Iliamna Lake

Iliamna Lake is a large freshwater lake in southwestern Alaska’s Lake and Peninsula Borough, notable for its size and role in regional hydrology. The lake feeds rivers that support important salmon runs and is a focus for commercial and sport fishing.

The shoreline contains small communities and lodges that rely on floatplanes and boats for access; recreational anglers visit for salmon and trout seasons. The lake’s open water, islands and wetlands create extensive habitat used by fish and wildlife.

Formed by glacial and geological processes, the lake is integral to the local watershed and has long been used by indigenous peoples and later by commercial and recreational fisheries. It sits amid the low mountains and wetlands of southwestern Alaska and is accessed from local airstrips and water landings.

• Access: Most access to the lake is by floatplane or small aircraft, and several lakeside communities use floatplanes for regular transport.
• Fisheries: The lake is an important nursery for salmon species; its outflow supports major salmon runs that are significant for commercial and sport fisheries.