Moraine Creek is the dream stream that won't disappoint but remember, the Red Ones are Sockeye, The Dark One's Rainbows, and the Brown Ones, well, those are Bears!
Our Moraine float trips involve more wading than floating as we use the rafts to transport ourselves and our gear from one location to the next over some 16 miles of river, sometimes camping in the same place for a couple of nights.
While the Moraine is one of the more frequently fished streams in the Bristol Bay area, this should not discourage you from considering it as a fishing destination. The abundance of sockeye salmon results in rainbow trout from nearby lakes like Kukaklek being attracted to the area, and angler success rates are typically high. Additionally, for those who love adventure, Moraine Creek offers an excellent opportunity to view and photograph brown bears in their natural habitat as they partake in this bounty.
The Moraine is open for fishing from June 8 to October 31, however for the most success we focus our float trips towards the middle of August when the egg drop is on. At this time, your best bet is to use 6mm and 8mm beads. It might take some experimenting to determine the right color and size for the day, so having a wide variety is a good and inexpensive plan. Having some flesh flies and streamers on hand is also a good idea.
The rainbows in Moraine Creek are long-lived, resulting in resident fish hooked multiple times. Many of these fish show beat-up mouths, but using pegged eggs has saved many trout from hook-related mortality.
You can't predict how many people you'll encounter on the Moraine on any given week, you can however count on catching numerous trophy rainbow trout and perhaps even that fish of a lifetime.
You also have the opportunity to fish before and after the planes from lodges arrive and depart and experience the Morane nearly abandoned, except for you and your fellow anglers, something lodge guests never do.
Fishing in
Moraine Creek is
unique for
several reasons:
###
World-Class
Rainbow Trout
Fishing
Moraine Creek is
renowned for its
large,
hard-fighting
rainbow
trout—some of
the best in
Alaska. These
fish thrive due
to the abundant
food supply from
the annual
salmon runs.
###
Spectacular
Salmon Runs
The creek
experiences
massive sockeye
salmon runs
during the
summer,
attracting
predators like
trout and bears.
The salmon spawn
creates a rich
food source,
making rainbow
trout fishing
exceptionally
productive.
### Remote
and Pristine
Wilderness
Situated near
Katmai National
Park, Moraine
Creek features
an unspoiled
environment with
breathtaking
landscapes of
mountains,
tundra, and
clear waters.
### Wildlife
Encounters
Anglers often
have the chance
to see bears
fishing
alongside them,
as well as other
wildlife,
creating a truly
immersive
experience in
nature.
### Fly Fishing
Paradise
The
creek is shallow
and clear,
making it ideal
for sight
fishing and fly
fishing. Anglers
can spot and
target fish,
enhancing both
the challenge
and excitement
of the
experience.
### Limited
Access
Its
remoteness
necessitates
access by
floatplane,
which limits
crowds and
preserves the
solitude and
quality of the
fishing
experience.
These
factors make
Moraine Creek a
bucket-list
destination for
anglers.
### Detailed
Breakdown for
Planning Your
Adventure
**Why Choose
a Guided Float
Trip?**
-
**Access Remote
Waters:** Float
trips allow you
to cover more of
Moraine Creek
and access
less-pressured
fishing spots.
You may
encounter fewer
other anglers on
the creek.
- **Expert
Guidance:** Our
professional
guides know the
creek
intimately,
including the
best locations
for trout and
the most
effective flies
to use.
-
**Safety:**
Guides ensure
that proper bear
safety
protocols,
navigation, and
wilderness
guidelines are
followed.
-
**Comfort:**
Trips include
meals, quality
camping gear,
and logistical
support.
### Trip
Highlights
-
**Duration:**
Seven days and
six nights for
trips in 2025.
-
**Fishing:**
Enjoy consistent
opportunities to
catch wild
rainbow trout,
with some
specimens
exceeding 25
inches in
length.
-
**Scenery:**
Experience
breathtaking
landscapes,
including rugged
mountains, clear
waters, and
abundant
wildlife.
- **Wildlife
Viewing:** Be
prepared for
encounters with
brown bears,
bald eagles, and
other wildlife
native to
Katmai.
### What's
Included?
- **Meals:**
Hearty meals
prepared
on-site.
- **Camping
Equipment:**
Tents, cots,
camp chairs, and
sleeping pads.
-
**Transportation:**
Floatplane
flights from
King Salmon to
Moraine Creek at
Spectacle Lake
and back.
### What to
Bring
-
**Personal
Gear:**
-
Layered clothing
(preferably wool
or synthetic for
warmth and quick
drying).
-
Waterproof
waders and
boots.
- A
good rain
jacket.
-
Polarized
sunglasses for
better
visibility in
the water.
- **Bear
Safety Gear:**
While guides are
armed, it's
important to
familiarize
yourself with
bear safety
rules.
-
**Miscellaneous:**
Sunscreen,
insect
repellent, and a
quality camera.
### Costs
- **Rates:**
The regular rate
is $6,595.00 per
person for a
seven-day,
six-night guided
float trip from
King Salmon,
Alaska, but
for
these select
trips we have a
special rate of
$5,995.00
Trips are
available from
August 12 to 18,
2025, and August
20 to 26, 2025.