"Since 1993, we've been guiding Alaska's untamed rivers—opening doors to waters few ever see."
Your Unforgettable
Alaska Float Fishing Adventure Begins Here!
It didn't start as a business. It started as a way of life. Long before we ever put a logo on a boat, we were running these rivers the way they're meant to be run—slow, deliberate, and with a deep respect for the fish, the water, and the wild country that holds them. We learned every bend, every braid, every quiet side channel where a trout lives its whole life without seeing a bootprint. That's the foundation of Alaska Rainbow Adventures: not marketing, not volume, not "capacity." Just decades of living on these rivers and caring about what happens to them.
Hi, I'm Paul Hansen. I started this operation in the early 1990s, and over these past three decades we've built something pretty special out here. Today we hold exclusive USFWS permits on Southwest Alaska's premier waters—the Kanektok, Goodnews, Arolik, Alagnak, Moraine, and Togiak—floatplane-access-only rivers in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge where the fishing is as wild as the country that holds it. These aren't just places we visit. They're our home waters. We've been running these specific rivers longer than most outfitters have been in business, and those permits aren't random. They're precision-timed based on thirty years of watching these rivers, understanding fish movements, and knowing exactly when the fishing hits its peak.
What Makes a Trip With Us Different
We don't chase crowds—we chase solitude, silence, and the kind of water you only find when you're willing to float for days to reach it. We don't run a program; we run a river. Every day is shaped by conditions, fish behavior, and what the water is telling us—not a rigid schedule. And we don't do "Alaska lite." We do the real thing: remote, wild, immersive, and honest.
On our trips, you could be targeting trophy rainbow trout, all five species of Pacific salmon (kings, silvers, sockeyes, chums, and pinks), plus Dolly Varden, Arctic grayling, and Arctic char. Whether you're swinging mouse patterns for leopard rainbows on the Kanektok—where we hold seven of the best dates for Alaska's finest mouse-fishing—or watching a silver salmon charge your fly on the Goodnews (we've got six prime-date permits there), you're fishing waters that consistently produce. The variety is what makes Bristol Bay fishing special. One day you're sight-casting to rising grayling in a clear tributary. The next, you're stripping streamers for big rainbows staging behind salmon.
Wilderness Comfort That Actually Works
It's the combination of serious fishing and actual comfort. A lot of float trips give you one or the other. We give you both. After thirty years, we've figured out how to run a proper wilderness camp—the kind where you're not just surviving, you're comfortable.
Forget cramped, damp "boy scout" tents that leave you miserable when the weather turns. We use custom-built Alaskan-made Arctic Oven tents—spacious, stand-up-height shelters designed for Alaska's conditions. We were among the first to use them on float trips over a decade ago. Each tent fits two anglers comfortably, with cots, chairs, and room for your gear. When it's pouring rain and blowing sideways (which it will be at some point), you'll appreciate the difference. We pioneered this approach because we got tired of watching clients suffer through miserable camps. Your sleeping setup shouldn't be the worst part of an expensive Alaska trip. Learn more about why we do our trips the way we do!
Guides Who Know These Rivers
We run a 2:1 guest-to-guide ratio on most trips. That means two anglers per guide, which gives you the attention you need and the flexibility to fish at your own pace. Our guides aren't seasonal staff rotating through different operations—many have been with us for years, running these specific rivers season after season. They know the water, they know the fish, and they know how to handle whatever weather Alaska throws at us. When you fish with us, you're getting guides who've spent years—sometimes decades—on these specific rivers, not guys who show up for a summer season.
We don't treat guests like clients. We treat them like people we're sharing our home water with.
Access to Waters Others Can't Reach
All our trips are floatplane access only—we fly you into the headwaters and pick you up downstream days later. These rivers are in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, and access is controlled by limited permits. We hold some of the most productive dates on the best rivers. That means you're fishing water that doesn't see much pressure, with fish that aren't boat-shy or spooked. This is what three decades of operating in Alaska gets you: the right permits, on the right rivers, at the right times.
As for the Arolik and a few other special waters we fish—those are by request only. That's intentional. We're not trying to maximize trips or pack schedules. We're protecting these places and making sure the experience stays what it should be: wilderness fishing without the crowds. We don't compromise on conservation—these fish, these rivers, and this wilderness come first, always.
