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Remote Float Trips

Thank you for taking the time to explore our remote summer float trips. We offer remote float trips around the state and have been doing so for over 20 plus years. Access to all of our rivers is by float plane from various Alaskan villages around the state and we can make a trip that caters to your very own needs. The guide ratio on most trips is 1 guide and 2 clients per raft. All of our trips are custom so that they are specific to your own needs.

Whether your looking to do a remote fly fishing trip or one of our exploratory type trips, we can assure you that you will see Alaska like no other.

All of our float trips are very low impact and a great way to see the country and wildlife without the crowds. All floats can include day hikes along the river or as some prefer, just sitting in camp and absorbing the country thats surrounds you. We choose our locations by time of the year, river flows and interests of the guests. Alaska is a place that is wild and untamed and offers an incredible variety of options for true wilderness river expeditions. Choose one of the following river floats or contact us about any river in Alaska and we can arrange a custom trip for you, your family or friends on your time schedule and the location desired. We love to fish and we love to show you what Alaska means to us. We hope to see you on one of our trips!

Included in the price of each trip is floatplane transportation between the village to where the trip originates on the river. Everything from there is include. You are only expected to provide your own fly fishing tackle, personal gear, clothing, sleeping bag and pad. A list of trip specific gear will be sent to you prior to the trip.

Alagnak River

  • Duration: 7 days with lodge and fly out options

We have seen nearly every emotion from anglers doing battle with the rainbows of the Alagnak river, from tears of joy, the largest of grins and even a few choice words at times. On other days we have watched as seasoned anglers put down their rods saying they have had enough after battling so many fish they cannot take anymore. Katmai is full of the majestic brown bear. On our Alagnak river trip, you will see bears!

This trip is truly one of our favorites as you will catch more fish, see more bears and experience Alaska in all its glory!

We have a number of options with this trip as we can cater it to your needs. If camping each night is not in your cards, we have access to the Big Ku lodge to get us out of the weather and offer you a number of various fly out options from there. Anything is possible on this trip and we truly encourage all types of guests for this trip. Once we discuss your needs and desires we take it from there and set up this trip so it meets and exceeds all of your expectations. Remember, this trip in in trophy rainbow country and fly fisherman beware….Your going to need an extra rod or two. The fish in this part of the state make Alaska famous!  All of our guests that we now call friends come away from this with memories that will last a lifetime and for many the desire to repeat the experience year after year.

The Alagnak is one of the main rivers in Alaska that targets trophy rainbows. It’s gin clear water also host some of the largest runs of pacific salmon in the world as well as a healthy population of arctic grayling. Flowing through a canyon, open tundra and lowland forest, the river is home to a variety of wildlife. Brown bears are abundant along with moose, caribou, wolves, peregrine falcons and eagles are also be seen. The Alagnak offers one of the most diverse fishing experiences available in the state, from spectacular fly fishing in the braids to  long casting in the deeper runs of the lower river for kings or silvers, this is a premiere Alaskan stream! This river is designated as a “Wild and Scenic River”.

Copper River

  • Duration: 7-10 days with lodge options beginning and end

The powerful Copper River originates in the glaciated Wrangell Mountains and flows into the Gulf of Alaska. It is Alaska’s fifth largest river and flows at speeds averaging 7-9 miles per hour.

This float offers outstanding scenery, wildlife and a true wilderness experience.

After getting on the river we won’t see too many people until we get to our take out point (7 days later) at Child’s Glacier near our home community of Cordova only reached by airplane or ferry. Covering 13 million acres, the Wrangell St. Elias area is the largest park in the U.S. National Park System and part of the largest protected ecosystem in the world. There is so much to explore on this trip, its hard to stay focused so that we can stay on schedule for the pick up at the end. There are many clear tributaries along the way to fish for the mighty Copper River salmon, not to mention, abundant wildlife. Our finish point is Miles Lake where we will see the mighty Child’s Glacier with a 300 feet wall of blue ice. We will follow the biggest ice bergs to our final destination. In the heat of summer there are pieces of ice as large as houses breaking off the glacier that sound like thunder and shake the ground. We will be picked up by our shuttle to cover the 48 mile long gravel Copper Highway back to Cordova where you will stay in our lodge (Orca Adventure Lodge) for as long as you wish to explore Cordova itself. This trip has so many different opportunities for you. Its a great trip for families as the river is very friendly and extremely educational.

