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Damn Good River Fishing Guides In Alaska

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Fishing in Talkeetna

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Talkeetna

Talkeetna Area Day Fishing Trip

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1 - 4 People From $470
Fishing in Healy

River Fishing Trip in Healy

Alaska Float Fishing

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Fishing in King Salmon

River Fishing Trip in King Salmon

Naknek River Camp Do-It-Yourself

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Fishing in Talkeetna

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Talkeetna

Pike In The Alaska Wilderness

100% (2)
1 - 4 People From $695
Fishing in King Salmon

Inshore, Lake, Nearshore, River Fishing Charter in King Salmon

King Salmon Standard Package

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Fishing in Cohoe

Inshore, Nearshore, River Fishing Charter in Cohoe

Kasilof River King Salmon Trip

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20 ft 1 - 4 People From $450

Top Cities for River Fishing in Alaska

Top Types of River Trips in Alaska

Top Species for River Fishing in Alaska

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More River Fishing Guides In Alaska

Fishing in King Salmon
Fishing in King Salmon
Fishing in King Salmon
trip description for Naknek River Camp Deluxe Package in King Salmon

A deluxe 7-day trip to the best trophy rainbow river in Alaska is now available for under $7000 per person! Come experience the smolt migrations in June, the huge runs of salmon in July, the acrobatic silvers in August and the incredible trophy rainbow fishing in September. No longer will a trip to Alaska have to be ‘once in a lifetime’, because, according to Jim, a onetime shot of Alaska just isn’t going to get it done. No, for the true big fish junkie, once in a lifetime just isn’t enough. That is why the crew at Naknek River Camp has gone the extra mile to make Alaska affordable. If you're wondering why Jim gets away with listing this trip for half of most Alaska lodging/fishing trips, ret assured there is no catch; Jim keeps costs down by maintaining a family-run camp. His wife is head of housekeeping, the chef and a full time licensed guide. His older son, an avid fisherman and 4 time Michigan State Casting Champion, is Jim's right hand man around camp. His daughter has also been the Michigan State Casting Champion. She is the official camp photographer and the desert chef. And his youngest son is just starting his career as a fishing guide. His specialty is netting big salmon. Here are the several exciting species of fish you can expect to target depending on the time of year: **Early Season Fishing – June & July:** Smolting Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp. The rainbows concentrate on salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean. The best offerings include large rabbit strip and marabou leeches in black, olive and dark brown. NOT egg sucking leeches. Minnow imitations are also deadly in small to medium sizes. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In June, July and early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. Recommended Tackle: an 8 ½ to 10 foot fly rod for a 5-6 weight line. The WF floater is the most popular choice, although sink-tips (130 grain to 200 grain) will work as well. 3x to 5x tippets. Grayling at Idavain: This fishing starts out with a 1 mile hike to the better fishing grounds. Grayling are best fished with light tackle. I would use a 4 or 5 weight fly rod with a floating line. #12 and #14 adams, caddis and stoneflies (dry), small beadhead nymphs, leeches, woolybuggers and deer hair mice will all work here. Kings: These begin showing up mid-June, building throughout the month. Most of the fishing is down in the lower Naknek, where tide is important and the water is deep. Treble hooks are legal. By late July, they will begin moving into the rapids to prepare for spawning. Single Hook Only. Recommended Tackle: We have a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning, revolving spool and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, I would recommend a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. Sockeye: Chrome sockeye begin their trip from the ocean around June 20th. This migration continues until late July (timing varies, of course, depending on weather). Until the spawn in mid- August, sockeye will hold in slow pools and side channels. They are usually turning red by early August. Recommended Tackle: A 6-8 weight fly rod in 9’ to 11’ lengths with a Climax Zip Line is by far the best choice. A floating line with either a strike indicator or a few split shot will also work well. **Late Season Fishing – August & September:** Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp and in the rapids. The rainbows will still take salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean, but by far the biggest food source is salmon eggs. Sockeye eggs are 6mm, silvers and pinks are 8mm and kings are 10mm. Sometimes, oversize imitations work better. I like trout beads mottled beads in orange, dark roe and pinks in sizes 6mm – 12mm. Don’t forget #8 and #10 short shank hooks and toothpicks (or the clear plastic pegs). For leeches, I like articulated and bunny strip versions without eggs in front in black, olive, purple and flesh colors. Wool head sculpin also work well. Late in the season, flesh flies might be needed. