A Note from Brooke Hartman (@brookesbooksak):
“This summer the waters of Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park literally run red with sockeye salmon. An unprecedented year for fish numbers in Bristol Bay, Alaska, initial salmon runs numbered in the hundreds of thousands. Most years, the brown bears of Katmai National Park gather at Brooks Falls for this mass arrival of fish, gorging themselves in preparation for their long winter nap. This year so many fish choke the streams, rivers, and lakes of Bristol Bay, most bears didn’t even have to show up. But one thing’s for sure: this year’s Fat Bear Week is going to be EPIC!”
Brooke Hartman is an Alaskan mom and author of fun books for kids. Every summer, she and her family journey to their cabin in Bristol Bay, where they fly, fish, fly fish, and enjoy all the magic Alaska life has to offer. Look for her next book, Big Fat Bear Fight, The Bear-y True Tale of Alaska’s Big Brown Bears, releasing fall 2026, or follow her Alaska writing adventures at @brookesbooksAK.
Reel of the Week from Brooke, be sure to follow her Instagram HERE!