The Real Alaska
We've run hundreds of these expeditions. We know what we're doing, and we don't cut corners. Between the guides, the equipment, and our decades of logistics experience, the trip runs smoothly so you can focus on fishing. We use custom-built rafts designed specifically for Alaska float fishing—comfortable, stable, and rigged for serious angling. Our whole crew, from logistics to camp setup, is focused on one thing: making sure your trip is everything it should be.
Anyone can sell a fishing trip. Not everyone can share a river the way we do.
Ready to Talk About Your Trip?
Give me a call at 1-907-357-0251 or send an email. We can talk through which river makes sense for what you're after, go over dates, and answer any questions you've got. This is locally owned, Alaska-operated, and I live this year-round. If you want the real Alaska float fishing experience—the kind where wilderness, comfort, and exceptional fishing all come together—this is where you'll find it.
Read More About Us
Popular
Alaska Float Fishing Trips
Of Mice and Rainbows!
Multiple Dates Available In July!
The Kanektok River is home to an abundant population of small rodents, such as voles and lemmings, which serve as critical food sources for the rivers Large, hungry, and aggressive Leopard Rainbow Trout
The Grand Slam Trip
July 31 to August 6
Get ready for the ultimate Alaskan fishing adventure on the Goodnews River! Imagine reeling in every type of Pacific Salmon Kings, Sockeye, Coho, Chum, and Pink plus battling feisty Dolly Varden and magnificent Rainbow Trout. This isn't just a fishing trip; its an unforgettable family experience before school starts, packed with thrilling catches and memories that will last a lifetime!
The Fall Extravaganzas
Experience the stunning beauty of crisp autumn days and vibrant fall colors on our most popular float trips! Choose between the Goodnews or Kanektok Rivers rfor the last trips of the season and target Dollies, Char, Rainbows, Coho salmon, and more, as you witness breathtaking scenery both above and below the water.
Coho Mania!
August 16 to 23 ~ Goodnews River
Get ready for explosive strikes and awe-inspiring aerial acrobatics from these aggressive fighters, all set amidst a backdrop of the spectacular Alaskan wilderness, both will leave you breathless.
01
What was said about us
Testimonials
John Widman
"We had an excellent trip, the guides and the other clients made the trip a huge success. It's an enormous undertaking to do what you do in the wilds of Alaska.
Logistically, it was a superbly orchestrated effort that showed what a professional run guide service can accomplish with talent and forethought. I just hope I will have the privilege of a future adventure with Mike, Andrea, and Mike Goffos! And thank you Paul, for making it all happen!"
Rob Steers
"We've done a DIY Alaska River trip for 12 years. I always thought that was a trip of a lifetime. Then we did an extended trip on the Goodnews with Alaska Rainbow Adventure and that is our new benchmark for any other trips.
I used to dream about the Tal River.... Now I will dream about the Goodnews River---WE WILL BE BACK"
Glenn Deweese
"Had a great time with Big Mike, John and Little Mike. Didn't get a chance to ride with Cole but fished with him on the breaks. Really enjoyed John's advise, big mike's knowledge and little mikes toughness.
"This was the best trip I have ever taken to date."
Craig Phillips
"Mike and Mike were amazing. The kept us informed during our "weather break" in Bethel, and made every effort possible to make the trip happen. I appreciate the planning and preparation involved in pulling together our complicated trip. When Don had a medical issue, they handled it with sensitivity, and arranged for an airlift out, ensuring the safety of all involved. The guides are hard working guys, with great personalities. They shared their extensive knowledge freely, as well as their life stories. I feel that I made a couple of new friends.I will be fishing with them again!
If you're looking for the adventure of a lifetime, call these guys up, and do it. What an experience we had."
Joshua Holtom
"We spent a week on the Goodnews River float with head guide Mike, Ohio Mike, John and Cole. This may have been the best week of my life, we had such a good time with these guys, they were helpful, hardworking and provided us with guidance to ultimately catch more fish!
If you're looking for the adventure of a lifetime, call these guys up, and do it. What an experience we had."
Jeffrey Morrow
"I fished the Goodnews River with Alaska Rainbow Adventures and head guide Mike Bianchi last week and had a GREAT time. It was my first time in Alaska, and an adventure it was. Mike and his crew worked hard all day, everyday to ensure that the guests were well taken care of, and of course, to get us into fish. Some in our group caught all five salmon species, plus Lake Trout, Rainbow, Dollies, and Grayling. But this was so much more than a fishing trip. The beauty of Southwest Alaska is something to behold, complete with wildlife and majestic landscapes. Flying in a float plane and camping on the river brings home the wilderness that still remains in this beautiful country. Mind you, this is not a trip for those that want to be constantly pampered... it's a camping and fishing expedition guided by experts. If you're ready for an adventure, give Alaska Rainbow Adventures a call, you'll be glad you did!"
