Getting to Alaska
Your journey starts in Anchorage, then continues to one of three hub communities, then by floatplane to the river.
Fly to Anchorage (ANC): Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is Alaska’s primary gateway and the starting point for virtually every one of our guests. It’s served by Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, and others with direct service from Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, Denver, Chicago, and most major U.S. cities.
Most guests arrive in Anchorage at least one day before their connecting flight to the bush hub. That buffer is strongly recommended — it covers delays and gives you time to buy last-minute items or purchase your Alaska fishing license if you haven’t already.
From Anchorage you’ll take a connecting flight to one of three hub communities, depending on which river you’re fishing. All three are served by Alaska Airlines, typically multiple times daily:
| Hub City | Distance from ANC | Rivers Served | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel (BET) | 400 air miles west | Goodnews, Arolik, Kanektok | ~1 hour |
| King Salmon (AKN) | 290 air miles southwest | Alagnak, Moraine Creek | ~1 hour |
| Dillingham (DLG) | 327 air miles southwest | Togiak | ~1 hour |
Arrive the evening before your trip start date. Plan to be in your hub city (Bethel, King Salmon, or Dillingham) the evening before your trip begins. Weather can delay bush flights, and you need to be ready for a morning departure.
Return flights: Book your return flight from the hub city for the evening of your trip’s end date — or better yet, the following morning. This buffer protects against weather delays, which are common and beyond anyone’s control.
Check current schedules at alaskaair.com. Morning, afternoon, and evening options are typically available but change seasonally.
Important Note to Group Leaders
Share pre-trip information with all party members to ensure everyone understands preparation requirements and cancellation/refund policies. If you do not provide this information to all group members, Alaska Rainbow Adventures cannot be held financially responsible for any resulting consequences.
Bethel Hub
Primary departure point for Goodnews, Arolik, and Kanektok River trips. Plan to arrive the evening before your trip starts and stay at Hackney’s.
Bethel is a Yup’ik community of approximately 6,400 residents located on the Kuskokwim River, 40 miles from the Bering Sea. As the largest rural community in Alaska and commercial hub for 56 surrounding villages, it serves as the gateway to Western Alaska’s premier fishing waters. The community is 400 air miles west of Anchorage and accessible only by air or barge. Traditional Yup’ik practices and language remain predominant in the area.
Phone: (907) 545-2598
Comfortable accommodations specifically geared toward visiting anglers. They understand the unique needs of fishing guests and provide convenient airport pickup. Book both arrival and return nights when making your reservation, and coordinate return-day timing with them directly.
Phone: (907) 543-2261
Airport pickup on arrival, transport to B&B, morning pickup for river flight, and floatplane service to the river. Contact Renfro’s directly regarding timing for your morning flight. They coordinate with our guides.
Storage: Gear you don’t need on the river can be stored at Renfro’s hangar or our onsite storage container during your trip.
Bethel has no liquor stores. If you wish to bring alcoholic beverages on your trip, you must arrange this in advance through a “Bush Order” service from Anchorage. Search online for “bush orders for alcohol Anchorage” and have your order delivered to either your B&B or Renfro’s Air Service in Bethel.
Critical reminder: Whatever you bring counts toward your 250-pound total weight limit. Plan accordingly.
Morning of trip start: Renfro’s will pick you up from Hackney’s for your floatplane flight to the river. Our guides will have preceded you to the river and will meet you at the put-in location. Flight time varies by river but typically ranges from 45–90 minutes.
Gear storage: Any items you don’t need on the river — extra luggage, street clothes, dress shoes — can be stored at Renfro’s hangar or our onsite storage container during your trip.
Return to Bethel: On the final day of your trip, we depart the village of Goodnews Bay (or the respective river endpoint) around 2:00 PM via wheel plane for the return flight to Bethel. You’ll be dropped at Renfro’s hangar to collect any stored gear. Note that your return flight to Bethel will be with a different air service than the outbound flight.
Post-trip: Most guests return to Hackney’s for showers and to change into fresh clothes before shuttling to the airport. Coordinate your return-flight timing with Hackney’s when booking — they can arrange day-use or evening accommodations if you’re flying out the same day.
King Salmon Hub
Departure point for Alagnak River and Moraine Creek trips. King Salmon is 290 air miles southwest of Anchorage in the heart of Bristol Bay.
