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What to Expect

All trips begin and end in the village of Talkeetna. We offer a variety of packages that span throughout the Upper Susitna Valley.

Multi-Day Trips: On the morning your trip begins, we would like your group to meet us at our office for coffee and to pack personal gear bags, size equipment and prepare any last items that you may have. This saves us time while loading the aircraft. With prior arrangements, we are available to pick you up at your lodging. When all gear is ready, we either drive to the put-in or travel to the air charter (approximately five minutes). Personal or rental vehicles are secured in the parking lot, to allow you the quickest and easiest way of retrieving it after the trip.

Once we are at the air charter office, all equipment is weighed and designated to a specific aircraft. It typically takes more than one flight for all gear and participants to reach the destination. The flight times vary with each expedition; however, the amount of time in the air ranges between 20-45 minutes. At the float plane dock, there is a snack bar and wonderful view of Fish Lake. The helicopter pad is next to the Talkeetna Airport, which allows you time to see the wheeled bush planes coming and going. For those driving to the put-in, the trip provides several views of the Alaska Range and Denali (Mt. McKinley).

Now that you’ve landed in the great Alaskan wilderness, your expedition really begins. Experienced anglers can get fishing right away and beginners have time to see an introductory demonstration of preparing the equipment and casting basics. While you are perfecting your casting technique, the guides prepare all the boating equipment and securing of gear. Now it’s time to start on the rivers!

The first days float provides lots of sight-seeing, photo opportunities, fun in the sun and of course, fishing. Lunch is served stream-side and usually consists of sandwiches, snacks, salads and beverages. For the remainder of the day we float and fish to our first campsite. Depending on the water conditions, weather and distance needed to travel, we are more than happy to stop and enjoy some fishing from the shore. Once at camp, the evening’s events are up to you. More fishing, reading a book or just taking a moment to soak in the wilderness are just a few of things available.

Regardless of what you choose to do, you’ll soon be tempted to see what’s happening in the kitchen. The guides will create a family-style meal on the river like you’ve never seen before! Dinner meals usually consist of beef, chicken and/or pasta, salad, snacks and beverages. For all meals we can accommodate most dietary requests. If this is applicable, be sure to let us know at the time of your booking.

The remaining days on the river are relaxing and carefree, as we continue our journey towards the take-out in Talkeetna. The large variety of activities available will keep you entertained even after your arms grow tired from catching fish. The final day will culminate with our arrival at the Talkeetna beach. You will know that you’re close because for the first time in several days the solitude will be replaced by the buzz of the bush planes and bustling of travelers visiting the village. After the farewell with your guides, you will be driven to your vehicle and begin the rest of your Alaskan vacation. If you are staying another evening in the area, there are several restaurants and lodges that we recommend visiting.

Each trip offers several freshwater fishing opportunities and time for other activities such as hiking, sight-seeing, rafting and enjoying the pristine wilderness Alaska has to offer. All of our packages have a unique element that will cater to your group’s enjoyments. Aside of fantastic fishing for Salmon and Rainbow Trout, the Talkeetna Canyon is host to a day of Class III/IV whitewater rafting. The Clear Creek Expedition provides an exciting opportunity for participants to enjoy world-class fishing and mild whitewater rafting, which differs from the Tokositna Expedition that focuses on exceptional panoramas of the Alaska Range and an exclusive stay at Tokosha Mountain Lodge, inside of Denali National Park.

We strive to provide the best customer service and satisfaction available, to make your adventure as fulfilling as possible. It’s our goal to provide you with an experience that will be filled with memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Your opinion matters and we would like to hear what comments you have, so that we may continue to provide quality Alaskan wilderness adventures.

Single-Day Trips: At our office, your guide will meet you and go over the equipment needed for the day on the river. The Clear Creek trip requires a jetboat ride that takes you seven miles (approximately 30 minutes) up the Talkeetna River, where you arrive at the confluence of the freshwater stream. Montana Creek is only a short drive to the upper section and approximately 15 miles to the mouth of the creek. Depending on customer preferences, weather, fishing and water conditions, your guide will suggest which fishery to explore. Once we get to the river, your guide will get you rigged up. From there on, it’s time to fish. Beginning anglers have plenty of opportunity to receive personal instruction and guidance. Lunch is served stream-side and usually consists of sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. Whether you choose a half-day or full 8 hours, a day on the river is better than any day at work!

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