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. By mid to late August, the sockeye spawning kicks in and 6mm – 8mm plastic beads are king. Margot Creek: This is some of the best arctic char/ dolly varden fishing around, along with a decent population of rainbows. The stream is full of sockeye spawning by mid August, so beads are at great bet here, with or without a fly following behind. All the same patterns listed for Brooks work well here as well. If the water is discolored, 10 and 12mm beads are deadly. The rest of the time, 6mm and 8mm work best. Silvers: By early August, silvers should be running into the Naknek on each high tide. Bright marabou streamers in purples and pinks and other bright colors, spinners in sizes 3-5 in pink, orange, chartreuse, and silver all work very well at times, as do wiggle warts in the same colors. Lots of local guides prefer jigs in 1/8 and 1/16 ounce in pink and purple, fished with or without an indicator. When they get spooky, however, nothing compares to a shooting line, a very small split shot or 2 and a small marabou streamer (like a woolybugger or PM Wiggler) in black, purple, pink, olive and cream, fished on 2x-3x fluoro. The best rods are 9 ½-10 ½ for a 7wt or 8wt. Line. I would want to have a shooting line, a floater and, possibly, a 200 to 300 grain sinking tip. For spinning, a 7 ½ med light rod, a reel with a smooth drag and 8 – 12 pound test line is best. Pinks: Every even year is a pink year on the Naknek, which means that 2012 will likely bring another strong run starting in July and continuing into mid-August. They are extremely aggressive, hitting all of the flies and lures listed for silvers, and then some. Small silver spoons and spinners work very well also. They are in the 3 to 6 pound range, and so can be a lot of fun on a little lighter tackle. Light spinning rods with 8 pound line or fly rods in the 5-7 weight range are perfect. Same lines as silvers. Kings: Early in August, the kings begin moving to their spawning areas, either up the feeder streams or in the rapids of the main stream. King season closes at the end of July, but many will be hooked throughout most of August. They must be immediately released, of course. Most of the spawning area is single hook only. Large streamers, small marabou streamers and large eggs all work well. Sockeye: Reds are thick in August and most of September. They are either spawning, or holding in slower seams waiting to spawn. The river and creek mouths around Naknek Lake will also be full of them. **Lodging:** The lodging for this trip includes hard sided cabins, real mattresses, a porch to enjoy the sunset and a hot shower at the end of the day. Also equipped with a nice kitchen to cook in, a dining room to enjoy great meals in, and a toilet in every cabin. Naknek River Camp also has a few conveniences that neither one of us expected to have in the Alaskan bush, including phone service for both us and our guests. There is road access to the towns of King Salmon and Naknek, offering medical services, a general store, groceries and even fishing and hunting supplies. **What's Included:** A private riverfront cabin, all food and meals in your own comfortable dining room, and transportation to and from the King Salmon Airport. The cabins include towels, pillows and linens. Just bring your PJ’s, your toothbrush, your fishing gear and your sense of adventure. Jim will supply everything else. **What to Bring:** Jim has a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, he would recommend: June & July: a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. August & September: a 7-9 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting and a 9 ½ for a 9 or 10 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ either a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line, a floating line with a strike indicator, or a Climax Zip line (or other suitable shooting line). Other equipment needed or recommended: Split shot in sizes b, bb and 3/0. Cone sinkers in 1/64th, 1/32nd, 1/16th, tapered leaders in 0x and 3x, fluorocarbon tippet in 2x – 5x, strike indicators in both 1 inch foam and yarn style, #12 black barrel swivels, forceps, nippers, floatant, brown or amber polarized sunglasses with strap, hat with brim, rain jacket, chest waders, wading belt, some like a wading staff, fleece pants, fleece sweater(s), wool socks, windproof fleece fingerless gloves, headnet, insect repellant, sun screen. REMINDER- felt soles are illegal in all of Alaska! Please make sure you have rubber soled wading boots. Read More

