For adventuresome anglers that want to float the best rainbow and salmon systems in the legendary Katmai region of Southwest Alaska, look no further. Choose from the remote and rugged American Creek, the longer multi-species Alagnak float, or more basecamp-style trips on Moraine and Funnel Creeks. The outfitter provides all the needed rods, reels, and flies as well as tall, six-person tents for every two anglers complete with cots and pads. Your guides will set up camp on great home waters each evening enabling guests lots of time to fish while the camp is being set up and broken down.

June and July are the best months to fish with mice, dries and streamers and August and Septembers are the highest catch rate months where anglers will fish beads behind the spawning sockeyes. Hearty meals are served in a big screen-walled main tent, and with long hours of daylight, these are great trips for anglers that want to fish hard in the heart of Alaska’s most productive trout waters.

Hooked on Alaska float trips are 5- or 6-day fishing adventures where guests float between 40 and 65 miles, setting up new camps each night. These trips are self-assisted meaning the fishing boats will have all the gear and when the day of floating is done, the guides will set up camp while the guests typically fish the home water. During the day most of the fishing will be done while wading, but at times guests will also fish out of the boats while on the move. There will be two anglers per boat/guide. Because there is lots of daylight in the summer, guests can also fish unguided after dinner and the evening hours in June and July provide some great top-water mouse fishing.

On short systems including Moraine and Funnel Creeks, the outfitter will set up a base camp from which anglers will hike the river each day. These systems tend to be rather busy during the days (8AM to 5PM) with guests flying in from regional lodges, but campers get the place to themselves the rest of the time.

The centerpiece of their camps is an eight-person screened tent that protects against wind, rain, excessive sunshine, and bugs. On inclement days, small portable chairs will be set up in the main tent and outside on the warm sunny days. On the river, guests will sleep in six-person tents (two guests per tent) with provided cots and sleeping pads. The tents are large enough to stand in if you are 6 ft tall or shorter. There is enough room inside to comfortably manage gear. A dry bag will be provided for you to keep your gear from getting wet in the raft. Guests will need to provide their own sleeping bags and pillow. We recommend a bag in the 15-to 20-degree range.

The menu is a combination of different Alaskan dishes including sockeye salmon, halibut, ribeye’s, and an assortment of other Alaskan dishes. They prepared hot breakfasts and lunches are prepared streamside.

Day 1: Arrive King Salmon, AK and overnight at elected accommodations (independently arranged, not included).

Day 2: In the morning you will be met by a representative from Hooked on Alaska and transfer via floatplane to the launch point for the first day of fishing.

Day 3-6: Four full days of guided fishing and camping

Day 7: This is the last day of floating. The float plane will meet you and transfer you back to King Salmon. You may connect to a departing fly home. Conversely, guests may elect to overnight in King Salmon and depart for home on Sunday (independently arranged, not included).

2024 Rates:

$5,700 per person in June and July, $6,000 p/p in August for a 5 night/4 day package

$6,000 Per person in June and July, $7,000 p/p in August for a 6 night/5
day package

Included: Accommodations and meals on the river,
round trip transportation between King Salmon and the river, dry bag, guiding,
tackle, fly rods, and flies.

Not Included: Round trip airfare to/from King Salmon, accommodations
and meals in King Salmon, fishing license (available online), alcohol, staff,
and guide gratuities, sleeping bag.

Species: 
Rainbow trout, char, Arctic grayling, five species of Pacific salmon (dependent
on location)

Season: 
June to September

Capacity: 4 anglers

Who is best suited to this destination?

These trips are well-suited to guests looking to experience the real Alaskan bush on its own terms. These are true wilderness trips where folks will be camping, sleeping on cots, and dealing with the elements the entire time. Bears and bugs are realities on most trips. These are adventure trips designed for folks who enjoy a bit of roughing it and a chance to get away from highly pressured areas.

Where is the lodge?

The float trips originate out of King Salmon in Southwest Alaska. The region is often referred to as the Katmai region.

How do I get there?

Guests book flights to King Salmon and then overnight. There are several simple places to stay in King Salmon and we are happy to recommend a spot. The next morning you will be met by a representative of the outfitter and transfer to the river via float plane.

When should I go?

Trout fishing season runs from June 8 through mid-September. Prime time for mousing and dry fly fishing is June 8th through July 31st. August 1st through mid-September is when the sockeyes are spawning, and the fishery is dominated by bead fishing. It is also when the greatest numbers of bears will be concentrated on the rivers. When you elect to go will depend on the type of fishing and overall experience that you are after.

How will I fish?

During the June-July time frame guests will use mouse patterns, dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. The outfitter really likes to turn guests onto the mouse fishery, and they often use that method in the evenings.

In August guests employ a nymphing technique with hand painted beads to catch the rainbows that are sitting behind the spawning sockeye salmon.

Guests will primarily use the boats for transportation and get out to wade the best sections. The wading, especially on American Creek, is rather challenging. Guests will fish two per guide.

Is there wade fishing?

Yes, most of the fishing is done while wading and they occasionally fish from the boat as well.

Where will I fish?

Over the course of 5-6 days, guests will float about 40-65 miles of river, depending on the river, stopping at key spots along the way.

The American fishes all season long (starting with mouse patterns and dries then switching to beads) and is a staple. Moraine Creek and Funnel Creek can also be requested.