King Salmon serves as the primary gateway to Katmai National Park and the Alagnak River system. The town exists primarily to support commercial fishing and sport fishing tourism. Served by daily Alaska Airlines flights from Anchorage.
Office: (907) 246-8525 or (888) 735-8525
Reservations (Rachael): (208) 569-7482
Rachael works remotely. If she doesn’t answer, leave a voicemail or text. For same-day changes, call the office directly.
Phone: (907) 246-3437
Airport pickup, transport to lodging, floatplane service to the river, and return flight to King Salmon. Contact Branch River Air (or your B&B) regarding timing for your morning river flight.
Bear Trail Cabins · beartrailcabinsalaska.com
(801) 851-0797 or (907) 246-3011
Arrival: Arrive in King Salmon the day prior to the start of your trip and overnight there. This protects against commercial flight delays and gives you time to organize equipment.
Trip start: Branch River Air (or your B&B) will pick you up for your floatplane flight to the Alagnak River or Moraine Creek. Our guides will have preceded you to the river.
Return to King Salmon: We typically arrive back around 3:00 PM on the last day of your trip via floatplane.
Departure planning: Book your Alaska Airlines return flight for either late afternoon/evening of your end date or the following morning. Weather changes arrival times, and flexibility saves frustration.
King Salmon is subject to the same weather-dependent flying conditions as Bethel. Dense fog, high winds, and storms can delay floatplane operations. Always build flexibility into your schedule, and consider overnight accommodations for your return day.
Weight Limits & Packing
Small bush planes run on hard math. The weight limit is real and enforced. Plan around it at home, not at the floatplane dock.
The 250-Pound Total Rule
Your body weight plus all personal gear must equal 250 pounds or less. This is a hard limit set by aircraft capacity. Most guests aim for 50 lbs of gear, which leaves comfortable margin for average body weights. A few examples:
- 200 lb person → 50 lb gear limit
- 180 lb person → 70 lb gear limit
- 220 lb person → 30 lb gear limit
Weigh your packed bags at home with a luggage scale before you leave. Decisions made at home are far easier than decisions made at the floatplane dock with everyone waiting.
We will always do our best to accommodate gear that goes slightly over the limit when it still fits within the plane’s overall weight allowance. However, any additional charter cost is your responsibility, and in some cases non-essential items may need to be left behind at the departure point.
You don’t need to bring everything to the river. Items you won’t need during the float can be stored at Renfro’s hangar or in our onsite storage container. You’ll collect them when you return to Bethel at the end of your trip.
What to store: extra luggage, street clothes for travel home, dress shoes, electronics you won’t use on the river, anything non-essential. This lets you pack light for the river while still having fresh clothes for your journey home.
How to Pack It
- Soft-sided luggage only — duffel bags and compressible packs, not hard-sided suitcases
- Two-bag system: one 40–45 lb duffel for clothing and camp gear, one 5–10 lb day pack for fishing and personal items
- Rod tubes: hard tubes are fine for commercial flights. Four-piece rods in soft cases save space in the bush plane
- See the full Packing Info page for the complete gear checklist
What to Leave Behind
- Extra shoes beyond wading boots and camp boots
- Cotton clothing (jeans, cotton t-shirts, cotton socks)
- Excessive changes of clothes — you’ll be in the same waders every day
- Heavy books or non-essential electronics
- Anything you won’t actually need on the river
Essential Gear & Equipment
The short version: quality rain gear, chest waders with rubber-soled boots, layered synthetics, and the right fishing gear. Cotton kills — leave it home.
