Sept 1-7, 2024- $8959

This is a float trip down one of the most productive rivers on earth. The fishery fills with sea run dolly varden during the late summer and fall. These are chrome bright, fresh from the ocean fish, comparable to a steelhead. There are also grayling, chum salmon and a spawning population of dolly varden that will be in full spawning color. This is a great trip for those wishing to see the Northern Lights, catch a mixture of large fish and do so in with comforts not usually found on the backcountry. There is a 3% fee for booking with a credit card.

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Fishing

Fishing will start as we target dolly varden migrating upstream to spawn. These fish will be vibrantly colored with red spots, teal sides and orange jaws and fins. These fish are often sitting behind salmon eating eggs but will also aggressively chase down streamers. Depending on the run of fish there are times fishing is fast with multiple large dolly varden caught a day and other times we have to work to catch a trophy fish. We consider anything over 28" to be a trophy fish, some have been caught over 36".

There are abundant grayling in the upper stretches of river, some over 20" long. Grayling commonly eat dry flies and often times prefer them swung across the current, making for explosive eats. If dry flies aren't producing eats, grayling will also feed on eggs and eat streamers. It is not uncommon to catch several large grayling in a day.

As we move down river we get into large pods of overwintering fish. These are chrome bright fish fresh from the ocean that fight similar to steelhead. Overwintering dolly varden have been caught over 20 pounds and average 20-24 inches with larger fish not being uncommon. Fish are very aggressive and will eat streamers and top water flies. This a great river for swinging and skating topwater flies.

Daily Itinerary

August 31- Arrive in town and check into the hotel

Sept 1- Fly out into the backcountry and arrive on the river. Staff will set up camp while you begin fishing.

Sept 2- Fish around camp and enjoy the Arctic. Breakfast lunch and dinner will be served in camp #1.

Sept 3- Float roughly 8 miles down river to camp #2. Lunch will be served streamside during the float. Warm drinks will be served with lunch and if needed we can take a separate drink break. Fish around camp #2 as staff sets up camp and prepares dinner. Float days are based on weather, we try to float only when weather is nice if permitted.

Sept 4- Fish around camp #2. We will see a mix of colored up and chrome fish. More salmon will be present as well as grayling.

Sept 5- Float to camp #3 (shorter float). Lunch and warm drinks served riverside. Fishing when we arrive at camp.

Sept 6- Float to camp #4 (roughly 5 miles) and set up camp. Fish and look for caribou sheds.

Sept 7- pack up camp and prepare to be picked up. Back in town, where we will have shared hotel room(s) for showering and cleaning up. Flights depart in the evening or if guests wish they can stay the night and fly out the next day.

Physical Requirements

The Arctic is rough, rugged and completely raw. As such you need to a certain level of physical abilities. Floats can last for several hours and guests should be able to sit in a raft for hours at a time.

Included and Not Included Items

Included

  • Charter Flight
  • Guided Fishing
  • Media Package (photos and videos for personal use from award winning media professionals)
  • Tent and Sleeping Pad
  • Food (once in camp)
  • Hotel the Night Prior to the Charter Flight
  • Hotel (for showering) Before Departure
  • Any Fishing Gear Needed, Including Flies (if you need a rod, reel, waders or other item please let us know at least 1 month prior to the departure date)

Not Included

  • Fishing License
  • Gratuities
  • Commercial Flight
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Additional Information

Packing List

A packing list will be emailed to you once you have booked the trip with a deposit. We recommend printing off the packing list and using it to check items off the list and later double check in order to ensure you have all the essential gear.

Bear Safety

Along with the Packing List a Bear Safety Packet will be emailed to you once you have booked your trip. We take bear safety very serious. Every precaution possible is taken to ensure your safety. Here are some of the precautions we take to keep you safe:

  • Each member of the group will be issued a canister of bear spray
  • Food is stored in bear proof containers
  • Food and scented items are stored 50 or more yards from camp
  • Bear Fences for sleeping and food areas
  • Guides carry guns and/or Bear Spray

We will review bear safety onsite to make sure everyone understands protocols and procedures.

Medical Information

If you have any health concerns, need special medications or any require our assistance please let us know. We want to help you be as safe as possible without disclosing information that is sensitive or personal. However, health risks that might put you or other trip members in danger are things that we need to know about in advance to allow us proper time to prepare.

Waiver

Each guest is required to sign a waiver stating that we are not responsible for injuries, sickness or other trip related risk associated with spending time in the backcountry . Waivers will be emailed to guests and need to be signed before the start of the trip.

Trip FAQs

How Many Fish Will I Catch?

  • Although it is possible to catch numerous large dolly varden in a day on this system, guests should keep in mind that we are here to target some of the largest char on earth. Those types of fish don't come easy. Our goal is to provide you with the best opportunity at catching a world class, colored up dolly varden. Our hope is that each guest will catch at least one 30" fish on the trip.

What Type of Wildlife Can We Expect to See?

  • Bears are the most common, often we see at least 10 bears on this trip during the week, although we have seen many more. There is also a good chance of seeing moose, wolves, caribou and a chance of seeing wolverines and muskoxen.

Booking Information

  • We accept payment via wire transfer, check or credit card.
  • Please be aware that any trip booked with a credit card will have a 3% processing fee added to the total amount
  • A guest is considered booked once the required deposit has been paid
  • Due to the logistics and associated costs of reserving hotel rooms, booking staff flights and purchasing trip specific gear; deposits are only refundable if the seat you occupy is filled
  • Full Payment is required 30 days prior to the start of the trip
  • With the exception of the deposit, the remaining trip balance is refundable up to 3 months prior to the start of the trip, within 3 months your seat must be filled to receive a refund
  • If your preferred method of payment is wire transfer or check you will receive an email containing payment instructions

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