Packing for Alaska can be a challenge.

With travel in small aircraft a significant part of many trips to remote areas of Alaska, how much to bring becomes a concern.

Let's get that out of the way right off. How much is too much? 250 pounds is what we are shooting for per person, or you and 50 pounds of gear, whichever is less. Why? Because we have to put you and all of that which you bring and three other persons and their load into an aircraft that carries 1200 pounds. We reserve the right to utilize any available capacity above or below these weight limits at our discretion. While we will try and accommodate whatever you bring "if it fits within the total weight allowance of the allotted aircraft for the trip," if not, it will be your responsibility to cover the additional cost or to leave some unnecessary items behind.

On this page, you will find suggestions of items to bring on your Alaskan adventure but remember to bring what is needed and leave what is unnecessary behind. Note, there usually is storage at the air taxi to leave some items you do not need on the river.

Clothing ~ with temperatures that average from the '30s to '50s at night and 40 to 70 during the day, a layered approach to clothing works best in Alaska. If you are fishing in breathable waders, your pants should be lightweight, warm synthetic material that wicks moisture away from the skin. Most guests wear chamois or wool shirts over thermal underwear with a sweater or jacket over that if necessary. Remember, you can always remove layers should you get too warm. While many guests try to get by wearing jeans around camp, remember if cotton gets wet, it stays that way. Therefore we strongly recommend you include at least one pair of pants made from some synthetic material.

Thermal underwear ~ Two pairs of good quality poly pro or capeline underwear are recommended as these wick moisture from the skin and are warm even when damp. Both pairs should be heavy expedition weight for late August and September trips. Besides your wading boots, bring some form of waterproof shoes such as knee boots or the LL Bean Maine hunting shoe to wear around camp. Invest in some windproof fleece pants and a jacket. They are worth the extra cost and can prevent you from becoming cold. If you ski, waterproof & windproof ski pants work well for this. Once again, please leave the cotton jeans and shirts at home or save them for use as travel clothing that you leave behind at the air taxi.

Dry Bag ~ Invest in one or two good-quality roll-top dry bags to hold your clothing and sleeping bag for your trip. No wheeled or hard-sided luggage will be allowed. We also ask that you pack in two smaller bags vs. one large bag, making loading the aircraft and rafts significantly easier.

Plastic Compactor Bags ~ These are an added layer of protection for things you do not want to get wet, like sleeping bags. Put those items into these and then into your dry bag.

Rain Gear ~ High-quality, sturdy rain gear jackets and pants are essential for any Alaska trip. A heavy rubberized canvas top and chest waders offer the driest combo. Bring the best you can afford. You might not need it, but you will not regret not skimping on this item if you do.

Waders ~ Chest waders with wading shoes. Note: as of January 1, 2012 - Felt sole wading boots were no longer allowed in Alaska waters! The breathable waders with fleece or thermal underwear underneath are the most popular for anglers. Please, no stream cleats or studs, as they damage our boats.

Sleeping Bag ~ A quality sleeping bag rated at least 20 degrees is suitable for most trips. A bag rated to 5 degrees or a bag liner is a good idea for any September trip. The insulation should be synthetic and not down.

We can now rent you sleeping bags on trips out of Bethel.  Available are 20-degree or 0-degree bags with a "sleeping bag liner" The liner, not the bag, is washed between trips / Rate of 89.00. 

Sleeping Pad ~ If you have a favorite and can pack it, bring it. We do have a supply of inflatable pads available. Let us know if you need one at the time of your final payment, and we will make a note to have it available.

Jacket - Windproof if best (Light to medium weight, not too bulky)

Thermal socks 2 - 3 pairs of wool socks

Baseball cap Wool or synthetic stocking cap

Heavy wool sweater Chamois or wool shirts

Wool or neoprene gloves

Extra set of clothing

Waterproof camp boots

Head net Towel & washcloth Toiletries

Prescription medications

Hand Cream (O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream, Fisherman's Friend, Bag Balm)

Camera, lots of memory cards, and extra batteries

Small flashlight

Knife

Pliers

Hook file

Insect repellent (100 % Deet)

Scissors or clippers

Rod Case - Rods should be in a rod tube

"Polarized" Sunglasses (a must)

Prescription glasses if needed

Corkies or other eyeglass retainers

Snacks (we provide three meals a day and limited snacks - You may want to bring your favorites if you are a heavy snacker)

Water bottle - Nalgene or similar (these are important)

Thermal Coffee Mug - We have cups, but your favorite mug may work much better!

Water Enhancer - Stur, Mio, Crystal Light, etc., in your favorite flavors.