North Fork of the Koyukuk River, Gates of the Arctic National Park

  • Duration: 7-10 days

The North Fork of the Koyukuk flows south through a broad, glacially carved valley beside the Endicott Mountains in the Central Brooks Range. It is a clearwater river and also designated as “National Wild and Scenic River”.

It flows through dramatic peaks and through the “Gates of the Arctic” between Boreal Mountain and Frigid Crags named by Rob Marshall in 1929.

We will start this trip from Coldfoot with a bush plane flight to the put-in on the upper North Fork of the Koyukukt. We will have several days to float and explore this beautiful area on a leisurely schedule. The trip has abundant wildlife and is a great way to see a part of Alaska that only a few have.

Konkagut River Trip

  • Duration: 10 days

This is the last great wilderness on earth. The ANWR region with over 19 million acres has seen much debate recently.

Join us on this 10 day trip in the spectacular Brooks Range, with some exciting whitewater, exeptional fishing, spectacular scenery and the possibility of seeing caribou.

We have plenty of time to hike on ridges and into lonely valleys and watch wildlife such as dall sheep, moose, bear and wolves. From the heart of the Brooks Range we make our way towards the coast where we will be picked up by a small bush plane at Caribou Pass. The section we float is entirely in the mountains and offers some of the best trailless hiking Alaska has to offer. We really like to do exploratory ski mountaineering trips on this one! As we float, scout your next line to climb or just sit back and take in your surroundings. This region is truly amazing and can leave you breathless by the beauty!

Summer Aircraft:

Our special aircraft; float equipped Helio-Couriers, permit us entry to areas conventional float planes find impossible. Permitting you to fish territories in Alaska where few, or no others, have ventured. We also operate a fully reconditioned DeHaviland Beaver.

General:

Fly-fishing in Southwestern Alaska can place great demands on your tackle and clothing. On any given day, you might find yourself fishing dry flies for 2-4-pound rainbows and char on a small wadeable river with 75-degree temperatures and blue skies. The next day could find you standing waist deep, with your guide at your side, in a large swift river casting sinking lines to 8-pound rainbows. In a matter of a day, the weather might turn to a brisk 40-degrees, with strong wind and rain. Your equipment should be adaptable and of the highest quality to ensure your comfort and enjoyment.

Flies:

Unless you know the specific fly patterns that you want to use, we highly recommend our popular in-house fly program, which supplies you with the regionally relevant patterns for our streams and conditions. However, depending on the time of year that you join us, you may be fishing large articulated leeches, dry flies, nymphs, fry patterns or eggs.  Feel free to bring your own if you have some special patterns you would like to try.

Waders & Boots:

Due to the variety of destinations we have and the methods we use to access the rivers we fish (e.g. jet boats, rafts, and hikes) we strongly recommend chest-high breathable waders. Gore-Tex or other similar alternatives are the best options.  Simms, Redington, Patagonia, Dan Bailey and others all make excellent breathable waders that will serve you well during your week with us.  Be certain that your waders have a good wading belt that can be cinched tight for your protection in the water.  If your waders do not come with one they are easy to acquire at any fly shop.  A good pair of felt soled wading boots is also a must.  We DO NOT ALLOW CLEATED BOOTS on our float planes or in our boats.  If you feel that you want the added wading security that cleats offer we recommend that you consider a system like Korkers that allows you to interchange your soles very quickly.  That way you can have felt for planes and boats and quickly change to cleats on the river for wading.

Rods:

A 7 or 8 weight graphite rod is your day-in/day-out best option for the rivers around the Katmai region.  These rods will allow you to throw big flies and sinking lines, as well as have the power to play big fish in a reasonable and safe manner.  Even on some of the smaller rivers we fish you will find that a 7 or 8 weight is essential on windy days.  A second rod to consider is a 5 or 6 weight in the event that you chose to due some small stream fishing for grayling or small trout.  Particularly because of our hiking destinations, 4 or 5 piece rods are very nice, though not essential.  Most rod manufactures offer many options in 4 pieces.

We are also big proponents of 2-handed rods as many of the rivers we fish, particularly through July and again in September, can be fished much more effectively with the big rods.  Again, if you chose to bring one, a 7 or 8 weight is a great option.  Though many rod manufacturers offer 2-handed (or “spey”) rods these days, Sage & G. Loomis remain at the forefront of the technology.

