Hello there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around Bristol Bay, Alaska, as of today, February 14, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the tides. For today at Port Moller, Bristol Bay, you can expect a low tide of -1.93 feet at 3:41 AM, followed by a high tide of 10.64 feet at 10:58 AM. The next low tide will be at 2:50 PM with a height of 6.23 feet, and the final high tide of the day will be at 6:22 PM, reaching 9.53 feet. These tides can significantly impact fish movement, so plan your fishing trips accordingly.

Weather-wise, February in Bristol Bay is typically cold and icy, with temperatures often below freezing. Today is no exception, so make sure you're well-prepared with warm gear and possibly ice fishing equipment if you're venturing out onto the frozen waters. Sunrise today is at 9:10 AM, and sunset is at 6:35 PM, giving you a decent window for daylight fishing.

Although it's still early in the season for the peak salmon runs, the preliminary preseason forecast for 2025 is promising. The forecast projects a run of 49.6 million sockeye salmon returning to Bristol Bay, with a projected harvest of 32.4 million reds. This is a bit below the 10-year average but nearly equal to the 20-year average[1][4].

For now, if you're looking to catch some fish, you might want to focus on species like rainbow trout, arctic char, and Dolly Varden, which are more active during this time of year. These species can be found in the legendary rivers of Bristol Bay, such as the Nushagak and Kvichak rivers. Some Alaska fly fishing lodges practice catch and release for these species, so it's best to check with your lodge beforehand[3].

When it comes to lures and bait, for trout and char, you can't go wrong with streamers like the Woolly Bugger or the Leech Pattern. For Dolly Varden, small jigs or spinners can be very effective. If you're ice fishing, using small jigs tipped with bait like maggots or tiny spoons can attract these cold-water fish.

Hot spots to consider include the areas around the Nushagak River and the Kvichak River, which are known for their abundant fish populations. The mouth of these rivers where they flow into Bristol Bay can be particularly productive, especially during the changing tides.

In summary, while the peak salmon season is still a few months away, there's still plenty of action to be had in Bristol Bay. Dress warm, choose the right gear, and head to those hot spots for a chance to land some impressive catches. Tight lines, and see you on the water