River Fishing Trip in King Salmon

Naknek River Camp Deluxe Package

NEW
Fishing in King Salmon
Fishing in King Salmon
Fishing in King Salmon
trip description for Naknek River All-Inclusive in King Salmon

An all-inclusive trip to the best trophy rainbow river in Alaska is now available for under $5000 per person! Come experience the smolt migrations in June, the huge runs of salmon in July, the acrobatic silvers in August and the incredible trophy rainbow fishing in September. No longer will a trip to Alaska have to be ‘once in a lifetime’, because, according to Jim, a onetime shot of Alaska just isn’t going to get it done. No, for the true big fish junkie, once in a lifetime just isn’t enough. That is why the crew at Naknek River Camp has gone the extra mile to make Alaska affordable. If you're wondering why Jim gets away with listing this trip for half of most Alaska lodging/fishing trips, ret assured there is no catch; Jim keeps costs down by maintaining a family-run camp. His wife is head of housekeeping, the chef and a full time licensed guide. His older son, an avid fisherman and 4 time Michigan State Casting Champion, is Jim's right hand man around camp. His daughter has also been the Michigan State Casting Champion. She is the official camp photographer and the desert chef. And his youngest son is just starting his career as a fishing guide. His specialty is netting big salmon. Here are the several exciting species of fish you can expect to target depending on the time of year: **Early Season Fishing – June & July:** Smolting Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp. The rainbows concentrate on salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean. The best offerings include large rabbit strip and marabou leeches in black, olive and dark brown. NOT egg sucking leeches. Minnow imitations are also deadly in small to medium sizes. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In June, July and early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. Recommended Tackle: an 8 ½ to 10 foot fly rod for a 5-6 weight line. The WF floater is the most popular choice, although sink-tips (130 grain to 200 grain) will work as well. 3x to 5x tippets. Grayling at Idavain: This fishing starts out with a 1 mile hike to the better fishing grounds. Grayling are best fished with light tackle. I would use a 4 or 5 weight fly rod with a floating line. #12 and #14 adams, caddis and stoneflies (dry), small beadhead nymphs, leeches, woolybuggers and deer hair mice will all work here. Kings: These begin showing up mid-June, building throughout the month. Most of the fishing is down in the lower Naknek, where tide is important and the water is deep. Treble hooks are legal. By late July, they will begin moving into the rapids to prepare for spawning. Single Hook Only. Recommended Tackle: We have a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning, revolving spool and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, I would recommend a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. Sockeye: Chrome sockeye begin their trip from the ocean around June 20th. This migration continues until late July (timing varies, of course, depending on weather). Until the spawn in mid- August, sockeye will hold in slow pools and side channels. They are usually turning red by early August. Recommended Tackle: A 6-8 weight fly rod in 9’ to 11’ lengths with a Climax Zip Line is by far the best choice. A floating line with either a strike indicator or a few split shot will also work well. **Late Season Fishing – August & September:** Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp and in the rapids. The rainbows will still take salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean, but by far the biggest food source is salmon eggs. Sockeye eggs are 6mm, silvers and pinks are 8mm and kings are 10mm. Sometimes, oversize imitations work better. I like trout beads mottled beads in orange, dark roe and pinks in sizes 6mm – 12mm. Don’t forget #8 and #10 short shank hooks and toothpicks (or the clear plastic pegs). For leeches, I like articulated and bunny strip versions without eggs in front in black, olive, purple and flesh colors. Wool head sculpin also work well. Late in the season, flesh flies might be needed. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. By mid to late August, the sockeye spawning kicks in and 6mm – 8mm plastic beads are king. Margot Creek: This is some of the best arctic char/ dolly varden fishing around, along with a decent population of rainbows. The stream is full of sockeye spawning by mid August, so beads are at great bet here, with or without a fly following behind. All the same patterns listed for Brooks work well here as well. If the water is discolored, 10 and 12mm beads are deadly. The rest of the time, 6mm and 8mm work best. Silvers: By early August, silvers should be running into the Naknek on each high tide. Bright marabou streamers in purples and pinks and other bright colors, spinners in sizes 3-5 in pink, orange, chartreuse, and silver all work very well at times, as do wiggle warts in the same colors. Lots of local guides prefer jigs in 1/8 and 1/16 ounce in pink and purple, fished with or without an indicator. When they get spooky, however, nothing compares to a shooting line, a very small split shot or 2 and a small marabou streamer (like a woolybugger or PM Wiggler) in black, purple, pink, olive and cream, fished on 2x-3x fluoro. The best rods are 9 ½-10 ½ for a 7wt or 8wt. Line. I would want to have a shooting line, a floater and, possibly, a 200 to 300 grain sinking tip. For spinning, a 7 ½ med light rod, a reel with a smooth drag and 8 – 12 pound test line is best. Pinks: Every even year is a pink year on the Naknek, which means that 2012 will likely bring another strong run starting in July and continuing into mid-August. They are extremely aggressive, hitting all of the flies and lures listed for silvers, and then some. Small silver spoons and spinners work very well also. They are in the 3 to 6 pound range, and so can be a lot of fun on a little lighter tackle. Light spinning rods with 8 pound line or fly rods in the 5-7 weight range are perfect. Same lines as silvers. Kings: Early in August, the kings begin moving to their spawning areas, either up the feeder streams or in the rapids of the main stream. King season closes at the end of July, but many will be hooked throughout most of August. They must be immediately released, of course. Most of the spawning area is single hook only. Large streamers, small marabou streamers and large eggs all work well. Sockeye: Reds are thick in August and most of September. They are either spawning, or holding in slower seams waiting to spawn. The river and creek mouths around Naknek Lake will also be full of them. **Lodging:** The lodging for this trip includes hard sided cabins, real mattresses, a porch to enjoy the sunset and a hot shower at the end of the day. Also equipped with a nice kitchen to cook in, a dining room to enjoy great meals in, and a toilet in every cabin. Naknek River Camp also has a few conveniences that neither one of us expected to have in the Alaskan bush, including phone service for both us and our guests. There is road access to the towns of King Salmon and Naknek, offering medical services, a general store, groceries and even fishing and hunting supplies. **What's Included:** A private riverfront cabin, all food and meals in your own comfortable dining room, and transportation to and from the King Salmon Airport. The cabins include towels, pillows and linens. Just bring your PJ’s, your toothbrush, your fishing gear and your sense of adventure. Jim will supply everything else. **What to Bring:** Jim has a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, he would recommend: June & July: a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. August & September: a 7-9 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting and a 9 ½ for a 9 or 10 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ either a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line, a floating line with a strike indicator, or a Climax Zip line (or other suitable shooting line). Other equipment needed or recommended: Split shot in sizes b, bb and 3/0. Cone sinkers in 1/64th, 1/32nd, 1/16th, tapered leaders in 0x and 3x, fluorocarbon tippet in 2x – 5x, strike indicators in both 1 inch foam and yarn style, #12 black barrel swivels, forceps, nippers, floatant, brown or amber polarized sunglasses with strap, hat with brim, rain jacket, chest waders, wading belt, some like a wading staff, fleece pants, fleece sweater(s), wool socks, windproof fleece fingerless gloves, headnet, insect repellant, sun screen. REMINDER- felt soles are illegal in all of Alaska! Please make sure you have rubber soled wading boots. Read More

River Fishing Trip in King Salmon

Naknek River All-Inclusive

NEW
Fishing in King Salmon
Fishing in King Salmon
Fishing in King Salmon
trip description for Best of Bristol Bay Package in King Salmon