Please do not quit smoking on your trip.

Alcohol and Other beverages - Bethel has no liquor stores. You may want to look into a Bush Order service such as the one offered by Brown Jug in Anchorage. (https://brownjugalaska.net/bush-orders) Please do not quit smoking on your trip! Bring enough for an evening cocktail, maybe a little more if you want to share. Whatever you decide to bring counts towards your weight limit.

Please do not quit smoking on your trip!

Positive Mental Attitude (not mandatory but strongly encouraged for the best possible outcome)

*Below is a list of things that people typically bring that will be of no use:

Any fly rod below a 6 wt. or under 9ft.

Wading boots with studs, we will not allow them in the boats. Period.

Many cotton T-shirts or jeans

hemostats will not debarb heavy hooks or pull them out of 5+ pound fish.

Firearms and Bear Spray are not allowed. The guides are all armed, and the camp is safer that way.

**These are the most forgotten items on trips in the past. Please ensure that you have these items with you when you board the floatplane. The ability to get any forgotten items to you once you're in the field can be difficult and very costly. If you don't have a particular item on the list, ask the air taxi if they can stop by the local store on the way to the takeoff site.

Fishing License (You will not fish without one on you) Go To The ADF&G Website

Water Bottle

Snacks

Water Flavoring if desired

Dry Bag(s) for personal gear

Sleeping Bag ~ *Bags are available for rent with fresh liners.

Bug Spray/Headnet

Fishing Rods/Reels/Flies/Tackle

Covid Test - It's a thing for some folks.

Alaska Rainbow Adventures / Covid-19 Protocols

All Guides and Guests must remain vigilant and aware that although several years have passed, Covid-19 is still a real-world issue that can adversely impact operations. We encourage all our guests to be vaccinated and boosted under current CDC Guidelines. We also ask that all guests include a Covid home test in their packing list for their float trip and a mask for use if necessary.

Our Native Communities are far removed from adequate medical facilities. As such, we must do everything we can to minimize and mitigate the potential spread of Covid-19 to these cherished and fragile communities. In part due to Covid19, we require some form of evacuation insurance for all guests in case such a situation arises outside the regular trip operation. This would be at your expense if you need to be quarantined before or after your journey with us. Granted, we will try and assist in any way possible, but ultimately any financial responsibility comes down upon the trip participant.

All our trips are booked on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to prior booking. They may be gone unless you have called, reserved them, and followed up with a deposit. You can book for groups of 2 to 10 persons in size, depending upon the water* you wish to visit. If you are a single angler, please ask about joining one of our existing trips. We can let you know what is available and put you on our email list, which keeps you updated on availability.

We reserve the right to fill any remaining spaces if your group size does not reach the maximum number of persons we take on any particular trip. All trips have weight limits, usually 250 pounds per person, including one's gear, due to aircraft capacity limits. While we will try to accommodate you whenever possible, any additional capacity may only be available at extra cost

*Togiak river trips are limited to six guests by permit, Goodnews, and Kanektok river trips to eight. Check the information page about the water you intend to fish for any additional specific details or limitations. Available spaces on scheduled trips are subject to change. There are weight limits on all trips, usually 250 pounds per person, including one's personal gear, due to aircraft capacity restrictions, if we can accommodate any equipment above that amount within the scheduled aircraft capacity for the trip, we will. If not, one's excess gear can usually be accommodated at an additional charge.

Deposits and Cancellations: A deposit of 50% of the trip cost is required to confirm a booking. Once confirmed by receipt of the initial payment/deposit, you are responsible for the entire total balance, even if you do not participate in the trip for any reason due to the short booking season and loss of revenue this represents. Deposits are due within 15 days of requesting space on any trip. Please note, however, that all spaces remain available for sale during this time.

Payments can be by check/pay-pal transfer (Credit cards payments can be sent via Pay-Pal + a 3.5% Convenience Fee) or wire transfer. Please note that all payments are non-refundable. Payment of the balance in full is due no later than 60 days before the start date of your adventure or June 1st, whichever comes first. Deposits and final payments are non-refundable and non-transferrable. We can not emphasize the purchase of trip insurance strongly enough. Receipt of deposit by Alaska Rainbow Adventures means you agree to these terms and conditions.

All reservations made within 60 days of departure require payment to be paid in full at the time of booking. "Special offers" are also to be paid in full when booking. If payment has not been remitted in full before the trip start, participation in the trip will not be allowed, and money received will not be refunded. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice.