Fishing Equipment
- Fly rods: minimum 6-weight, 9 feet. 7–8 wt ideal, 9-wt for Kings and big silvers
- Bring two rods — a backup is essential on a float trip this remote
- Floating lines for most fishing; sink-tip or full-sink lines useful
- Spare spools with backing; 200+ yards for salmon
- Leaders: 0X–3X for salmon, 3X–5X for trout and char. Bring plenty
- Flies: we provide a working selection (Dolly Lama, mouse patterns, gurglers, beads, flesh flies). Supplement as desired — see our Flies & Tackle page
- Pliers (not hemostats) — essential for heavy hooks
- Line nippers, hook sharpener, spare rod tips, waterproof fly boxes
- Split shot and Thingamabobber strike indicators (1/2” or 3/4”)
Clothing & Layering
- NO COTTON — ever. It absorbs water and stays cold. Wool or synthetics only
- 2 sets poly-pro or Capilene base layers. Late Aug/Sep: expedition weight
- Chamois or wool shirts (2–3); fleece jacket or vest; synthetic insulated jacket
- Windproof fleece jacket and pants
- Quality rain gear is non-negotiable — rain jacket and rain pants
- Chest waders (breathable recommended)
- Wading boots: rubber soles only — no felt (illegal in Alaska since 2012), no studs (damage the rafts)
- Waterproof camp boots — LL Bean Maine hunting shoes work perfectly
- Warm hat; sun hat with brim; fingerless gloves + warm backup; polarized sunglasses
Camping & Overnight
- Sleeping bag: quality synthetic, rated 20°F minimum (not down). September trips: 5°F or liner
- Sleeping bags available for rent in Bethel — 20° and 0° with fresh liners
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunscreen (high SPF), lip balm with SPF, insect repellent
- Personal medications (full supply plus extra)
- Quick-dry towel, personal toiletries
- Camera and extra batteries/memory cards
Prohibited & Not Recommended
- Firearms or bear spray — guides are armed; our camp system handles bear safety
- Felt-soled wading boots — illegal in Alaska
- Studded or cleated wading boots — damage the rafts
- Cotton clothing — t-shirts, jeans, cotton socks
- Fly rods under 6-weight or under 9 feet — not appropriate
- Hemostats — bring pliers instead
- Hard-sided luggage or wheeled bags
License & Insurance
Two things you cannot show up without: a valid Alaska fishing license and travel insurance. Neither is optional.
All nonresidents age 16 or older must purchase and possess a sport fishing license. Buy online at adfg.alaska.gov before your trip — ideally at least a week out. Print it, and save a digital copy as backup.
2025 Nonresident Costs
- Annual Sport Fishing License: $145 (calendar year)
- King Salmon Stamp: $100 (required when targeting Chinook). The stamp must be signed in ink and affixed to the back of your license
Purchase & Timing
- Purchase online at adfg.alaska.gov
- You can buy months in advance — valid for the calendar year
- Print the license and bring it on your person at all times while fishing
- You can also purchase in Anchorage before connecting to the hub city
You are responsible for having a valid Alaska fishing license on your person at all times while fishing. We operate in remote locations far from any supply source. If you forget it, you cannot fish — there is no refund. Don’t forget it.
Travel insurance is required for all Alaska Rainbow Adventures trips. Through decades of operating in remote Alaska, this is the one lesson that stands above all others. See our dedicated Travel Insurance page for full details.
Why It’s Mandatory
- Weather delays — bush flights are weather-dependent and delays are common
- Medical emergencies — we’re hours from medical facilities
- Emergency evacuation — can exceed $100,000 without coverage
- Trip cancellation — illness, family emergencies, work conflicts
- No refunds for any reason — insurance is your only protection
Coverage & Providers
- Required: Trip cancellation/interruption coverage equal to full trip cost
- Strongly recommended: Emergency medical evacuation, helicopter evacuation, remote wilderness activities
- Global Rescue — our recommended partner for medical evacuation
- Travel Guard, Allianz, InsureMyTrip.com (comparison site)
- CFAR coverage must be purchased within 14–21 days of your initial deposit
On the River — Guidelines
The Togiak National Wildlife Refuge has been a wild place for thousands of years before we got there. Our job is to leave it that way.
Aircraft Safety
During your trip you will be around aircraft on several occasions. Stay away from any plane unless actively boarding or deplaning. When you land at the river put-in, our guides will escort you away from the aircraft and handle offloading your baggage.
Critical rule: never walk toward the front of the plane. That is where the propeller is. Guests should avoid the landing area at all times.
Respecting Native Culture
The Yup’ik people have used these rivers for subsistence — hunting, fishing, ice fishing, berry picking, firewood — for thousands of years. Their subsistence use is essential to the local economy and culture.
We have friends in the villages and they occasionally visit camp. Do not offer alcoholic beverages to our native friends. All villages on our rivers are dry communities.
When natives are present, discourage photographing fish and handle fish with the utmost respect. Local Yup’ik believe fish are thinking, feeling beings.
