Fish and Float

Accessing some of the most productive and scenic rivers in the Bristol Bay watershed, Fish and Float has designed a custom and exclusive fishing program that caters to guests’ ideal fishing experience. Anglers craving a unique adventure within Alaska’s vast wilderness can completely create their own experience, choosing guided or self-guided floats, group size, river of choice, and even the amount of time on the water. Float trips stay out on the river the whole duration of the trip, stopping at key points along the way to set up camp for the night. There is no better way to truly experience Alaska than to live in it for the week, without the frills of a full-service lodge operation. Fish on your schedule, stop when you want, and sleep alongside the abundant wildlife that Alaska is known for - and have it all to yourself, without being combined with other guests you do not know.

Because of the customization of the fishing program, anglers have a myriad of options for the week based on their appetite for adventure, skill level, physical ability, and choice of species. All species of Pacific Salmon, including King Salmon, Arctic Char, Dolly Varden, Grayling, Northern Pike, and leopard Rainbow Trout are all possible depending on which river you choose. Anglers fly out from Iliamna, Alaska by float plane to their river of choice with the gear and supplies they will need for the week. Fish and Float operates five float planes, including four de Havilland Beavers on floats and a Cessna 185 on floats. At the close of the week’s adventure, anglers are picked up by float plane and delivered back to Iliamna to start their travels back home.

Most anglers choose a guided experience to maximize their fishing and relaxation time. On guided trips, rivers are navigated by their roster of experienced and world-class guides who are technically adept at rowing the selected river, in tune with where fish are holding and productive fishing techniques and flies, experienced on first aid and survival responsiveness, and knowledgeable on wildlife encounters. Additionally, meals and camp are set up and prepared each day by their host guides. However, self-guided floats are possible for anglers with the appropriate rafting and first aid/survival experience who want a completely personal adventure for their group.

We encourage non-angling companions to participate in Fish and Float programs. Perhaps the best way to see Alaska’s gorgeous wilderness, scenery, and wildlife is on a float trip. First time Alaskan guests are blown away by the number of bears they encounter, but - by the end of the week - bears are almost an afterthought. Nearly every river system is overrun with brown bears during the annual summer run of salmon. You will share the river with bears doing fishing of their own just about every day. It is also possible to see wolves, moose, otters, foxes, bald eagles, and tons of other bird life. Photographers and non-anglers will love the accessibility to these species provided by the superb program at Fish and Float.