Refuge Manager
Becharof National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 277
King Salmon, Alaska 99613
(907) 246-3339
Becharof lies between Katmai National Park and Preserve and Alaska Peninsula Refuge. The refuge is dominated by Becharof Lake, the second largest lake in Alaska. The lake covers one-fourth of the refuge and is surrounded by low rolling hills, tundra wetlands, and volcanic peaks.
The salmon spawning streams attract one of the largest concentrations of brown bear in Alaska. Some brown bear of Becharof exhibit a unique habit of making dens on the islands of Becharof Lake. Moose inhabit the refuge in moderate numbers and about 15,000 caribou migrate through and winter on the refuge seasonally. Other mammals include wolves, wolverines, river otters, red fox and beaver. In addition, thousands of sea mammals such as sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals and migratory whales inhabit the shoreline.
Becharof Lake and its tributaries contribute over four million salmon annually to the Bristol Bay fishery. Salmon, arctic char, and grayling flourish on the refuge. Waterfowl are common in the wetlands and coastal estuaries while nesting eagles, peregrine falcons, and thousands of sea birds inhabit the sea cliffs and islands.
VISITOR USE: Becharof offers outstanding bear and caribou hunting. The refuge receives moderate sportfishing pressure for trophy-size arctic char, grayling and salmon. Commercial guide services are available for hunting and fishing.
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