Trace-Free Camping
We practice trace-free camping — leaving absolutely nothing behind. Cigarette butts go in your pocket or the trash. Pick up anything you see, including monofilament fishing line.
These pristine waters remain unspoiled because everyone who floats them treats them accordingly.
Catch & Release
We practice catch-and-release using single de-barbed hooks. De-barb all your hooks before fishing — not a few, all of them. This way nobody forgets.
Wear polarized glasses for eye protection at all times while fishing. Keep fish in the water whenever possible during release.
Power boats on the river are common (sport fishing and native subsistence). Step out of the water when you see them to avoid being splashed by the wake.
Fish Photography
Keep fish in the water at all times during photography. If photographing from a boat, we pull to shore first. Gently hold the fish in the water until the photographer is ready, then raise it six to eight inches briefly, then immediately lower it and release.
Do not photograph fish when natives are present.
Bear Safety
We have never had a serious bear incident in thirty-plus years of guiding these rivers. Our guides carry shotguns with slugs — this is why guests do not need to bring firearms or bear spray.
If you encounter a bear: speak loudly, don’t run. Wave your arms and yell “Hey bear!” to alert others and give the bear room to leave.
Life Jackets & Wading Safety
We provide commercial-type life jackets. Wear them while on the boats or in the water. Eye protection is required while fishing. If you wear waders, use a wading belt for safety.
Be cautious when wading and avoid stepping on spawning beds (redds) — salmon eggs washed downriver damage critical habitat.
Fishing License — On the Water
Keep your Alaska fishing license on your person at all times while fishing. Guides will advise on techniques and productive water each day. Having multiple rods set up with different rigs makes switching between techniques easier.
Each evening we’ll discuss the next day’s plan — species, techniques, and what to have rigged up in the morning.
The TNWR was established to conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural diversity. It allows aircraft and power boats within the wilderness area as a means of access — a unique status that makes these rivers accessible while keeping them genuinely wild.
Daily Schedule & Camp Routine
Float trips have a natural rhythm. Here’s what a typical day looks like from coffee to campfire.
Morning
- 7:15 AM — Coffee: Guides up early and serving coffee. Morning light, plan your day
- Before breakfast: Pack your gear in dry bags and leave them by your tent for guides to load — prevents tents blowing in strong wind
- 8:00 AM — Breakfast: Hearty meal prepared by guides
- 9:30–10:00 AM — On the river: Depart camp and begin the day’s fishing
Midday & Evening
- ~1:00 PM — Lunch: Riverside deli-style lunch. 30–45 minute break before continuing downstream
- Afternoon: Continue exploring productive water as we work toward evening camp
- 5:30–6:00 PM — Make camp: Guides set up dining tent and sleeping tents
- Dinner: Hot meal prepared by your guide, stories around the driftwood fire, debrief on the day, plan for tomorrow
Tell us if something isn’t working. We have the equipment to repair or replace most items. Do not tolerate any discomfort — speak up and we will address it. Our goal is a comfortable, enjoyable trip and clear communication during the trip prevents issues from compounding.
Your Travel Timeline
From booking to the first morning on the water — what to do and when.
Book your trip — high-demand dates fill a year or more in advance.
Purchase insurance within 14–21 days of your deposit for maximum coverage including CFAR.
Complete required forms — liability waiver, acknowledgment of risks, pre-trip questionnaire. Return promptly.
Book commercial flights to Anchorage and hub city. Arrive hub city the evening before your trip starts.
Reserve accommodations in hub city — Hackney’s in Bethel, Antlers Inn in King Salmon. Book for both arrival night and return night.
Purchase Alaska fishing license at adfg.alaska.gov — and King Salmon Stamp if applicable.
Order bush alcohol (if desired) from an Anchorage bush-order service. Bethel and the villages are all dry.
Gather and organize gear. Physical preparation: these trips involve daily wading — stay in reasonable shape.
Reconfirm all reservations: flights, B&B, return-day plans, Alaska Rainbow Adventures.
Pack and weigh bags at home. Target 50 lbs of gear or less.
Print documents: fishing license, trip insurance, flight confirmations, accommodation details.
Contact your air taxi (Renfro’s or Branch River Air) to confirm timing for the morning river flight.
Fly to Anchorage with time to make your connection.
Connect to hub city via Alaska Airlines to Bethel, King Salmon, or Dillingham.