Responsibility: Alaska Rainbow Adventures is not responsible for any loss, damage, or injury to persons or property, however, caused, or for any costs of accommodations and associated services caused by weather, transportation problems, and other events beyond Alaska Rainbow Adventures' control. If Alaska Rainbow Adventures cancels for reasons within our control, we will reschedule you for the next available date that works for you. There will be no refunds for canceled trips for any reason.

When necessary for the safety or comfort of our guests, Alaska Rainbow Adventures has the right to cancel or make reasonable schedule changes to all or a portion of your trip or services without recourse. This can be due to weather or events out of our control

While we make every attempt to have all the items we promise for any particular trip, due to operations and the logistics of operating in remote areas of Alaska, some services may be subject to change without notice.

It is your responsibility to ascertain that you are fit enough to participate in this type of activity and, in doing so, accept all risks and costs involved should it be deemed you cannot at any time before or during your trip with Alaska Rainbow Adventures.

Liability Waiver: Due to insurance requirements, each angler wishing to participate in any trip arranged by Alaska Rainbow Adventures must read and sign an "acknowledgment of risks" form and a copy of these terms and conditions. You accept and are bound by these terms and conditions even if you do not return the form. Download the waiver form.

Included is Air transportation from the trip's starting point and return flight to the starting point, accommodations while on the river in comfortable tent camps, meals, and guiding service. Alaska Rainbow Adventures also supplies life jackets for your comfort and safety.

What is not included: Overnight accommodations and meals at the starting or ending point of your trip, fishing license* tackle ~ this includes rods/reels*, flies, leader materials etc, gratuities, or items of a personal nature, your sleeping bag* for use on the trip, alcoholic beverages of any kind, park fees, taxes, travel/extraction insurance.

Note: As we are not a fixed operation such as a lodge, and travel throughout the Bristol Bay and South West region of Alaska and away from usual supply sources, we do not always have on hand many of the items that one might find available, included or as extras at a fixed operation, such as fishing licenses, waders, sleeping bags, tackle/lures, or for your guides to have on hand a substantial selection of extra available flies and lures, it is, for this reason, we ask that you supply those items.

You are responsible for purchasing your Alaska fishing license before your trip and having it on your person at all times while fishing. If you do not have it, you cannot fish on the trip, and we do not sell fishing licenses. Visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Website to purchase. If you are on a trip where fishing for king salmon is open and you plan on targeting King Salmon, you will also need to purchase a king stamp.

* We do rent sleeping bags with a freshly laundered liner for trips out of Bethel, Alaska as well as fly and spin fishing equipment.

Roughly speaking, a day goes something like this, our wake-up call every morning is about 7:00 am, with hot coffee available, and a hearty breakfast follows soon after. Then head back to your tent to pack up your gear, cot, sleeping pad, and tent, and take it down to the rafts unless it is a no-travel day; if that is the case, go fishing! (Later in the season, usually, this means in September, we get a later start to our day due to changes in the amount of available daylight.)

We start floating around 9:00-10:00 am, spending the morning floating and stopping to fish until lunch, which we have streamside. After lunch, we continue the float until we reach our evening campsite, usually arriving about 5:30 pm, sometimes a bit later, depending on who we had to drag out of that last hot run on the river where we stopped.

After unloading the rafts, everyone helps set up camp, generally taking about 30 minutes. The next decision is whether to sit back and relax or continue fishing the camp waters. Dinner is usually ready about 7:00 pm, after which you can wade fish the camp waters or hang out in the gathering tent.

We operate trips on three rivers within the 4.7 million acre Togiak National Wildlife Refuge.

The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act was passed in 1980 , creating the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge (ANILCA).There are nearly 500 lakes larger than 25 acres and 1,500 kilometers of streams and rivers inside its 4.7 million acres of land, which together sustain some of the best remote sport fishing in the world. The Refuge is home to Rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, and five different species of salmon. One of the largest wilderness areas in the National Wildlife Refuge System is located in the Refuge's northern 2.3 million acres. The wilderness area of the Refuge provides visitors with exceptional wildlife watching, world-class fishing, and a true wilderness experience.

According to ANILCA, the Togiak Refuge's goals are to protect water quality and quantity within the Refuge's boundaries, conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural diversity, fulfill our country's obligations under international treaties to protect the fish and wildlife resources we share with other countries and continue to allow local residents to use them for subsistence.

