ALL HANDS ON DECK
The 2026 season read like a novel. Events unfolded with a dramatic arc, transitioned with unexpected plot twists, and ended with unimaginable gratitude for a job well done. For the first time since 2002, the Nushagak River experienced a significant ice jam in the low tide of Nushagak Bay, which peaked in May—just before our June 15 opening. Floating chunks of ice lodged into the low tide mud river bottom and clogged the mouth of the river, forcing outgoing water to back up high into the river channel. The lodge property was submerged in 48 inches of standing water.
Nevertheless, our hospitality, guide and facilities teams worked tirelessly to restore the campus to is pre-flood condition. This was a huge undertaking and required all hands-on deck to ensure the campus was in pristine condition in time for its 2026 opening.
We extend our sincere thanks to every member of our staff. They all went above and beyond to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests, working in record time with impressive attention to detail. We are incredibly proud of our skilled and knowledgeable teams. Never have we witnessed such dedication, willpower and grit. Had we not shared with guests in advance, we doubt any would have been able to see any lasting effects of the flood—a true testament to every person who helped to prepare the lodge for the summer.
KING RUN
This year’s king (Chinook) run proved to be exciting, with two anglers, Lucia Caldwell and Luanne Anderson landing trophy king salmon exceeding 40 inches in length. Their names are being added to the wall of honor, as distinguished members of our “40-Inch Club.”
Mary Johnston, affectionally known as the Fish Whisperer, caught, not only her limit of kings but also her limit of Sockeye. She has dialed-in on the technique to properly land the Sockeye salmon. Mary and her husband, Dwight, have been coming to Fish The Nush since it first opened more than 10 years ago. We are delighted and grateful that year after year they choose Fish The Nush for their annual fishing adventure.
As you may know, pink salmon run on even years. This year, it enabled anglers to enjoy more catch and release fishing in addition to deliberately fishing for Chinook (king), Sockeye, and Coho (silver) salmon. In 2026, we experienced an increase in anglers who were introducing their children to Fish The Nush for the first time. Our guides helped these young anglers to catch salmon using a variety of methods. A group of 14 fathers and sons, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, spent a memorable Father’s Day with us.
SILVER RUN
Our annual Warrior Sportsmen week took place during the silver run. Each year, Fish The Nush partners with the Green Beret Foundation to host a week of fishing for retired and active-duty U.S. Army Special Forces personnel. This year’s guests fished for Coho (silver), Pink (humpys), and Chum (dog) salmon. Some even caught grayling and Dolly Varden. These Warrior Sportsmen Week events are incredibly meaningful to us. As many of you know, Fish The Nush owner, Pete von Jess, served in a Special Forces unit in the 1980s and early 1990s. These elite soldiers sacrifice greatly to protect our freedoms and ensure our safety as citizens of this great nation. Fish The Nush is proud and pleased to be able to provide a respite where soldiers can enjoy camaraderie and the great outdoors. Donations to this cause can be made directly to the Warrior Sportsmen Program.
FLY-OUTS
Finally, for the first time-ever, we sent our guides and a select number of guests on fly-outs to Lake Chauekuktuli a crystal-clear lake situated between Nuyakuk Lake and Chikuminuk Lake. This beautiful lake features deep, clear glacial waters and a beautiful mountain backdrop. The fishing is spectacular, with spawning Sockeye salmon, Arctic char, Dolly Varden and grayling making the beautiful lake their home. Fish The Nush is partnering with Davis Outfitters to offer these spectacular fly-outs to guests in July and August 2027.
One of our world-class guides will accompany two anglers for either a two- or four-day fly-out. This experience includes lodging in a newly built cabin nestled in the stunning wooded shoreline. We provide hearty meals as well as other necessities required for this rustic adventure of a lifetime. If you are interested and would like more information on this new feature, please call us at 877.876.NUSH (6874). With the 2026 season behind us, we look forward to all that the 2027 has in store for us! Until then, FISH ON!