Katmai Trophy Lodge is located on the banks of the famed Naknek River, perfectly situated on the edge of tide water, giving us quick access to both ocean- fresh salmon and the trophy rainbow trout fishing that the Naknek is famous for. This is a full-service fishing lodge in the heart of Bristol Bay just two miles outside the boundary of the world- renowned Katmai National Park. You may have heard that the Bristol Bay watershed is home to the largest runs of salmon in the world. A lesser known fact is that it is also Alaska’s only designated “Trophy Rainbow Trout” area. The river system starts in the snow-capped mountains of Katmai National Park flowing down through our beautiful chain of lakes, through rolling tundra hills, ending with the Naknek flowing into the Bering Sea. This unspoiled nutrient rich environment enables the fish to grow to incredible size. With salmon runs that number in the millions, Trout and Char that grow well over 30”, and some of the best bear viewing in the world, this trip is a true outdoor enthusiast's paradise! Bristol Bay is home to some of the largest runs of salmon in the world; You'll get to target the giant Rainbow Trout, Char and the rare and beautiful Grayling that inhabit these fertile waters. The fishing portion of your trip will be spent on the water with your guide, which is why the guides at Katmai Trophy Lodge take great pride in providing their guests with some of the best fishing guides in Bristol Bay. All of their guides are expert fly fishermen in their own right, able to instruct you in the latest techniques, provide you with the best in tackle and flies and help you succeed in having the best fishing experience possible. Their boats and fishing gear are customized to give you the greatest chance for success and feature products from Orvis, Simms, StealthCraft and Koffler Boats, Scott and Temple Fork Fly Rods and Hatch fly reels. They consider the famous Brooks River and Falls a must-see attraction, which is why they have included a trip to Brooks in every one of the standard packages. The Brooks River offers world class trout fishing in a small stream setting, and a tremendous sockeye salmon run that feeds an entire ecosystem, including a few dozen of the world’s largest bears. So make sure to bring your camera! The guides at Katmai partner with Branch River Air and their meticulously maintained fleet of float planes to offer fly out packages to the other famous Bristol Bay destinations like the American, Alagnak, Nushagak, Moraine, Ugashik and Kulik as well as many of the small gems hidden around the more remote sections of southwest Alaska. **Tour Length & Price:** 7 day "Standard" package - $4,995 per person It includes 7 nights lodging and meals and 6 days of guided fishing, including 1 day of guided fishing/bear viewing on the famous Brooks River. 7 day "Best of Bristol Bay" package -$6,595 per person This package adds 3 guided float plane fly-outs (weather dependent) to our standard package. 7 day “Unlimited” Package - $6,995 per person. Includes 6 days of guided fishing anyplace your heart desires (weather dependent). River, fly-outs, day raft trips? We’ve got you coved. Minimum of 2 people needed to book this package. This package includes guided fishing anywhere you and your fishing partner(s) choose each day with the only limitation being to keep the float plane flight under 45 minutes one way. **Lodging:** This classic riverfront log lodge features two stories of glass looking out on the beautiful Naknek River. Dinner is prepared by a professional chef featuring Alaskan favorites like salmon, halibut, Alaskan clams and reindeer. Evenings can be spent tying flies and swapping fish stories in the comfortable great room or in your private room or cabin. The rooms feature amenities like full time electricity, a mini-fridge, individually controlled heat, log furniture and a private bathroom with shower. **Daily Routine:** Each evening at dinner your guides will discuss the fishing options available for the next day. You will then choose the option that sounds the best to you and, weather permitting, they will make it happen. One of the most challenging parts of your trip might very well be trying to decide whether to fly out to one of the many rivers across Bristol Bay or stay closer to home to chase giant rainbows, catch another limit of salmon, jet boat up one of the Naknek tributaries, or jump on one of our larger boats to explore Naknek Lake and the many small streams that feed into it or boat over to Brooks Falls. For those of you that believe in the old adage that variety is the spice of life, Katmai Trophy Lodge is the perfect destination. If you so choose, you can target a different fish on a new river with a different technique every day. Here is what your schedule will look like: Breakfast at 7am Fishing at 8am Lunch on the water around noon Dinner at 6:30pm Quiet time after 10pm **What's Included:** Pick up and drop off at King Salmon Airport US Coast Guard and ADF&G licensed guides Breakfast and Dinner at the main lodge Grilled or packed shore lunch All necessary flies and lures All terminal fishing gear, rods and reels Cleaning and Vacuum packing of salmon for flying home Linens, comforter, private bathroom with hot/cold water. Daily maid service Waders and wading boots are available but are limited in size. **Not Included:** Flights to and from King Salmon Fishing on Saturday Alcohol Taxes ($161 USD) Fishing License and King Stamp Tips for staff and guides Fish Box or Cooler (insulated fish boxes can be purchased at the lodge for $20) **What to Bring:** At Katmai Trophy Lodge they will do their best to provide everything you need, but they also recognize that catching a fish on your own rod with your own fly is a truly special experience. Throughout the Summer the selection of flies and lines do change but here is a list of essentials that are always going to be good to bring along: Breathable Waders with non felt sole wading boots. You will fish from boats quite a bit but waders are going to be required to fish most days in order to be the most effective. A good Wading Jacket or Rain Jacket. It rains most days in Bristol Bay and a good jacket will make those rainy days just as pleasant as the sunny days. Layers. Most days your guides start off with a fleece jacket or a puff coat and if it is June, July, or August they might take a couple layers off, but it is always better to be able to take a layer off than to need an extra layer and not have it. A Backpack to bring along everyday to keep your fly boxes and extra layers in or even to shed that rain jacket when the sun peaks out. **If You Bring Your Own Fly Rod and Equipment:** 5 or 6 weights for small streams and fly outs. They typically rig them with an indicator to nymph with or just a standard 9 ft leader and a small streamer or mouse. The Flies they use vary as the seasons change but they like to use traditional nymphs as well as dry flies for most of the summer until the eggs start flowing and then they replace the dry flies with Beads. The beads they use are in 6, 8, and 10mm sizes and they usually will stay in the more natural colors. With lighter rods they do like to throw streamers and mice. Medium size streamers with stinger hooks and cone or bead heads are very useful because they will sink with a floating line. 7 or 8 weights for the Naknek river or Larger rivers. You will fish these on the main river with Floating line or a 250 or 300 grain sink tip and streamers or floating line and indicator. Flies for the main river include a lot of streamers with love jointed and stinger hook streamers because these rainbows love to tail nip, but the Naknek river in a 1 hook river to remember to trim your front hook. Flies like Sex dungeons, string leeches, and dolly lamas are all must haves. 9 weights for salmon. If you are fishing for Kings they rig these up with 350 grain or heavy sink tips and big bright flies. If you are targeting Silvers or Chums then they run a floating line and bright flies as well. For Sockeye they nymph them with bottom bouncing rigs with either shooting line or floating line. Intruder style flies are the go to for them when targeting all of the salmon except sockeye. Pink, orange, chartreuse with weighted eyes and a stinger hook, and bright dolly lamas with the heaviest cone heads. When targeting Sockeye they use large nymphs with strong hooks, as these fish will bend hooks no problem. Pheasant tails, wooly buggers, egg flies, and all of the classic Salmon and Steelhead nymphs all work great. Spey rods; They love the 2 hand game at KTL and they like to run 7 or 8 weight spey rods for trout with a skagit head and a sink tip and sculpin or leech style flies almost all summer and fall. They also will run 8 or 9 weight spey rods for Kings with skagit heads and bright intruder flies. Read More