Via Google Reviews
Pete B.
I floated the Goodnews in early August. The experience was everything I expected. Alaskan Rainbow Adventures is a very professional and a top notch guide service. The guides were very knowledgeable, friendly, and hardworking. The food and camp experience was incredible as well. The fishing on the Goodnews river was excellent. Although the Silver run was delayed, we were still able to catch eight different species of fish, including the Salmon slam.
The Goodnews River offers many photographic opportunities. Between the continuously changing landscape and the encountered wildlife, anyone with a camera will end up with hundreds of photographs at the end of this trip. I would definitely recommend Alaska Rainbow Adventures, and I plan on using this guide service in the future.
Via EMail
Jeff C.-pt 1
Alaska Rainbow Adventures not only crossed off an item on my list, but it also exceeded all of my expectations! From the moment I arrived in Bethel until I left 10 days later, the trip was truly remarkable.
I came for the fishing, which was phenomenal, but I was treated to so much more thanks to our guides. They were supremely courteous and professional, and very good at what they do. However, what they did was so much more than just putting us on the fish. Working 14-hour days every day is tough enough. But when you consider ALL that they do during those 14 hours, that's when you begin to appreciate the magnitude of their efforts.
Via Email
Jeff C.-pt 2
Their duties included making breakfast, breaking down camp, loading the rafts, guiding and rowing the rafts safely down the river, always positioning the boat correctly to maximize the fishing, netting the fish (we caught hundreds of fish), finding suitable campsites, unloading the rafts, setting up camp, cooking dinner, cleaning dishes, building fires, making lunch for the next day, and being responsible for our safety and security for the entire trip. They did all of this with not only a positive attitude but also with a smile on their faces and a genuine concern for their clients.
I am not sure how much they get paid, but it's not enough. They definitely deserve a raise! The incredible fishing, to steal a phrase from one of my trip-mates, 'size and volume,' was expected (and it was awesome), but Mike and Dac's incredible work ethic, positive attitude, knowledge/experience, and genuine likeability made this trip extraordinary. This was the trip of a lifetime and hope to return to Alaska for another adventure, and if I do, it will undoubtedly be with the crew from Alaska Rainbow Adventures!
Via Email
Michael Grant-pt 1
I had done this type of float fishing and camping trip up in Alaska in the past with another outfit that is no longer in operation, since then I have been talking with Paul Hansen about his trips with Alaska Rainbow Adventures, after having been recommended to him by a guide friend of mine. When things on my end finally allowed me to pull the trigger on heading to Alaska again, I chose their Goodnews river trip, in this case the last one of the season and a ten day trip to boot!
Thinking back on all the lodge and camping trips I have done in the past, let me tell all who read this, that this is the kind of trip for you, especially if you are a fishing junkie like myself! While lots of lodge trips are more luxurious, on those trips we all find ourselves back at the lodge by 4 o`clock swapping stories, comparing the days fishing, showered and drinking. On this trip at 4pm you are still out fishing as hard as you like and can continue to do so all night if you have not gotten enough. Imagine after dinner wandering back to the river and fishing for a couple of hours and adding five to twenty additional fish to the days already ludicrous tally and only then throwing in the towel for the night!
Via Email
Michael Grant-part 2
If you are reading this you are most likely considering going to Alaska, if you do, be sure to give seriously consideration to this professionally run tour in which every comfort is taken into consideration. On this trip there was a shower, bathroom, comfortable sleeping accommodations, and most importantly 'Great Guides' who never stopped working for you!!!
The guides were completely professional, hard working and put us on so many fish that we were actually whipped by day's end, and what day's they were! We would wake up to an excellent breakfast, fish until lunchtime when we would have shore lunch if we were traveling that day or perhaps something more hearty if not. Fishing and moving down river would resume after and last until we stopped at that nights camp / fishing hole, where we would have dinner, and as I said earlier, fish after if you wish!
Everybody owes it to themselves to try one of these trips, and when you do, it surely will be fondly burned into your memory until your end of days. So figure out what fish you want to target, sign up for one of their killer trip's and have a great time! I will be returning again and again to make more of those memories with Alaska Rainbow Adventures, they run an awesome program.
Via Email