Understanding how local people use fish and animal resources for subsistence is essential to comprehend the significance of this final goal. Yup'ik Eskimos, native to western Alaska, have a similar culture and language to the Alaska Natives that reside in or close to the Refuge. Seven towns are located inside or close to the Refuge's limits. These villages have mixed subsistence-market economies, meaning that a sizable percentage of people's time is spent hunting, fishing, and gathering food essential to their physical and cultural survival. These activities are complemented by monetary income. Alaska's rural villages' economic, social, and cultural framework largely depends on subsistence activities. Up to 70% of the food consumed by locals in the settlements of the Togiak Refuge comes from food that has been foraged from the surrounding wilderness. The area's average yearly wild food harvest is 600 pounds per person, with fish making up a sizable chunk of that total. Alaska Rainbow Adventures works hard to avoid or minimize potential negative effects on local subsistence practices. Subsistence fishing is conducted by local residents using gill nets. This is legal and consistent with refuge management policy. Subsistence fishing at this level has little impact on the resource and has priority over sport fishing.

The Togiak National Wildlife Refuge is 4.7 million acres of pristine fish and wildlife habitat.This region is a kaleidoscope of landscapes, including mountain crags, fast-flowing rivers, deep lakes, tundra, marshy lowlands, ponds, estuaries, coastal lagoons, and sea cliffs. The Refuge is home to dozens of rich salmon rivers and streams that offer incredible fishing for our anglers.

Three major river systems comprising over 1500 miles or ater lie within the Togiak wilderness. These are the Kanektok, Goodnews, and Togiak Rivers, and untold numbers of salmon return to these waters yearly to spawn. These rivers are each in their own right "destination waters" for anglers in the know, there is prolific fishing here, and it is to these very waters that millions the returning salmon provide a myriad of opportunities to test your mettle. It's not just the salmon but also colorful and feisty Arctic Char and Dolly Varden, as well as some of the most beautiful trophy rainbow trout in the world! These rivers make up an Anglers Shangri-La in Southwest Alaska within the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge!

The Northern 2.3 million acres of the Refuge is a wilderness area, and covers about half of the Refuge and includes pristine rivers, clear mountain lakes, and steep-sloped mountains. It provides outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. The rugged Ahklun and Wood River Mountains, partly within the wilderness area, are noteworthy for their scenic values.

One of the primary purposes of the refuge is to continue providing local people with subsistence opportunities. The indigenous peoples here are the Yup'ik Eskimos. There has been evidence of human habitation in this area for 5000 years. Many people living in this region today live a subsistence lifestyle. Locals rely on wildlife for meat, so providing all the meat a family can eat from the land is possible.

Occasionally Threatened Species can be observedincluding Steller and spectacled eiders. Several arctic goose species frequent the Refuge, along with murres, seven species of owls, peregrine falcons, dowitchers, Lapland longspurs, and a wide variety of other seabirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, and raptors.

The Refuge is home to 48 mammal species, 31 of which are terrestrial and 17 marine.More than 150,000 caribou from two herds, the Nushagak Peninsula and the Mulchatna make use of refuge lands, which they share with wolf packs, moose, brown and black bear, coyote, Canadian lynx, Arctic fox, muskrat, wolverine, red fox, marmot, beaver, marten, two species of otter, and porcupine, among other land mammals. Seals, sea lions, walruses, and whales are found at various times of year along the Refuge's 600 miles (970 km) coastline.

Scenic rivers and mountains decorate the backdrop of this protected habitat, home to 48 species of land and marine mammals and 201 species of birds.Protecting important seabird nesting sites and major salmon spawning rivers, Togiak National Wildlife Refuge extends over 4.7 million acres - an area the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined - from the cold waters of Bristol Bay to the treeless tundra uplands of the Ahklun Mountains in Southwest Alaska. Almost half of these lands - the northern 2.3 million acres - are designated as the Togiak Wilderness Area, the second largest contiguous Wilderness Area within the National Wildlife Refuge System.

THINGS TO DO

Most visitors arrive at Togiak National Wildlife Refuge during the summer for guided float trips on refuge rivers, focusing on fishing and hunting. The Togiak Refuge's rivers are prime habitats for all five species of Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, and Arctic char.

Other activities in the Refuge include flightseeing, kayaking, hiking, backpacking, birding, photography, and wildlife viewing. Cape Peirce is a popular viewpoint located on the far western edge of Bristol Bay, where visitors have the opportunity to see Pacific walrus, spotted and harbor seals, and a variety of nesting seabirds, including horned and tufted puffins and common murres.

WILDLIFE

The Refuge's striking landscapes are complemented by a wide variety of wildlife. Togiak National Wildlife Refuge is home to moose, brown bears, wolverines, wolves, and many smaller mammals. The Nushagak Peninsula, in the southeastern portion of Togiak Refuge, was the site of a successful 1988 caribou reintroduction.