River Fishing Trip in King Salmon

Best Of Bristol Bay Package

NEW
Fishing in Kasilof
Fishing in Kasilof
Fishing in Kasilof
trip description for Soldotna Day Trip in Kasilof

Join Reubin for a memorable, action-packed fly fishing experience on Alaska’s beautiful Kenai Peninsula! Enjoy the peace and quiet while drifting down the river and casting lines. Reubin's trips take place in Soldotna, Alaska, the home of the famous Kenai River and world record King Salmon. The Kenai Peninsula and surrounding areas offer freshwater and saltwater sport fishing opportunities for both the novice fisherman and the lifetime angler! On this full-day trip, Reubin will drift you up and down the Kenai River as you enjoy the scenery and fly fish for Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Pink Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, and Steelhead. Whether it's your first time holding a fly rod or you have all the casting techniques down, Reubin will give you plenty of expert tips to help get one on the line! You'll be fishing aboard a 20' Willie Predator drift boat that can take up to 4 guests. Its 50 HP Yamaha motor will have no problem maneuvering you to where the fish are biting! This lightweight vessel comes equipped with GPS, Fishfinder and a Live Bait Well. Reubin will provide all rods, reels, and tackle. All you need to bring is an Alaska fishing license, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and any food or drinks you might want out on the water. Reubin loves Alaska and hopes to help you enjoy this special place. You’ll find his professional, down-home hospitality and his warm reception hard to surpass.Book your trip today and get ready to catch some serious Salmon! Read More

River Fishing Trip in Kasilof

Soldotna Day Trip

NEW
20 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,950
Fishing in Talkeetna
Fishing in Talkeetna
Fishing in Talkeetna

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Talkeetna

2 Night Alaskan Rafting Adventure

100% (2)
1 - 2 People From $1,190
Fishing in King Salmon
Fishing in King Salmon
Fishing in King Salmon
trip description for Katmai Trophy Lodge in King Salmon

