Welcome to Karluk
Karluk is located approximately 80 air miles southwest of the city of Kodiak, a 55 minute tour flight. It is a remote Alutiiq village of 42 residents, with spectacular views of the Shelikof Straits at the mouth of the Karluk River. The Karluk River is 22 miles long and considered a “crown jewel” of the island. It is known worldwide as the best fishing spot for red salmon. Kings, silvers, pinks, dolly varden, steelhead, and rainbow trout also glide through the river, where Anglers dream of catching the big one. Commercial salting of salmon began in Karluk. In 1890, it is said that the largest cannery in the world was located there.
Kodiak Brown bears feast on the abundance of fish, fattening up for the winters. You are guaranteed to see the famous Kodiak brown bear during the salmon runs on the Karluk River, because it has the highest density of brown bears. So please be bear aware and always listen to your guides, but bring your camera to catch a snap shot of the largest brown bears in the world to show off to your friends at home.
Even more remote then the Karluk River are the nearby Sturgeon and Thumb Rivers that also provide exceptional sports fishing and bear viewing. River rafting along the rivers provide stunning views of wildlife, nature, and once in a life time opportunities for photography.
There are several archaeological sites along the Karluk River and lake, where Alutiiq artifacts date back to over 7,000 years ago. Karluk is believed to be the first inhabited Alutiiq village. 
Originally, the village was located on the river banks, but during a two day winter storm in 1978, the community was nearly destroyed and had to relocate to where it is located today. The photo on the right shows the Karluk village before the storm, e.g. Image courtesy of the Alutiiq Museum. The Old Russian Orthodox Church is a beautiful landmark of the village and evidence of the Russian Orthodox influence on the first Alutiiq community.
Resources: Alaska's Konyag Country, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alutiiq Museum Website, Koniag website, Kodiak Wildlife Refuge website. Picture Taken By Neal Sherod. Karluk village before the 1978 winter storm, e.g. image courtesy of the Alutiiq Museum.
Traveling to the villages
Click to view a map showing where Karluk is on Kodiak Island