Alaska inquiry...

[Onitsuka]

Hello to all...

My wife has recently given me the "ok" to plan an Alaska trip next summer. I know...sad but true...the permission must be granted. I am an avid fisherman...fly and the rest. I am thinking about taking the 2 - 6 grand it would cost to be pampered and guided and putting it toward a "do-it-yourself" adventure. I have guided in Alaska so I'm familiar with the risks/requirements of enduring some time in the bush. My question to the board is has anyone done the same? If so how? RV, fly-in backpacking...or just car cruising? I would like to find some resources (books, maps...the like) to plan my trip. I'm hoping someone out there might be able to point me in the right direction. Stories are welcome...below here is one of mine.

Early one morning in my second week of manning the Nush camp I found myself comfortably going through my morning routine...start the fire...put the water on for coffee...and start prepping the other stoves for my camps early arrivals. I found it peaceful...the other boats not yet on the water...the lodge planes not yet buzzing the skyline...the light dim but gradually bringing more color into the heavenly surroundings. While down on one knee filling a dual fuel Coleman tank I got that strange feeling that I was being watched. Sure enough as I looked upriver to my left not ten yards beyond my wall tent there stood Mama Moose and her yearling. I had seen them across the river from my camp earlier in the week...happy to see know the distance between us would keep the unpleasantries to a minimum. Now frozen in the less comfortable twenty yard proximity my heart was racing...being a young guide in The Great Wilderness my first instinct was..."run to the tent and get the camera." I took one long swift stride and froze again. This time remembering some of the warnings that had been passed on by my more experienced peers of the dangers of Moose. Instead of bolting I slowly walked to my tent...the Moose still in her place watching me intently. I wasn't heading to the tent for the camera...but rather for some cover. I made it to my tent and the Moose wandered into the bush...I did not see them again that summer. I felt relieved, blessed and amazed. What a great memory.

Anyhow...I've attached a photo of a Trinity River half-pounder. Hope you all enjoy and I look forward to any advice/responses that you can provide.

Thanks...

[MikeT]

I've done two self-guided rafting trips out of Dillingham, one on the Kanektok River and one on the Arolik River. We booked the fly-out with Freshwater Adventures, and rented rafts, camp kitchen, etc. through one of the raft rental companies in Dillingham. Cost was reasonable and the fishing was great. The only downside is having to handle all the logistics and details yourself.
Another option would be to book one of the self-guided trips offered by Rainbow River Lodge. Essentially the same kind of deal except they arrange the flights, equipment, and logistics for you. Still a good deal in my opinion.
I'll be doing another self-guided trip next month, this time on the Alagnak. Same kind of deal as before: we handle all the logistics and arrangements for equipment rentals. Fortunately, one member of our party is really into doing this kind of thing so he's handling all the arrangements. I expect it will be another great outing.

I'm sure there are any number of similar trips that can be set up. You might do some web searches and see what you find that way.

good luck.....Mike

[Onitsuka]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the tips. I will definitely look into both of these options. I appreciate your time. I hope you have a great trip...be safe and put the hurt on the fish.

Best regards,

Matt

Originally Posted by MikeT

I've done two self-guided rafting trips out of Dillingham, one on the Kanektok River and one on the Arolik River. We booked the fly-out with Freshwater Adventures, and rented rafts, camp kitchen, etc. through one of the raft rental companies in Dillingham. Cost was reasonable and the fishing was great. The only downside is having to handle all the logistics and details yourself.
Another option would be to book one of the self-guided trips offered by Rainbow River Lodge. Essentially the same kind of deal except they arrange the flights, equipment, and logistics for you. Still a good deal in my opinion.
I'll be doing another self-guided trip next month, this time on the Alagnak. Same kind of deal as before: we handle all the logistics and arrangements for equipment rentals. Fortunately, one member of our party is really into doing this kind of thing so he's handling all the arrangements. I expect it will be another great outing.

I'm sure there are any number of similar trips that can be set up. You might do some web searches and see what you find that way.

good luck.....Mike

[Grantspastor]

The Koktuli and Alagnak rivers float well with good fishing. Easily accessed by float plane from Iliamna

[greenbuttskunk]

Just a thought. Check out www.salmonshores.com We are ifish sponsors.
Affordable cabin rentals on Prince of Wales Island. You can do some or all of your cooking, rent boats and gear up there, do your own thing. Guides and charters available too. Great steelhead fishing in the spring. All 5 species of salmon, halibut, trout. Crab, prawns, and clamming. An inexpensive way to be comfortable, relax, and catch alot of fish.
If you'd like additional info, feel free to contact us.
Have fun up there! alaska is a dream!
GBS