Katmai Trophy Lodge is located on the banks of the famed Naknek River, perfectly situated on the edge of tide water, giving us quick access to both ocean- fresh salmon and the trophy rainbow trout fishing that the Naknek is famous for. This is a full-service fishing lodge in the heart of Bristol Bay just two miles outside the boundary of the world- renowned Katmai National Park. You may have heard that the Bristol Bay watershed is home to the largest runs of salmon in the world. A lesser known fact is that it is also Alaska’s only designated “Trophy Rainbow Trout” area. The river system starts in the snow-capped mountains of Katmai National Park flowing down through our beautiful chain of lakes, through rolling tundra hills, ending with the Naknek flowing into the Bering Sea. This unspoiled nutrient rich environment enables the fish to grow to incredible size. With salmon runs that number in the millions, Trout and Char that grow well over 30”, and some of the best bear viewing in the world, this trip is a true outdoor enthusiast's paradise! Bristol Bay is home to some of the largest runs of salmon in the world; You'll get to target the giant Rainbow Trout, Char and the rare and beautiful Grayling that inhabit these fertile waters. The fishing portion of your trip will be spent on the water with your guide, which is why the guides at Katmai Trophy Lodge take great pride in providing their guests with some of the best fishing guides in Bristol Bay. All of their guides are expert fly fishermen in their own right, able to instruct you in the latest techniques, provide you with the best in tackle and flies and help you succeed in having the best fishing experience possible. Their boats and fishing gear are customized to give you the greatest chance for success and feature products from Orvis, Simms, StealthCraft and Koffler Boats, Scott and Temple Fork Fly Rods and Hatch fly reels. They consider the famous Brooks River and Falls a must-see attraction, which is why they have included a trip to Brooks in every one of the standard packages. The Brooks River offers world class trout fishing in a small stream setting, and a tremendous sockeye salmon run that feeds an entire ecosystem, including a few dozen of the world’s largest bears. So make sure to bring your camera! The guides at Katmai partner with Branch River Air and their meticulously maintained fleet of float planes to offer fly out packages to the other famous Bristol Bay destinations like the American, Alagnak, Nushagak, Moraine, Ugashik and Kulik as well as many of the small gems hidden around the more remote sections of southwest Alaska. **Tour Length & Price:** 7 day "Standard" package - $4,995 per person It includes 7 nights lodging and meals and 6 days of guided fishing, including 1 day of guided fishing/bear viewing on the famous Brooks River. 7 day "Best of Bristol Bay" package -$6,595 per person This package adds 3 guided float plane fly-outs (weather dependent) to our standard package. 7 day “Unlimited” Package - $6,995 per person. Includes 6 days of guided fishing anyplace your heart desires (weather dependent). River, fly-outs, day raft trips? We’ve got you coved. Minimum of 2 people needed to book this package. This package includes guided fishing anywhere you and your fishing partner(s) choose each day with the only limitation being to keep the float plane flight under 45 minutes one way. **Lodging:** This classic riverfront log lodge features two stories of glass looking out on the beautiful Naknek River. Dinner is prepared by a professional chef featuring Alaskan favorites like salmon, halibut, Alaskan clams and reindeer. Evenings can be spent tying flies and swapping fish stories in the comfortable great room or in your private room or cabin. The rooms feature amenities like full time electricity, a mini-fridge, individually controlled heat, log furniture and a private bathroom with shower. **Daily Routine:** Each evening at dinner your guides will discuss the fishing options available for the next day. You will then choose the option that sounds the best to you and, weather permitting, they will make it happen. One of the most challenging parts of your trip might very well be trying to decide whether to fly out to one of the many rivers across Bristol Bay or stay closer to home to chase giant rainbows, catch another limit of salmon, jet boat up one of the Naknek tributaries, or jump on one of our larger boats to explore Naknek Lake and the many small streams that feed into it or boat over to Brooks Falls. For those of you that believe in the old adage that variety is the spice of life, Katmai Trophy Lodge is the perfect destination. If you so choose, you can target a different fish on a new river with a different technique every day. Here is what your schedule will look like: Breakfast at 7am Fishing at 8am Lunch on the water around noon Dinner at 6:30pm Quiet time after 10pm **What's Included:** Pick up and drop off at King Salmon Airport US Coast Guard and ADF&G licensed guides Breakfast and Dinner at the main lodge Grilled or packed shore lunch All necessary flies and lures All terminal fishing gear, rods and reels Cleaning and Vacuum packing of salmon for flying home Linens, comforter, private bathroom with hot/cold water. Daily maid service Waders and wading boots are available but are limited in size. **Not Included:** Flights to and from King Salmon Fishing on Saturday Alcohol Taxes ($161 USD) Fishing License and King Stamp Tips for staff and guides Fish Box or Cooler (insulated fish boxes can be purchased at the lodge for $20) **What to Bring:** At Katmai Trophy Lodge they will do their best to provide everything you need, but they also recognize that catching a fish on your own rod with your own fly is a truly special experience. Throughout the Summer the selection of flies and lines do change but here is a list of essentials that are always going to be good to bring along: Breathable Waders with non felt sole wading boots. You will fish from boats quite a bit but waders are going to be required to fish most days in order to be the most effective. A good Wading Jacket or Rain Jacket. It rains most days in Bristol Bay and a good jacket will make those rainy days just as pleasant as the sunny days. Layers. Most days your guides start off with a fleece jacket or a puff coat and if it is June, July, or August they might take a couple layers off, but it is always better to be able to take a layer off than to need an extra layer and not have it. A Backpack to bring along everyday to keep your fly boxes and extra layers in or even to shed that rain jacket when the sun peaks out. **If You Bring Your Own Fly Rod and Equipment:** 5 or 6 weights for small streams and fly outs. They typically rig them with an indicator to nymph with or just a standard 9 ft leader and a small streamer or mouse. The Flies they use vary as the seasons change but they like to use traditional nymphs as well as dry flies for most of the summer until the eggs start flowing and then they replace the dry flies with Beads. The beads they use are in 6, 8, and 10mm sizes and they usually will stay in the more natural colors. With lighter rods they do like to throw streamers and mice. Medium size streamers with stinger hooks and cone or bead heads are very useful because they will sink with a floating line. 7 or 8 weights for the Naknek river or Larger rivers. You will fish these on the main river with Floating line or a 250 or 300 grain sink tip and streamers or floating line and indicator. Flies for the main river include a lot of streamers with love jointed and stinger hook streamers because these rainbows love to tail nip, but the Naknek river in a 1 hook river to remember to trim your front hook. Flies like Sex dungeons, string leeches, and dolly lamas are all must haves. 9 weights for salmon. If you are fishing for Kings they rig these up with 350 grain or heavy sink tips and big bright flies. If you are targeting Silvers or Chums then they run a floating line and bright flies as well. For Sockeye they nymph them with bottom bouncing rigs with either shooting line or floating line. Intruder style flies are the go to for them when targeting all of the salmon except sockeye. Pink, orange, chartreuse with weighted eyes and a stinger hook, and bright dolly lamas with the heaviest cone heads. When targeting Sockeye they use large nymphs with strong hooks, as these fish will bend hooks no problem. Pheasant tails, wooly buggers, egg flies, and all of the classic Salmon and Steelhead nymphs all work great. Spey rods; They love the 2 hand game at KTL and they like to run 7 or 8 weight spey rods for trout with a skagit head and a sink tip and sculpin or leech style flies almost all summer and fall. They also will run 8 or 9 weight spey rods for Kings with skagit heads and bright intruder flies. Read More