The Alagnak is a multi-species river that is prime for both salmon and trout during July or for trout during opening week when the smolt and fry run out of the lakes. The Moraine and Funnel Creek fish best in August and September when the salmon are spawning. This is more of a wade fishery where guests base camp and walk 1-5 miles a day, fishing in different sections of the rivers.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?

The outfitter tries to make camp on prime water each night enabling guests to take breaks and go back to fishing whenever they like. Lots of great fish have been caught in the camp water and you will never be far from the fish.

What type(s) of fish will I catch?

On American Creek guests catch rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. On the Alagnak River guests catch trout, grayling, sockeye salmon, and incidental kings, chum, and pinks. Silver salmon are also caught in August. Moraine and Funnel Creek trips target rainbows but guests might also catch some big grayling.

How many fish will I catch?

During June-July trips on American Creek anglers might catch 5-15 fish a day with plenty over 20 inches. During August, those numbers bump up to 10-20 fish a day. Most guests that have fished American Creek have caught a 24-inch rainbow trout!

Will I see other anglers?

Yes, you will typically see other anglers but there are reaches of American Creek and the Alagnak where you might not see any other anglers for multiple days. On systems like Moraine and Funnel Creek, there are lots of anglers who fly in and fish for the day, but they are gone by 5 PM leaving plenty of time to fish in relative solitude.

What are the guides like?

The guides are experienced fishermen and professional guides. They can teach beginners how to fish as well as help more experienced anglers improve their skills. They fish two clients per guide so guests will have plenty of help with netting and photography. Guests can also fish independently, if preferred.

What are the physical demands?

Guests need to be comfortable wading in rugged terrain and have decent balance in the water.

Are there any special skills required?

No special skills are required. First-time anglers are welcome.

Does the lodge provide equipment?

The outfitter provides everything except for personal clothing, toiletries, waders, wading boots, sleeping bags, and fishing licenses. They provide six-person tents for every two anglers with cots and pads for sleeping.
While the outfitter provides rods, reels, and flies, guests can bring their own fishing equipment if preferred.

What is your favorite setup for the trip?

The best setup for this trip is a 7 weight with a weight forward floating line. With a 7 weight, guests can throw mice patterns, streamers and dries and won’t need to switch between a 6 and an 8-weight rod.

What are the top flies?

In June and July the go to option is a Mr. Hanky mouse pattern. You can fish these all day long, not just at night. The black and white Dolly Llama is a great streamer pattern that works throughout the season. An olive # 12 Elk Hair Caddis, Hare’s Ear nymphs, and Prince Nymphs sizes # 10-12 are also very effective flies. Come August, they fish 6mm and 8mm molded beads in Peach Pearl, as well as a range of hand painted beads.

What are the options if water conditions become challenging?

If the weather gets tough or the water is too wild, guests will take a break on the side of the river and the guides will set up the screen tent to get out of the elements. Even when the river blows out there are still spots that work so guests can continue to fish.

What is a typical day like?

Coffee and hot drinks are available around 7:00 -7:30 AM and a hot breakfast is served at 8:00 AM. Camp breakdown begins between 9:00-10:00 AM. Guests will fish the camp water while the guides break down camp. The day’s float begins between 10:00 and 11:00 AM. A streamside lunch is served between noon and 2 PM depending on how fishing is going. The group tends to reach the next camp around 6 PM and dinner will typically be served around 7:30 PM.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge?

This is a casual but well-organized camping trip where the emphasis is on catching fish, staying comfortable and safe and having a great overall wilderness experience.

Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge?

Yes. Each trip will have a head guide who is trained to handle all the situations which might be encountered.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?

The centerpiece of camp is an eight-person screened tent that protects against wind, rain, excessive sunshine, and bugs. On inclement days, small portable chairs will be set up in the main tent and outside on warm sunny days. The menu is a combination of different Alaskan dishes depending on what is available. Dinner main dishes include sockeye salmon, halibut, ribeye’s, and an assortment of other Alaskan dishes.

What is the alcohol policy?

The outfitter does not provide any alcohol, but guests are free to bring their own. There are usually places to buy alcohol the night before departure or on the day of the trip.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like?

Guests will set up their own overnight accommodation in King Salmon before and after their trip. Fly Water will provide a short list of recommended hotels.
On the river, guests will sleep in six-person tents (two guests per tent) with cots and sleeping pads. The tents are large enough to stand in if you are 6 ft tall or shorter. There is enough room inside to comfortably manage gear. A dry bag will be provided for you to keep your gear from getting wet in the raft. Guests will need to provide their own sleeping bags and pillow. We recommend a bag in the 15-to 20-degree range. A portable outhouse can be set up each evening, but many choose to take a shovel and find some privacy. All paper is burned and a no trace ethic is employed though the National Park doesn't require waste removal.

Is there internet and/or cell service?

There is no cell phone service or internet service on these trips. The guides have remote satellite two-way communication devices for emergency purposes.

Are there other activities?

No. This is a serious fishing and camping trip.

Are there any other expenses?

Fishing licenses, flights to the village, in-bound and out-bound hotels on non-fishing days, gratuities, and food on non-fishing days.

Do I need a visa?

No Visa is needed if you are traveling from the US. If you are traveling from outside of the US, you will need to follow any rules required for travel from your home country.

Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances?

The Alaskan bush is known for bears, bugs, and, at times, tough weather.
We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center for Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines. Please communicate food allergies and any limitations when booking your trip.