At the Kasilof special use area, a peculiar and distinct practice unfolds – dipnetting for salmon, a pastime exclusive to Alaskan residents. Armed with oversized nets, they plunge them into the water, wait with bated breath, then hoist them back up, their triumph revealed as a gleaming salmon rests within. Success comes swift, as native families, spanning generations, gather to stock their freezers for the long winters ahead. Amidst the dipnetters, the true spirit of Alaska emerges, a camaraderie of the wilderness.
More than half of the folks camp in tents, embracing the ruggedness of the wild. Others opt for the comfort of RVs or sleep within their cars, for no one leaves this place in haste. Even the salmon, when caught, face diverse fates – some go into coolers immediately, some meet a swift end with a billy club or boot, while others undergo an old-fashioned shaking, much like the chickens of yesteryears.
Yet, there’s no rest at Kasilof, with the sun casting its unwavering glow for almost 24 hours. The tide doesn’t deter the crowd, who gather by the water, filled with enthusiasm and excitement. UTVs dart around, driven by energy and a shared passion for this cherished tradition.