River Fishing Trip in King Salmon

Katmai Trophy Lodge

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Everything to Know About Booking a fishing trip in Alaska

What are the best river fishing trips in Alaska?

Why should I book a river fishing trip in Alaska with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 13 river trips in Alaska, and the most popular trips in the area are Talkeetna Area Day Fishing Trip guided by Dave, Naknek River Camp Do-It-Yourself guided by James, and Alaska Float Fishing guided by Rene.

Our guides in Alaska are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3508 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly river guides / fishing lessons in Alaska? Check out our beginner and family friendly river guides in Alaska.

What types of river fishing trips are common in Alaska?

The most commonly sought after species for river fishing are: 1. chinook salmon, 2. coho salmon, 3. steelhead, 4. rainbow trout, and 5. chum salmon.

The most common fishing techniques in Alaska are fly fishing, wading, and light tackle fishing but sight casting and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much does an Alaska river fishing trip cost?

Prices for river fishing in Alaska can range anywhere from about $698 to $28,088, but the average price for a half day trip for river fishing in Alaska is $659. The average price for a full day trip for river fishing in Alaska is $12,793.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for river fishing in Alaska?

The most popular season for river fishing in Alaska is summer, and most anglers book their trips 52 days in advance.

Do I need a Alaska fishing license and what are the bag limits in Alaska?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Alaska, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Alaska. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Alaska.

What is river in Alaska all about?

Alaska's rivers are legendary for their pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and world-class fishing opportunities, making them a magnet for outdoor adventurers and anglers alike. The state boasts over 12,000 rivers, each offering a unique experience amidst breathtaking landscapes of mountains, glaciers, and dense forests. The Kenai River, located on the Kenai Peninsula, is one of Alaska's most famous rivers, renowned for its salmon fishing. Anglers from around the world flock here to catch Chinook (king), sockeye (red), coho (silver), and pink salmon during their annual runs, with techniques ranging from drift fishing with salmon eggs to fly fishing with streamers and nymphs.

In interior Alaska, the Yukon River stretches over 2,000 miles from Canada to the Bering Sea, serving as a lifeline for communities and a highway for migrating salmon. This mighty river supports all five species of Pacific salmon, including the prized Chinook and chum salmon, which draw anglers seeking trophy-sized catches. Techniques such as drift fishing with large baits or trolling with plugs are popular methods for targeting these powerful fish in the Yukon's swift currents. The river also supports a subsistence fishery for local communities, highlighting its cultural and economic importance in the region.

Alaska's rivers are not just about salmon. The state offers diverse fishing opportunities for species like rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, and northern pike, depending on the region and time of year. The Kvichak River in Bristol Bay, for example, is renowned for its world-record rainbow trout and abundant Arctic grayling populations, attracting anglers who enjoy fly fishing in its clear, glacier-fed waters. Whether casting for salmon on the Kenai, exploring the Yukon's vast expanse, or fly fishing for trout in remote rivers, Alaska's waterways provide an unparalleled adventure into the heart of the Last Frontier's wild and untamed landscapes.

What are the most popular months to go river in Alaska?

Alaska's river seasons are as diverse as its landscape, offering unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. Spring marks the awakening of river activity as snowmelt and warmer temperatures swell river flows, creating prime conditions for fishing and wildlife viewing. Rivers like the Kenai and Russian Rivers on the Kenai Peninsula become bustling hubs for salmon fishing, with anglers targeting early runs of king and sockeye salmon. Techniques such as drift fishing with salmon eggs or casting with spinners and spoons are popular methods during this time, as salmon migrate upstream to spawn.

Summer in Alaska brings extended daylight hours and a flurry of outdoor activities on its rivers. This season is synonymous with salmon runs, as rivers across the state teem with migrating fish. The Bristol Bay region sees the world's largest sockeye salmon run, drawing anglers to rivers like the Kvichak and Nushagak. Fly fishing for salmon becomes prevalent, with anglers casting large, brightly colored flies to entice these powerful fish in the clear waters. Summer also offers opportunities for catching other species like rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, and Dolly Varden, as these fish become more active in the warmer temperatures.

