Mat-Su Expeditions & River Guides

Santa Maria Times Newspaper Article

MERGuides — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:36:31 +0000

On July 1st, we took Julia McHughes and her family on an overnight trip on the Tokositna River. The trip took us into both the Denali State and National Parks. We stayed the evening at Tokosha Mountain Lodge hosted by John and Marisa Neill Julia is based in Santa Barbara, CA and is a writer for the Santa Maria Times. You can read about her experience by clicking the link below.

North To Alaska

Wounded Warrior Project Talkeetna Canyon

MERGuides — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:38:53 +0000

On July 14th, we hosted eight disabled veterans from the Wounded Warrior Project on a four-day float and fish trip on the Talkeetna River. The trip included three days of fishing for Rainbow Trout and other freshwater species unique to Alaska. The participants also had to navigate through the Talkeetna Canyon. The canyon is a 14-mile section of Class III/IV whitewater, widely considered to be the longest continuous section in North America. Despite varying physical disabilities, the soldiers accepted the challenging terrain and conditions with enthusiasm. The trip proved to be a healing and rewarding for the both the guests and guides involved.

Upon returning to Talkeetna on the 17th, the community embraced the veterans with overwhelming support and thanks. Several businesses donated lodging and meals, as well as a scenic flight of Denali and the Alaska Range contributed by Talkeetna Aero Services. On the evening of July 18th, the VFW hosted a BBQ with live music, provided by several local Talkeetna musicians. The turnout was above and beyond our best expectations.

We would like to thank all of the individuals and businesses that assisted us in making this event a once in a lifetime experience for all involved.

Chillin’ On The Chulitna

MERGuides — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:56:26 +0000

Over the July 4th weekend, we hosted Tim Mowry and his family on a three-day float/fish on the East Fork of the Chulitna River. Tim is an outdoor writer for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. To view his article, visit the below link

http://www.newsminer.com/news/2008/jul/10/chillin-chulitna/

Brian Returns from the Alaska Range.

MERGuides — Sun, 18 May 2008 02:38:55 +0000

Before the rivers started flowing, I volunteered with the National Park Service Denali base camp climbing patrol. We established the Kahiltna base camp at 7,200 ft on the Southeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. During the patrol I met climbers from all over the world as they rolled the dice in the Alaska Range! We skied and climbed throughout the area, checking in with climbers and assisting with evacuations. The sheer size of the surrounding peaks and mountains will continue to amaze me.

Flying into the Alaska Range over the Tokositna Glacier

Landing on the SE Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier, the starting point for Denali’s West Buttress Route

K2 Aviation flew us to Kahiltna Base camp

Avalanche crossing the glacier from the North Buttress of Mt. Hunter

Climbing Mt. Frances, Denali in the background

Mt. Hunter’s Moonflower Tower (This rock buttress is larger than Grand Canyon!)

Flying back to Talkeetna over the Kahiltna crevasses

The Susitna and Chulitna Rivers in breakup upon returning to Talkeetna

Back on the ground at NPS Talkeetna Ranger Station, ready to FISH!

Alaska Winter Break-Up

MERGuides — Sat, 17 May 2008 06:28:49 +0000

The official winter break-up occurred on May 6th, at 10:53 Alaska Standard Time when the Nenana Tri-Pod broke through the ice. Temperatures have consistently been in the mid-50’s to low-60’s with night time temps still reaching the high-30’s to low-40’s. Early season fishing has been good with Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden moving from their holding waters in the Susitna River to other channels. The Talkeetna River is still flowing clear with no glacier run-off, creating an exciting opportunity to catch and release large Rainbow Trout. Several fish have been caught near the mouth of Montana Creek as well. Another few weeks and the first signs of the King Salmon run should appear.

2008 Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show

MERGuides — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:45:06 +0000

We would like to thank all of those who helped make our booth at the 2008 Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show a success! The event was a great opportunity for us to meet people who get the same enjoyment from fly fishing and outdoor activities as we do. Special thanks to Tony Russ with www.chinookshows.com, George Cook and Eric Neufeld with Anglers Rendevous, Dick Sagara from Temple Fork Outfitters, Dan Marshall from Scott Fly Rod Company, Teeg Stouffer with RecycledFish.Org and the crew with the Renewable Resources Coalition. We’ll see you downstream!

Early Season Rainbow Trout in Alaska

MERGuides — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:41:32 +0000

Fly Fishing on Montana Creek and throughout the Talkeetna area is just a few weeks away. The ice cover on Montana Creek is beginning to melt and the freshwater streams will soon be flowing again. There is a small channel open on the Talkeetna River; however, recent cold weather has kept significant ice flows from moving downstream. Current day time temperatures have been holding steady in the mid-30s to low-40s. Some freezing has still been occurring during the night.

Break-up in Alaska won’t be “official” until the Nenana Tri-Pod drops through the ice on the Nenana River. Last year the tri-pod fell through the ice on April 27th, at 3:47 p.m. (Alaska Standard Time).

It’s almost time to starting dusting off the gear and making sure that everything is in working order! Once the ice has receded enough for significant water flow, the mouth of Montana Creek is a great place for early-season fly fishing for Rainbow Trout and Arctic Grayling. This usually occurs between the first and second week in May.

Wounded Warriors Expedition 2008

MERGuides — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:53:04 +0000

Eight veterans are coming to Talkeetna with the Wounded Warriors Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org)! We are hosting the soldiers on a four day float and fish trip through the Talkeetna Canyon from July 14-17th, 2008. A scenic flight of Denali (Mt. McKinley) and the Alaska Range is being provided by Talkeetna Aero Services (www.talkeetnaaero.com). Additionally, the local VFW Post #3836 is hosting a bar-b-que dinner for the participants and guests on the evening of July 18th. This week proves to be a great one. If you are interested in providing assistance or contributing, please contact us via e-mail or phone. Or you can contact Ryan Pavlu at rpavlu@woundedwarriorproject.org.

Aurora Waldorf School Auction 2007

admin — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:20:39 +0000

The Aurora Waldorf School Auction was November 13, 2007. We donated a fly-fishing package for two participants to the school’s auction. The donation raised nearly $500 in additional funds for the upcoming school year. Bruce and Clo Giffen were the recipients of the trip and we look forward to seeing them on the river this summer.

New Site for 2008

admin — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:45:01 +0000

We’ve launched a new site for 2008. You can comment keep checking the Past Expeditions gallery to follow this year’s adventures, or follow us on Flickr…