Along the 600 miles of coastline, seals, sea lions, walruses, and whales can be spotted at various times throughout the year. On the southwestern tip of the Refuge, Cape Peirce is one of only two regularly used land-based haul-outs for Pacific walruses in North America, with up to 12,000 male walrus hauling out here at one time. At least 201 species of migratory and resident birds flock to the Refuge for feeding, staging, and nesting, including seabirds, waterfowl, songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors.

LANDSCAPE

The rugged Ahklun and Wood River Mountains lie partly within the Refuge, including drainages for the Kanektok, Goodnews, and Togiak Rivers. These pristine, free-flowing rivers offer scenic views and outstanding recreation opportunities while providing important subsistence salmon fisheries. The rivers contribute a large part of Togiak's production of nearly three million Chinook, sockeye, chum, pink, and Coho salmon annually - the primary subsistence resource for residents of seven local villages.

Togiak National Wildlife Refuge encompasses a wide variety of landscapes, including the Akutan Mountains, tundra, sea cliffs, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and marshy lowlands.

HISTORY

Archaeological sites within the Refuge indicate that Alaska Native peoples have occupied the area for over 4,000 years. Under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, the Refuge expanded from 265,000 acres to 4.7 million acres in 1980.

FACILITIES AND CAMPING

Togiak National Wildlife Refuge has no roads, trails, campgrounds, or visitor services. Backcountry camping is permitted. The refuge headquarters is located in Dillingham, Alaska.

Getting Here, Primary access to the Refuge is by chartered aircraft or boat out of Bethel and Dillingham, Alaska, communities which are accessible by daily air service from Anchorage.

Interested in visiting the Refuge? ... Drop us a note from our convenient contact form!

Photo Tips:Have the camera and photographer both ready to take the picture before the fish is handled. Wet your hands before holding fish. Hold your fish horizontally and support its weight with both hands, one under the belly and one around the base of the tail. Photograph the fish in the water if possible. If you take the fish out of the water, hold your breath; when you have to breathe, it is time to put your fish back.

To reduce fish mortality, anglers need to handle fish carefully and quickly, cradle it gently keeping the fish horizontal in two hands. Please do not at any time squeeze the fish as vital organs can be easily injured especially in the throat or stomach regions.

When removing the hook from a fish if you hold it upside down you may find this often causes a calming effect and allows for easier hook removal, but again please do not squeeze the fish.

Keep hands and fingers away from the gills and the eyes. Grasp the trout gently and return it carefully into quiet waters when releasing it.

If you are going to photograph your trophy, have someone ready with the camera and do it quickly. Keep the fish in the water until you are ready for the shot and lift it just out of the water, not several feet high, where it can be injured when you lose your grip on it, and the fish falls to the stream bed.

Return the trout quickly to the stream. Always use barb-less hooks; not only does this make removing the hook from a fish easier, but it also comes out of an impaled fisherman with significantly less pain and effort. Trust us on this; we have seen enough anglers hooked by flies that were not de-barbed.

Revive the fish by gently holding it underwater, by the tail with one hand, and supporting the underbelly with the other. Face the fish into the current and gently move it back and forth; it may take a while, so please exercise some patience or ask your guide for assistance.

Respects other anglers' rights

Respects the rights of others who use the resource

Respects the rights of property owners

Keeps only fish she/he wants

Releases unwanted fish unharmed

Never litters or pollutes

Knows and follows boating and fishing regulations

Seeks new knowledge and skills

Shares his/her knowledge with others.

Summer in Alaska brings fish and fishermen. And fisherwomen. And fisher kids. In droves and hoards. The other extreme for Alaska fishing may seem to be an unapproachable dream to some: the solitude of a reach of the stream all to yourself, the sense of being completely alone on the water. Whether you are in a crowd or alone, your actions reflect more than just the need to follow the law: your actions depend upon your sense of angling ethics. Angling ethics are a gift we give to ourselves. What we do when confronted with choices while fishing reflects and reinforces our image of who we are.

By following the law, we can assure that we won't be ticketed, but our ethics and our behaviors help define who we are. These ethics determine how we treat other anglers, the respect we show to private property, our honesty in our relationships with others, and whether or not we pick up litter, work for the environment, and help other would-be anglers appreciate our sport.

As sport anglers, we often question ourselves and our actions. This is part of learning who we are. Do I ask a landowner for permission to fish, or do I sneak in? Do I enjoy watching another angler fish a hole and wait for my turn, or do I crowd in? Do I leave my trash behind, or do I bring a bag to clean up other's thrash and leave my fishing site better than I found it? How we answer these and other questions reflects our relationship with other people and how we view our role in the world around us.

