Kanektok River Float Trip 

Alaska

There is no denying that the self-contained, down river fly fishing float trip remains the ultimate wilderness angling experience. Here, in the deafening silence of the Alaskan bush, the only sounds are those of the elements, the animals, and the gentle dipping of oars. The only curfew on one’s angling exploits are set by stamina, as the waters you have come to fly fish are never more than a few yards away and the days are nearly endless.
The 100 mile Kanektok river fly fishing float through the wilds of the Togiak Wildlife Refuge has become a standard by which other float trips are measured. With exceptional guides, access to all five species of Pacific salmon, Dolly Varden, grayling, and gorgeous “leopard bows,” this seven day fly fishing float trip keeps anglers coming back year after year.
All floats include fine meals, comfortable tents, experienced guides, and emergency communications should they ever be needed. Mike Trotter is among Alaska’s most seasoned outfitters, all of whom provide the highest level of safety, service and angling expertise.

Location:
The Kanektok River flows through Togiak National Wildlife Refuge to the Bering Sea near the Alaska Native village of Quinhagak in far western Alaska.

Fishing Program:
The fly fishing float trip will begin at a large lake at the headwaters of the Kanektok river. You may spend the first night there or potentially move downstream to set the first night’s camp. Each night the group will settle into a new camp that will be selected and set up as the group moves downstream together. All boats will have anglers and gear aboard and there will not be a dedicated bag boat.

There will be one guide for every two anglers (if the trip has an even number of anglers). Due to the length of the float, there will be plenty of fly fishing from the boat where the guides will position you to properly cover the best pockets and structure. Since the guides will be at the oars, anglers will do a fair amount of their own rigging and should be proficient with basic knots. You will also make frequent stops to wade fish and once camp is reached you will be free to fly fish until you drop.

Each day anglers will rotate guides enabling everyone to fish with each member of the staff. Help making and breaking camp is greatly appreciated and having a pair of work gloves can be handy during these times.

Fisheries:
The Kanektok river is by all standards a remarkably diverse fishery, perfectly suited to both single-hand and spey rod anglers, offering one of Alaska’s best opportunities to target both king salmon and fresh silvers with the fly. High catch-rates, easy wading, and open backcasts are the norm.

Accommodations and Meals:
As you work your way down river through the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, you will arrive at camps together. Sleeping accommodations consist of two person tents with double floors cots and mattresses. The camps will also have a large cook tent complete with propane powered stoves, Dutch ovens and BBQ. All guests are welcome to hang out in this common space for drinks, fly tying and the likes. Meals will be delicious and hearty and accompanied by fine wines. A hot propane shower, hand ground coffee, and Dutch oven desserts complete the scene.

Note: Anglers will be responsible for providing their own sleeping bags, towel and camp pillow. Please bring a fiber fill bag as opposed to a down bag as it offer far better insulation in wet conditions.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Dillingham, AK and overnight.
Day 2: Fly to Kanektok, float downstream this day or camp near the lake.
Days 3-7: Five full days of fishing the Kanektok.
Day 8: Float/fish to take-out, arrive in the late afternoon, fly to Bethel, and on to Anchorage. Overnight in Anchorage.
Day 9: Depart Anchorage for home.

Complete Trip Details