Chatanika River, Upper Chatanika River SRS

The feel

Upper Chatanika River State Recreation Site is a 24-site campground at Mile 39 on the Steese Highway, with camping, picnicking and direct access to the river. It makes a good put-in for a downriver grayling float.

Beyond the campground, the Steese Highway runs alongside dozens of river bends up to about Mile 69, which gives bank anglers miles of roadside access. Crowds here are low. Grayling are good all summer and typically run 12 to 16 inches, and the river also holds whitefish and northern pike.

What to expect

Water and access

Upper Chatanika River State Recreation Site at Mile 39 Steese Highway, with direct river access. The road runs alongside dozens of river bends up to about Mile 69.

Species and timing

Arctic grayling, typically 12 to 16 inches, good all summer. Whitefish and northern pike are also in the river.

Methods and gear

Bank, boat, fly and spin. A fly rod or spinning gear, and a canoe or raft for a float below the campground.

License and rules

Check current regulations for the upper river before you go.

Crowds and best time

Low crowds. Best May through September.

Season and access

Grayling are good all summer, best May through September.

Mingo says

Plan your float for May through September, when the grayling fishing is at its best. The river holds up all summer.

Before you go

• Bring a canoe or raft if you want to float downriver from the campground.
• Check the current Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations for the upper Chatanika.
• Camp at one of the 24 sites if you want to stay at the river overnight.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.