Establishing a strong personal sportfishing ethic helps us grow as individuals. And one of the most difficult places to remain ethical for many is when fishing in a crowd. There are simple rules to follow when fishing in a crowd. These rules go beyond the law, make for a more pleasant experience for you as well as other anglers, and might be called crowd ethics.

Adapted from an old DNR poster, these are the ten commandments of fishing a crowded spot:

1. All persons who fish these waters are equal

2. Give each other space to fish.

3. Do not steal the spot of an angler busy landing a fish.

4. Use tackle heavy enough to control your fish quickly.

5. Land your fish quickly so that other anglers can get their gear back in the water.

6. When someone near you hooks a fish keep your tackle out of the way: stop fishing.

7. Fish in the same manner as nearby anglers.

8. Do not litter: pack out what you pack in, and more.

9. Do not intentionally snag fish. Release those that are snagged quickly.

10. Be courteous to fellow anglers.

In short, angling ethics have a lot to do with the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have done to you.

John Lyman is an aquatic education coordinator with the sport fish division of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

You will need to purchase an Alaska fishing license to cover the number of days you will be fishing..

All residents age 18 or older, and nonresidents age 16 or older must purchase and possess a sport fishing license to participate in Alaska sport and personal use fisheries.

You can buy them online by visiting the Alaska Department Of Fish And Game website by clicking the link below.

If you are fishing for Chinook Salmon, when available, you must purchase a king stamp. The face of that stamp must be signed in ink, and stuck onto the back of your current year's sport fishing license.

Remember, you are responsible for purchasing your fishing license before your trip and having it on your person at all times while fishing. If you do not have your fishing license, you will not be able to fish.

During your Alaska float trip with Alaska Rainbow Adventures, our policy is to release all species unharmed, except for the occasional male salmon destined for the dinner table.

If you want to take home a salmon or two, we ask that this be done on the last day of the trip, as cooler space and the ability to keep your catch fresh is limited.

Alaska Rainbow Adventures offers no fish processing services, and such services are rarely available in the hub cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, or Bethel from where we operate.

Below are links to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website and the regulation pages that deal with each specific region of the state in which we operate our Alaska Float Trips.

In each section, you can find regulatory information about each of the waters we perform our float trips.

Note: These are pdf documents of the current regulations, and those documents will open in a new window and may or may not be available at all times.

Bristol Bay Sport Fishing Regulations - Alagnak, Togiak and Nushagak Rivers ~ American, Moraine and Funnel Creeks, Chilikadrotna, Stuyahok, and Koktuli rivers.

Susitna Drainage - Talachulitna River, Lake Creek, and Alces Creeks.

Kuskokwim-Goodnews Drainages - Arolik, Aniak, Kisariluk, Kwethluk, Kanektok and Goodnews Rivers.

Both fly and spin fishing equipment are appropriate for the rivers we float, either method can be very successful.

We now have available 10wt, 8wt, and 6wt fly rod and reel packages from TFO for rent. Please inquire when booking your trip if you need rental rods.

If you need spin fishing rods and reels, we have those available at no charge. Not including lures.

We welcome non-fly fishing anglers on our trips and offer basic fly fishing instruction to those interested in learning more.

Spin or Casting Rods and Reels ~ If spin or bait casting outfits are your forte' a medium weight outfit such as that used for steelhead is appropriate. An example of what could be an all-around outfit is a medium action rod that can handle 10 to 15-pound line and lure weights from 3/8 to 3/4 ounce with Blue Fox pixies, we are partial to the chrome and red or pink variety, Mepps spinners, and T Spoons being favorites and available from Cabela's, Bass Pro or similar shops.

For kings, however, you will need to upsize a bit using a heavy action rod that can handle at least 20-pound line. Some anglers prefer 30-pound line for these tackle busters.

An ultra-light combo that can handle small spinners is also a great idea to have along for grayling, dollies, and smaller char and rainbows.

We do strongly discourage any use of treble hooks and request that you replace these with barbless single hooks one or two sizes larger. This is not only for the well-being of the fish but is required on some of the waters we float. This practice also assures more solid hookups and more fish safely landed.

We recommend that you bring at least two rods and reels along with extra spools and lines, if something should happen you will have spares.

What if I do not have all the gear? ~ We can rent you gear rods and reels be it spinning or fly fishing. If you need us to, please let us know and reserve this well in advance as we are limited in the quantity and number of rods and reels we have available for this purpose. We do usually have a limited number of spares on every trip should you have an issue with your equipment.

