WILDLIFE, KAYAKING, & FISHING
DAY TOURS
GUSTAVUS, ALASKA
Boat-in Remote Island Tour:
River Fishing + Bear Search
This full-day fishing excursion is designed those looking for a unique fishing adventure. We will boat from Gustavus, Alaska to a river on a nearby island where we’ll be dropped off for the day. The island has more brown bears per square mile than almost anywhere else on the planet. On the 45-minute ride to/from the river, it is common to spot sea otters, sea lions, and even whales.
We’ll be fishing a wild “last frontier” landscape with almost no signs of civilization to be found. As we fish and hike along the river, you’ll be humbled by the mountains that rise up to form the river valley. The area is so remote that we almost never see any other anglers on this river. Brown bears, however, are plentiful and we'll search for them throughout the day. Depending on the time of year, we’ll fish for Salmon and/or Trout. You will have the choice between fly fishing and spin fishing gear, and we provide casting lessons for those new to fishing.
Insider Info: Upon arriving at the river, most guests say that they don’t even need to catch fish because the pristine surroundings are worth the trip alone. When the day is over, they have tired arms from catching so many fish and hearts filled with awe about the unique place they explored.
Price: from $525 / person
Duration: 7 hours
This is a group tour with a 6 guest maximum. Please inquire if you would like a private tour.
Fishing license not included.
Bush Plane Fly-in Remote Island Tour:
River Fishing / Bear Search
Fly by small plane from Gustavus, Alaska to Hoonah, Alaska to fish and/or search for brown bears. Hoonah is a small village on Chichagof Island that consists of about 900 residents, most of which are Alaska Natives (Tlingit Indians). Chichagof Island has among the highest brown bear population densities in the world. During our flights to/from the island, we’ll look for whales feeding in the waters or icy strait and for bears walking the coast lines.
Once we arrive, we'll drive on old loggings roads to access the Tongass National Forest where we’ll fish and/or search for bears. We'll travel off the beaten path to visit areas of the island that few travelers see. You'll learn about the animals and plants that make up the temperate rainforest and we may be able to watch salmon spawn and pick wild berries. Depending on the time of year, we can fish for Salmon and/or Trout. You will have the choice between fly fishing or spin fishing, and no experience is required.
Pro tip: If you schedule this tour for your Gustavus arrival or departure date, we can arrange for the pilot to fly you between Gustavus/Juneau with a stop in Hoonah for the tour. We can store your bags in a safe, locked place during our tour in Hoonah.
Price: from $650 / person
Duration: 6 hours
This is a group tour with a 5 guest maximum. Please let inquire if you would like to make it a private tour.
Bear Watching River Trip: Hike In, Float Out
Chichagof Island has among the highest brown bear population densities in the world. We’ll travel about 45 minutes by boat to reach the island, searching for sea otters, sea lions, and whales along the way.
Once we arrive, the boat will drop us off and we’ll begin hiking up the river and looking for bears. You will be humbled by the mountains that rise to form the river valley, and enjoy the solitude of this wild place.
After a 2-3 mile hike up the river, we will enjoy hot drinks along the riverbank. Then we’ll inflate our packrafts (small 6-pound inflatable boats that fit in a backpack) and float down the river until we meet the ocean. Can you imagine the thrill of floating past a brown bear feeding on salmon? After we reach the mouth of the river, we’ll end the day with a boat ride back to Gustavus.
*Weight limit: 220 pounds
Private Tour:
1-4 people: $2,300 Total
Additional: $425 / person
Duration: 7 hours
6 guest max.
River Fishing + Kayaking
Fish the Salmon River in Gustavus and use waders and kayaks to reach the best and least visited fishing spots around. Upon arriving at each spot, we will fish from shore (not from the kayaks). We’ll start upriver and make our way downstream, ending where the river meets the ocean. As we travel the river, we'll keep an eye out for bald eagles, bears, and moose. Depending on the time of year, we’ll have the opportunity to catch Dolly Varden, Cut Throat Trout, Pink Salmon, and/or Silver Salmon. You will have the choice between fly fishing or spin fishing, and we provide casting lessons for those new to fishing.
*Weight limit: 225 pounds
Private tour:
1-2 guests: $950 Total
Additional: $250 / person
Duration: 4.5 hours
Availability: July - September
Fishing license not included.
Sea Kayaking to Island
Join us for a relaxing sea kayaking adventure from Gustavus, Alaska to a nearby uninhabited island. It is common to spot bald eagles, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises, and even whales as we paddle through the waters of Icy Strait. You will also have the chance to explore remote beaches and their unique tide pools which contain creatures such as starfish and sea anemones. As we enjoy hot drinks on the beach, we will watch for bears, moose, and wolves roaming the coastline and sea creatures swimming along the kelp-rich shoreline. Before heading back we’ll do a short hike through the island’s old growth forest. This unique kayaking tour allows you to see a part of Alaska that very few visitors have ever stepped foot on. Normally it takes 1 hour to paddle to the island, we spend 2.5 hours there, and finally it takes 1 hour to paddle back to Gustavus. This is a private trip for just your party- no waiting around for slower guests or feeling like you have to keep up with a speedster!
*Weight limit: 220 pounds
Private Tour:
1-2 guests: $750 Total
Additional: $250 / person
Duration: 4 hours
Wade-In River Fish
Wade and fish a 1-mile stretch of the Salmon River. We’ll start upriver and walk downstream, fishing up to 10 different holes. The trip is perfect for those who might find it difficult to get into/out of a kayak but still want to fish the Salmon River. As we travel the river we will have the chance to see bald eagles, bears, and moose. Depending on the time of year, we’ll have the opportunity to catch Dolly Varden, Cut Throat Trout, Pink Salmon, and Silver Salmon. You will have the choice between fly fishing and spin fishing gear, and we provide casting lessons for those new to fishing.
Private Tour:
1-2 guests: $900 Total
Additional: $200 / person
Duration: 4.5 hours
Availability: July - September
