your favorite team. The race begins on the Lilly Pond near downtown Dillingham.  Mushers and their teams can also be watched “on the move” from Waskey Road.  Most fans watch the mushers leave the starting chute, drive to Waskey Road and then return to the Lilly Pond to watch the finishers.

There are also other events that take place in Dillingham that are scattered throughout the year so when ever you choose to visit you will be able to participate in something that will be unique and fun.  How about entering the "Outhouse Race?"  Maybe you want to go to the Bake-Off and see the fish, canned, pickled, smoked, kippered, dried and strips.  Maybe you prefer the jams and jelly, honey, bread or ther things that will make your mouth water.  There are also things like the Biggest Beaver Pelt Contest also in early March. 

You can also enjoy snowmobiling is the area, enter the snowmobile races and test your talents against those that use these machines every day for transportation!
 

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