Fly Fishing Rods ~ For King Salmon, a 9 to 12 wt rod can be used, however, the rod you choose should have plenty of backbone to aid in the landing of these 20 to 60-pound fish. The preferred rod among our guests is a 9 to 9 ½ foot 10 wt rod that is capable of casting heavy wind-resistant flies.

Sink tip lines such as a Tenny T-400, SA wet tip V or fast sinking shooting heads are excellent for getting your flies down fast to the bottom of the rivers where most king catching is done. You should also include an appropriate floating line as well for shallow water situations.

For Chums, Coho, sockeye salmon, and big rainbows a 7 to 9 wt rod 9½ ft long with the most popular choice being a 9 foot 8 weight rod. Reels should hold at least 150 yards of 20-pound backing with floating and sinking tip lines to match the rod you choose.

For Pink salmon, arctic char, grayling, and rainbows the popular choice is a five-weight rod 8 to 9 foot with 100 yards of backing but a four or 6 weight will work well also.

Fly Reels ~ There are two schools of thought when it comes to fly reels for use in Alaska, with or without a drag. Which system you choose depends on how you perceive the fishing experience.

The type of reel you choose however is a personal one, we however strongly suggest that the reel you bring be of sturdy construction as it is going to get a workout. A spare spool is also advisable. A well-constructed, dependable reel with a smooth drag system is a must and if you have to bring just one reel it should hold at least 200 yards of 20 or 30-pound backing with an exposed rim so you can palm the spool as that fish of a lifetime leads you down the river.

There is a lot of great information about what flies to use in the different regions of Alaska and at when those patterns are most successful.

If we had to select just a minimalist selection of patterns the ones marked with ** would be our go to selections - But remember, if you don't have it, you can not exactly run down to the local flyshop and get more!
So how much to buy?, that decision is entirely up to you, so plan accordingly!

For Trout it's pretty much an assortment of beads in various sizes and color, egg patterns of any type, flesh, Dali Llama's, Sculpin's, Eel and Mice Patterns.

From the folks at Yellow Dog Flyfishing with whom we have been working for many years now there is this ** Alaska Fly Selection which for many anglers may be all you need!

Or you can also spend some time visiting the Alaska Fly Fishing Goods Web site Click Here to visit that site in a new window.

They have great fly selections perfect for your trip to Alaska, or you can pick up individual patterns there too!

Please also check out Alaska Signature Flies you can find them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaSignatureFlies/photos and/or Bristol Bay Flies at: https://www.bristolbayflies.com

Below are some of the most popular selections for use on our trips from the folks at Alaska Flyfishing Goods out of Juneau, Alaska!

If you are looking for spring trout in the rivers of Bristol Bay, the Kenai, or the Interior you need these flies! 30 of our favorite sculpins, leeches, salmon fry, and surface poppers make up this collection.

Alaska Spring Trout Fly Selection: alaska-spring-trout-fly-selection Twelve of our favorite Dolly Llamas in the best trout colors: Black & White, Olive & White, Olive & Brown and more. A combination of size 4 with the larger conehead and #6 with a smaller cone are included. All packed in a durable Polycarbonate fly box

Dolly Llama Trout Selection: alaska-dolly-llama-trout-selection Everything you need to catch coho! 12 of our favorite #2 Dolly Llamas in the best color combinations. Black & White, Pink & White, Pink & Purple and more. All packed in a durable Polycarbonate fly box

** Dolly Llama Coho Selection:alaska-dolly-llama-coho-selection Silvers take a wide variety of patterns. This 32 fly selection has the flies needed to catch these brawny fighters wherever you find them.

Silver Salmon (Coho) Selection: alaska-silver-salmon-fly-selection It's when Alaska's trout are at their most massive. To entice these monsters your fly needs to look like a T-Bone steak and it needs to get down. This 28 fly selection will get it done!

Fall Rainbow Trout Selection: alaska-fall-rainbow-trout-selection After the fry depart and before the salmon start spawning, rainbows and char look for mice, sculpins, and leeches to fill their bellies. This 28 fly selection includes our best versions of these three important food items.

Predator Rainbow Trout Fly Selection: alaska-predator-rainbow-trout-fly-selection Is there anything more exciting than swinging a surface fly and watching a huge V-Wake appear behind it? That is just what happens when Alaskan rainbows key in on mice. Check out this selection of Grade A Prime trout food.

** Dirty Dozen Mouse Fly Selection: alaska-dirty-dozen-mouse-fly-selection It's Mice, what more do we need to say? ... Rainbows love to slash and destroy these!

