Even though it's 8:30 in the evening, Alaska residents line the shore where the Twentymile River meets Turnagain Arm to net hooligan. Known in other places as Eulachon, candlefish and smelt, these small, silvery fish spend up to 5 years in saltwater before returning to fresh water to spawn from late winter through mid spring. Native Alaskans depended on these fish for oil and other subsistence uses. They are so heavy in oil that after drying, they can be burned as candles. Today they are still important for subsistence families who dry, freeze or smoke them for consumption.

Alaska residents need only a sports fishing license to dipnet for hooligan. No other special permit is required and there are no possession or bag limits for personal use.

Twentymile River is also fished by both humans and Alaska Grizzly Bears for Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon). The river originates at Twentymile Glacier in the Chugach Mountains within the Chugach National Forest. The water is opaque as glacial melt water is typically filled with fine sediment. May recreational activities including white water rafting, air boating and skiing in winter take place about the Twentymile River.