Alaska Fly-in Float Fishing Trip Planning/Advice

[Toneloc]

Have only been to AK once for a vacation with the wife, but was able to get 3 days at a fly in lodge on that trip in 2023. Rivaled best fishing experience of my life and been dying to get back to AK for a dedicated fishing trip since. My 16 yr old son has really taken to flying fishing/ tying this summer. I am also lucky to have an awesome father-law who is getting into his upper 60s but still in awesome shape. Want to plan a DIY float trip for the (3) of us for August 2027 while son still can get away for summer and before FIL gets any older. Has any done a trip like this with (3) in a raft? Any feedback? I imagine it might be close quarters, but planning to pick a less technical river with relatively shorter distance, intending to fish more and raft less. The other option is find a 4th person and do (2) boats, but struggling on a good candidate for that.

Have been researching rivers, flies, timing, operators etc. Figured probably have quite a few AK veterans on this board. What have you learned from your past fishing float trips that you wish you knew before hand? Would be great to get some lessons learned.

Thanks ahead.

 

[Gust43]

3 in one raft works fine for a relaxed, fish focused trip especially on a milder river with shorter days. Close quarters, but doable with good packing and a 14 16ft raft. You'll bond hard; just rotate rowing and keep gear organized. Less technical less stress.

Lessons from AK float vets

Overpack food snacks you burn calories and fishing makes you hungry.

Bring bug dope, head nets, and rain gear August can be wet cool.

Dry bags repair kit are non negotiable.

Plan shorter days 4-6 hours floating so you actually fish, not just survive.

Have a sat phone or Garmin inReach cell service is a myth.

Test pack the raft at home; weight distribution matters.

4th person 2 boats makes it roomier and safer, but finding the right guy is key. Stick with 3 if the river fits it's special.

Research rivers like the Kenai, Gulkana, or quieter Copper tributaries. Start booking permits gear early for 27. Sounds epic you'll make memories. What rivers are you eyeing?

 

[mtnbiker208]

floatalaska.com might be a good starting point.
lots of rental companies that work with air charters up there.

 

[Toneloc]

I've been eying up Renfros and Papa Bear. Want to do one of the rivers that they access out to Bethel. Both those outfits seem to get pretty good reviews. Read a Moose thread on here and seemed like a toss up between the two. Both got praised on that thread. Not sure how far out these guys book up, have some emails out on that, but know this is probably their busy season so have not heard back yet.

Any recommendations on fly rods? Planning on 2 rods that way have a back up and also can leave them rigged for different setups. I'm thinking a 10' 6 wt for bead fishing to rainbows, dollys/char, and maybe some mousing on the rainbows. That rod would do okay for some drys for grayling as well.

Then thinking a 9' 8wt for second rod dedicated for running streamers and poppers/gurglers for Coho. I liked the idea of the Lamson liquid that comes with extra spools for the 8 wt. Could have a floating line and one with a sink tip.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I've been eying up Renfros and Papa Bear. Want to do one of the rivers that they access out to Bethel. Both those outfits seem to get pretty good reviews. Read a Moose thread on here and seemed like a toss up between the two. Both got praised on that thread. Not sure how far out these guys book up, have some emails out on that, but know this is probably their busy season so have not heard back yet.

Any recommendations on fly rods? Planning on 2 rods that way have a back up and also can leave them rigged for different setups. I'm thinking a 10' 6 wt for bead fishing to rainbows, dollys/char, and maybe some mousing on the rainbows. That rod would do okay for some drys for grayling as well.

Then thinking a 9' 8wt for second rod dedicated for running streamers and poppers/gurglers for Coho. I liked the idea of the Lamson liquid that comes with extra spools for the 8 wt. Could have a floating line and one with a sink tip.

Add a 3-4wt for graylings of those interest you. Personally I find them annoying, I hate having to get my line out of the water because a damn grayling took the bait instead of a nice trout.

My rod 8wt for salmon and steelhead is a 9’8” and it’s been amazing for that type of stuff, A 10’ 6wt is a good choice too for fishing off a raft and drifting eggs and stuff. Personally I do 90% of my fishing with a 9’ 7wt and a fast sinking line.