For pattern suggestions specific to your trip Contact Cory Hansen at Alaska Fly Fishing Goods by email at Cory@alaskaflyfishinggoods.com

Looking for beads? - They come in all the assorted sizes and colors you need for your Alaska trip with us Click Here to check out the ** Alaska Bead Selection from Trout Beads.com

Toss in a package of your favorite strike indicators We like the Thingamabobber 1/2" or 3/4" ~ You can find the on Amazon

Hardware

Blue Fox Pixees: Shop Cabelas and Blue Fox Vibrax Spinners: Shop CabelasWe are particular to the orange and pink variety Sz 3 Vibrax and 7/8 Pixee and some smaller sized lures for trout and grayling would be a good idea to have along too.

Note: Single Hook Only - Please change before your trip andnot in the rafts during the trip.

The time it takes to land and release your fish and the way you handle it is critical to its survival.

TIPS FOR CATCH & RELEASE

Summer temperatures increase stress on fish and make a quick and careful catch and release critical to their survival. Taking time to revive your fish by gently moving it back and forth underwater until it swims from your hands will increase its survival chances. Leaving a fish in the water gives it oxygen for quicker recovery and also supports the fishs weight, reducing stress on its internal organs and spine. Holding a wet cloth or wearing a wet glove helps grip the fish and reduces injury from movement

GEAR

Use gear and line strong enough to bring fish in quickly. Use flies. Fish caught on flies are more likely to survive than fish caught with bait. Go barbless. Barbless hooks allow for a quicker release and decrease injury to fish. When tying flies, either buy barbless hooks or compress the barb on the hook with pliers before you tie.

LANDING YOUR CATCH

Land fish quickly before they are played out. Use a knotless or rubber mesh net. Nets minimize damage and handling time. Avoid fishing for cold-water species (ie. trout) when water temperatures near 70 degrees. Fish are stressed in high temperatures and are less likely to survive when released.

REMOVING THE HOOK

If possible, remove the hook quickly and gently while keeping your fish in the water. Use a hemostat to back the hook out of its entrance hole. If your fish is hooked deeply, cut the line near the hook.

HANDLING YOUR CATCH

Minimize the time your fish is out of water. Wet your hands when handling your fish. Measure and photograph the fish with it in the water. Never toss a fish back. Gently support the fish facing into the current until it swims from your hands.

REVIVING YOUR CATCH

If the fish does not swim out of your hands, you may need to revive it. Move the fish gently back and forth underwater until it swims free. From a boat, revive a fish by leaving it underwater in the landing net with the opening facing into current until the fish swims free.

Local Perspectives

Anglers visiting western Alaska are encouraged to respect the rights of private property owners and to respect traditional perspectives. Many local residents are concerned about catch and release fishing practices. Yupik people feel these practices are disrespectful to fish and are in conflict with their traditional ethics.

These ethics teach that when animals are mistreated, the natural order becomes disrupted and people risk future food shortages. If disrupted, the fish will move away and may never return to the river.

It is important that visitors acknowledge and respect these traditions by respecting their catch and observing careful catch and release practices.

Keep the fish in the water, Use single hook lures or flies, When taking pictures, cradle the fish with both hands, Pinch your barbs down and If you can not remove the fly easily, consider cutting the line or the hook.

Tipping your guides on a week-long Alaska float fishing trip is customary and appreciated. Gratuities are not included in the cost of the package and are left to the discretion of the individual angler. This should be in cash and can be given to the head guide at the end of your trip from there it will be evenly distributed to all the guides. The amount of the tip is up to you, but a good rule of thumb is to tip 10-20% of the cost of the trip. If your guide went above and beyond, you could tip more.

Here are some factors to consider when tipping your guide:

The length of the trip: A week-long trip is a significant investment, so you may want to tip more than you would for a shorter trip.

The quality of the service: If your guide was knowledgeable, helpful, and made sure you had a great time, you should tip accordingly., remember they are not just your guides, but also cooks, dishwashers, Sherpa's etc... these guys work hard and do it all and are doing significantly more than those at any lodge or day trip operation.

Your budget: If you are on a tight budget, you can still tip your guide something, even if it is just a small amount.

Here is an example of how much you might tip your guide on a week-long Alaska float fishing trip:

For Example: Cost of the Goodnews River Float Trip: $6,995

10% tip: $699.50

15% tip: $1,049.25

20% tip: $1,399.00

Ultimately, the amount of the tip is up to you. If you are happy with the service you received, you should tip your guide generously.

Here are some tips for tipping your guide:

Tip in cash: This is the most appreciated way to tip your guide.

Tip at the end of the trip: This is the standard practice for tipping guides.

Tip in person: This is a more personal way to show your appreciation.