Fall marks a transition period in Alaska's rivers, characterized by cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage along riverbanks. It's a time of abundance as salmon complete their spawning journeys and begin to die off, providing essential nutrients for the ecosystem. The focus shifts to fishing for late-season silver salmon (coho) and trophy-sized rainbow trout that feed on salmon eggs and flesh. Rivers like the Kenai and Russian Rivers continue to attract anglers seeking these prized catches, with techniques such as swinging streamers or drifting beads proving effective. Fall also offers quieter moments along Alaska's rivers, ideal for reflection and enjoying the stunning natural beauty that surrounds these wild and untamed waterways.

What techniques are popular for river in Alaska?

Alaska's rivers encompass a wide range of types and techniques that cater to diverse outdoor interests and fishing preferences. The Kenai River, located on the Kenai Peninsula, is renowned for its diversity of fishing opportunities. Anglers flock here for its world-class salmon fishing, targeting Chinook (king), sockeye (red), coho (silver), and pink salmon during their respective runs. Techniques vary from drift fishing with salmon eggs or roe to fly fishing with streamers and nymphs, depending on the species and river conditions. The Kenai River also supports a healthy rainbow trout fishery, with anglers using fly fishing techniques to catch these elusive and hard-fighting fish.

In interior Alaska, rivers like the Yukon and Tanana Rivers dominate the landscape, offering unique fishing experiences amidst vast wilderness. The Yukon River, one of the longest rivers in North America, supports all five species of Pacific salmon, including Chinook, chum, and sockeye salmon. Anglers employ drift fishing with large baits or trolling with plugs to target these prized fish as they migrate upstream to spawn. The Tanana River, a tributary of the Yukon, is known for its Arctic grayling and northern pike fisheries, attracting anglers who enjoy fly fishing or casting with spinning gear in its clear waters.

Alaska's coastal rivers, such as those in the Bristol Bay and Southeast Alaska regions, provide additional fishing opportunities for salmon, trout, and char species. The Bristol Bay region, home to the Kvichak and Nushagak Rivers, boasts the world's largest sockeye salmon run and excellent rainbow trout fishing. Anglers use a variety of techniques from fly fishing with salmon flies to drift fishing with beads and flesh patterns to target these prolific fish in their spawning grounds. Whether exploring the rivers of the Kenai Peninsula, navigating the expansive waters of the Yukon, or casting lines into remote coastal streams, Alaska's rivers offer unparalleled fishing adventures amidst some of the most pristine and untouched landscapes in the world.

What species are popular for river in Alaska?

Alaska's rivers offer an incredible array of fish species that attract anglers from around the globe, each presenting its own unique fishing challenges and rewards. Salmon are perhaps the most iconic and sought-after species in Alaska's rivers. Five species of Pacific salmon—Chinook (king), sockeye (red), coho (silver), chum, and pink salmon—return to these waters annually to spawn. Anglers can target these salmon using various techniques such as drift fishing with bait or lures, fly fishing with colorful flies, or trolling with plugs and spoons, depending on the river and the specific run of salmon.

Trout fishing is another highlight of Alaska's rivers, with rainbow trout and Dolly Varden being prominent species sought after by anglers. Rivers like the Kenai, Kvichak, and Naknek are renowned for their healthy populations of rainbow trout, prized for their size and strength. Fly fishing is a popular technique for targeting these trout, with anglers casting dry flies, nymphs, or streamers to entice strikes from these elusive fish. Dolly Varden, a member of the char family, also provide exciting fishing opportunities in Alaska's rivers, particularly in colder, clear waters where they feed on salmon eggs and aquatic insects.

Beyond salmon and trout, Alaska's rivers support a variety of other fish species that offer diverse angling experiences. Arctic grayling, known for their striking dorsal fins and willingness to take flies, are found in many clear and cold streams throughout the state. Northern pike, aggressive predators known for their sharp teeth and powerful strikes, thrive in some of Alaska's interior rivers and lakes, providing thrilling action for anglers who enjoy casting large spoons, spinners, or even fly patterns designed to mimic smaller fish. Whether fishing for salmon in the Kenai River, targeting trophy rainbow trout in the Kvichak, or chasing northern pike in remote interior waters, Alaska's rivers offer unparalleled opportunities for anglers to connect with nature and experience the thrill of landing some of the world's most prized fish species in their natural habitats.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    I had a great day on a remote Alaskan stream with Shaun who is an excellent guide. The best fish of the day managed to get away but we netted a few others and had a fun day and with was cool to share the stream with a few bears. I enjoy fishing with these guys, this was my third trip with them so that is probably best recommendation I can give, and highly recommend them if you are in the Talkeetna area.

    Simon S. | July 29, 2021

    Trip: Alaskan Wilderness Flyout

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great day on Montana Creek. I brought along a novice fly fisherman and we were still able to find lots of rainbows, some close to 20", even though it was early in the season and river was still high. Everyone was very friendly, the guide Sean was knowledgeable and patient with new fisherman and Heather in the office was always very helpful. Will definitely use them again.

    Simon S. | June 14, 2021

    Trip: Talkeetna Area Day Fishing Trip

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