Bristol Bay in Region 5 is a remote region of Alaska, far from where most Alaskans think "civilization" ends. This far north, the sun rarely sets before bristol bay map midnight during the summer. It holds one of the world's richest salmon fisheries, so working in the region can be extremely lucrative. However, because this is traditionally the "gold mine" of Alaska salmon fisheries, employment is competitive and many deckhands work on the same boats year after year. Although it happens occasionally, few inexperienced deckhands are hired off the docks. We strongly advise you to work in Region 1, 2, or 3 for a year or two before even thinking about coming to this region unemployed.

Not only is the job market in Bristol Bay very tight, but getting there is expensive. Towns and villages in this region can only be reached by plane. Do not spend money transporting yourself to this region unless you have a job lined up.

Fishing jobs

Bristol Bay is the most valuable and lucrative salmon fishery in Alaska. More red salmon are harvested here than in any other fishery in the world.

Bristol Bay fishermen catch an average of 67 percent of all sockeye salmon in Alaska and account for one-fifth (19 percent) of all salmon caught in Alaska.

The catch is made entirely by gillnets: there are 958 set gillnet permits and 1,743 drift gillnet permits for the bay. These drift gillnetters start fishing in the third week of June and the peak occurs around July 4. The season is over near the end of July. A deckhand can make extremely good money during this very short season. An average crew share for the six week season usually amounts to around $6,000, and many take home over $10,000.

Processing work

The processing season in Bristol Bay begins in the third week of June and usually lasts only six weeks. Overall, this region is the best destination for those who want to work a lot of hours in a short time period.

Processing workers in Bristol Bay usually make out quite well financially. Because the region's processing companies are located in small, isolated villages, they generally pay round-trip transportation costs and provide room and board for their employees. Most of these jobs are filled before the season, either by returning workers or by workers who applied to these companies' corporate headquarters.

***More up-to-date and detailed town profiles and specific employment information about the Bristol Bay area (Region 5) can be found at Alaska Job Finder. Unfortunately, our licensing agreement with AlaskaJobFinder doesn't allow us to use the most current version of their Alaska Job information. Please use this town profile only for general information, as some of the information may be outdated.***

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