Alaska

Fishing Bear Camp, Alaska 2023 Recap and 2024 Forecast

Connor Johns | Head Guide and Lodge Manager - Fishing Bear Camp December 12, 2023

The clear, cool waters of the Wood River system, carved by glaciers millenniums ago provide the world’s most productive Sockeye Salmon spawning habitat on earth.

Within the past six years the region has experienced consecutive record setting salmon returns and phenomenal spawning activity. The influx of salmon breathes life into the region providing a rich forage base throughout the year for a multitude of species.

After numerous years of exceptional salmon returns resident fish populations have flourished. Rainbow trout caught in remote rivers rising to caddis patterns or lunging for mice are healthy and abundant. During the 2023 season there were many smiles as anglers were able to witness the impressive feeding display of voracious trout taking a terrestrial pattern on the surface or sight casting to a rising fish. The Arctic Char population overall has consistently put on weight and length, each fish putting up a sporting tussle and great numbers have led to many a tired arm and successful day on the water. Taking the time to enjoy some of the cleanest water and most picturesque settings offered in Southwestern Alaska gave many anglers the opportunity to present subtle dry fly patterns to rising Grayling, prolific in numbers and size.  

The past season will be remembered with good fishing alongside avid anglers. We are grateful for all of the support and look forward to providing fishing opportunities during the coming season

Available 2024 Fishing Bear Camp Dates:

  • July 1 – 7: 8 spots
  • July 15 – 21: 2 spots
  • July 22 – 28: 6 spots
  • August 5 – 11: 2 spots
  • August 12 – 18: 6 spots
  • August 19 – 25: 4 spots
  • August 25 – September 1: 3 spots

2024 Rate: Per person based on double occupancy.

$5,750 plus estimated $750 round trip charter flight for a 6 night/ 6 day package

Included: Accommodations and meals at the camp, guided fishing, airport meet and greet in Dillingham, ground transportation in Dillingham, fly fishing rods, reels, flies, leaders, tippets, etc.

Not Included: Round trip airfare to Dillingham, round trip float plane flight from Dillingham to the camp, accommodations and meals in Dillingham, alcohol, staff and guide gratuities, fishing license, towel

Species: Rainbow trout, Arctic char, grayling, pike, sockeye salmon

Season: July to early October

Capacity: 8 anglers

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Dillingham and overnight at Beaver Creek B&B (independently arranged, not included).

Day 2: Take a scenic charter float plane flight from Dillingham to the camp (arranged by lodge, not included in package). Upon arrival at Fishing Bear Camp, guests will move into their waterfront cabin and then head out for a full day of guided fishing.

Days 3-7: Five full days of guided fishing.

Day 8: After breakfast guests will have time to finish packing their gear. Guests will depart the camp in the morning for the charter flight to Dillingham and beyond. Return flights from Dillingham should not be scheduled to depart before 3.

Fishing Bear Camp, Alaska

Experience the remote and scenic waters of Wood Tikchik Park, the largest state park in the US

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Our Alaska Destination Manager is David Kalinowski