Reels:

With so many good reels available on the market today there are just a few things to be certain of before you arrive at Royal Wolf.  You will want to make sure that your reel has enough capacity for the lines you wish to use as well as a reasonable amount of backing.  We tend to recommend a good “disc drag” reel.  However, if you prefer more traditional “click-pawl” types, and are adept at palming your reel, these will also work fine.

Lines:

A good floating line is a must for your week at Royal Wolf.  However, depending on the time of year that you are here, it is very likely that you will also use sink-tip lines for a good portion of your week.  15’ with sink rates between 3-6 inches are the best.  For instance a Rio 15’ type III or type VI is an excellent option.  In all but the highest of water, 24’ “Teeny” type sinking lines tend to be too heavy to be fished in all of our sinking line destinations.  If you have a 24’ sink-tip line that you really want to use, we recommend cutting the tip back to approximately 12-15ft to make it fish more effectively under normal conditions.  A good line option to consider for your week is a Rio Versi-Tip.  This system includes a floating tip as well as several sinking tips that are quickly interchanged using a loop connections system.  The obvious benefit of a Versi-Tip system is that you need only 1 reel and no extra spools to accommodate all your possible line needs for the week.

For your 2-handed rod we strongly recommend Rio Skagit lines for a variety of reasons.  Your local fly-shop should be able to help you match a Skagit line to your rod but if not feel free to contact us for assistance.nt>

Clothing:

Under Wader

As we all know there is nothing more uncomfortable under our waders than a pair of jeans or pants that chafe and bind. We recommend that you wear mid-weight long underwear bottoms and/or fleece pants under your waders. For warm days, you will want to wear only the long underwear bottoms and the colder days will require fleece pants, or both. On the upper body, we recommend a similar system, a mid-weight long underwear top with a fleece jacket for colder days. Avoid cotton; as it retains moisture.

Bottoms:

  • 2 sets mid-weight Patagonia Capilene or similar product.
  • 1 set Fleece pants.

Tops:

  • 2 sets mid-weight Patagonia Capilene or similar product.
  • A good fleece jacket is also an excellent idea.
  • Simms Windstopper fleece or Patagonia R-series jackets are a great choice.

Rain Jacket:

Just as with your waders, your rain jacket is extremely important and should be made of a good breathable material.  Gore-tex or similar alternatives are the best choice by far. They do breathe and keep you dry, even in the worst conditions.

Pack:

A daypack is extremely useful allowing you to consolidate the basic essentials for your daily trip, i.e., camera, raincoat, bug spray, sun block, etc. Vests, or chest packs are optional unless you are interested in taking care of your own rigging, fly selection, etc. Most of the time, our guides prefer to control the rigging selections, which we provide with our fly program so that they may stay in contact with the changing state of the fishery.

Sunglasses – (A Must Have):

Since a large portion of our fishing is to sighted fish, you will need a quality pair of POLARIZED SUNGLASSES. The best lens colors for our conditions are either brown or amber. Besides assisting you in spotting fish, they also provide necessary safety while casting.

Other Gear:

  • Forceps or Pliers – for pinching barbs and releasing fish.
  • Split shot – Sizes B and BB
  • Spare Tippet Spools – MAXIMA Ultragreen in 6 through 12 pound test.
  • Collapsible Wading Staff – If you have a difficult time wading.r> Gravel Guards – Worn with wading boots to keep gravel out.
  • Camera – waterproof is best.
  • Water bottle – we will be supplying you with a complimentary RWL water bottle.
  • Insect repellent and head net
  • Sun Block
  • Gore-Tex or fleece lined fishing gloves.

Please bring enough clothing to last your entire stay, as laundry facilities in this remote area are limited. You will need casual, comfortable wear for around the lodge. A pair of slip-on low boots, or shoes would come in handy for walking from your cabin to the main lodge.

Things not to Bring:

(Firearms, landing Nets, large tackle boxes, hard-sided luggage – weight is an important factor with floatplanes, try to keep bags to 30 lb. each, cleated wading boots of any kind, or metal spiked bottom wading shoes – as these damage aircraft.

This is only meant as a helpful and suggestive guide. Our guides have found these items provide the best in quality and performance. You can always call us if you have any questions.

If you have any additional questions regarding tackle, flies, general gear or specific fishing techniques please feel free to call.

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TOLL FREE (877) 787-6784 or (907) 424-7991 :: info@alaskaheliski.com

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