Check in to B&B. Renfro’s (or Branch River Air) will pick you up at the airport.
Organize your gear, get a good night’s sleep. Early morning departure tomorrow.
Morning pickup from B&B by Renfro’s or Branch River Air.
Floatplane flight to the river — 45–90 minutes depending on destination.
Meet your guides at the river put-in. Adventure begins.
Bethel return: Wheel plane departs around 2:00 PM back to Bethel. King Salmon return: arrive ~3:00 PM via floatplane.
Collect stored gear at Renfro’s hangar or Branch River Air.
Freshen up (highly recommended): most guests return to the B&B for showers and clean clothes, then shuttle to the airport.
Return flight options: evening Alaska Airlines connection OR overnight at B&B and fly out the next morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to the questions that come up year after year. If yours isn’t here, ask Paul directly.
We always do our best to accommodate. If your gear goes a few pounds over but still fits within the plane’s overall capacity, we’ll make it work. Significant overages may result in additional charter costs being your responsibility, or you may need to leave non-essential items behind. Make these decisions at home, not at the floatplane dock.
Sleeping bags are available for rent in Bethel (20° and 0° with fresh liners). We can sometimes lend rods and reels if arranged well in advance — contact us at booking. We do not have fishing licenses, waders, or tackle available. We operate from remote locations far from any supply source.
This is exactly why we recommend arriving at the hub city the evening before your trip and scheduling your return with a buffer day. If you can’t make your trip start date due to commercial flight delays, trip insurance will typically cover associated costs. Book with flexibility built in.
No. There is no cell service or internet access on any river we float. Our guides carry satellite communication devices for business communication and genuine emergencies. You’re welcome to bring your own satellite device — Garmin inReach is popular for texting home. Otherwise, you’re fully disconnected. Most guests agree that’s half the point.
Let us know when booking. We’ll do our best to accommodate within the limits of bush logistics. Severe restrictions may require bringing some personal food items within your weight allowance — discuss this with Paul before your trip.
These trips involve daily wading in rivers, getting in and out of rafts, and on Standard trips some participation in camp setup. Being in reasonable physical shape significantly improves your experience and comfort. If you have specific health or mobility concerns, contact Paul to discuss your situation before booking.
Guide gratuities: not included in trip cost. Industry standard is 15–20% of trip cost, divided among the guide team based on service quality. Bush pilot gratuity: $50–100 per person is customary for the pilots who transport you to and from the river. Bring cash — credit cards are not an option in the bush.
Yes. Non-fishing guests are welcome on many of our trips. They’ll experience the same incredible wilderness, wildlife viewing, and camping adventure. Pricing may be adjusted for non-fishing guests — contact Paul to discuss.
Depends on your flight timing. Most guests with evening flights return to the B&B after landing at Renfro’s, shower, change into fresh clothes, and then shuttle to the airport. If you’re flying out the next morning (recommended), book that night. Coordinate directly with Hackney’s about your specific timing and needs.
Included: floatplane transportation from hub city to river and return, professional guide service and fishing instruction, all camping equipment and facilities (tents, cots, chairs), all meals from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on the last day, non-alcoholic beverages and purified water, life jackets and safety equipment.
Not included: commercial flights, B&B accommodations, Alaska fishing license, fishing gear (rods/reels/tackle), sleeping bag (rentals available in Bethel), waders, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities, or travel insurance.
We practice catch-and-release fishing for conservation. While selective harvest within ADFG regulations is technically permitted, we do not offer fish processing services and they are rarely available in Bethel, King Salmon, or Dillingham. Our trips focus on catch-and-release sport fishing using single de-barbed hooks to preserve Alaska’s wild fish for future generations. Plan your trip around the experience, not the harvest.
Discuss it with the head guide privately, as soon as it comes up. We can address most issues on the river and resolve them before they compound. Taking time to communicate during your trip prevents misunderstandings and keeps your experience what it should be. The decisions of the lead guide are final — but that doesn’t mean don’t speak up.
If you have questions about the river, the trip, or what to expect on the water — email Paul or call (907) 357-0251. Flight bookings and travel logistics are your responsibility, but he’ll give you a straight answer on anything related to the trip itself.
Questions Not Covered Here?
Paul answers logistics questions directly. Ask before you book — that’s what he’s there for.