Adventure Fishing
This adventure promises to be much more than just a fishing trip or kayaking expedition. Whisper Marine and Spirit Walker Expeditions (both based in Gustavus, Alaska) are collaborating to offer a unique wilderness adventure along the Outer Coast of Southeast Alaska.
Our initial destination lies over 100 nautical miles west of Juneau, and we will paddle and powerboat an additional 40 miles of coastline, in an area of the Tongass National Forest that sees very few visitors and has no roads.For fishermen, the trip includes casting in streams where Steelhead, Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden Char, and Salmon thrive.
The area is also a kayaker's and photographer's dream, with humpback and gray whales, sea otters and sea lions, seals, river otters, deer, eagles, and bear populating the rugged coastline and inland meadows and forest. We will explore a long abandoned mining town, hike, kayak, fish, beach comb, and learn how the native people lived for millennia here. Part way through the trip, we will stop for a soak in a hot springs, right at the ocean's edge! Each evening, we'll relax by the campfire, as our guides prepare delicious meals. Later, we'll doze off to the sound of distant surf.
Trip Details
Trip Dates: May 23-29, 2011
Trip Length: 7 days / 6 nights. Custom trips can also be arranged.
Price: $3,800 per person
On the western side of Chichagof Island, towering mountains, rain forest and muskeg meet the Pacific Ocean. This is perfect fishing and kayaking country.
A series of small connected passages, bays and fjords shelter us from the storms of the Gulf of Alaska. The islands form an enchanting maze, with passages branching and re-joining in a bewildering labyrinth. From these calm waters, we'll explore (weather permitting) the outer islands, where we'll ride gentle ocean swells. In the evening, we'll watch as they crest and break on the rocks.
Departs From: Gustavus, Alaska
Returns To: Gustavus, Alaska
Alaska Fly Fish and Kayak Trip Flyer
Alaska Fly Fish and Kayak Trip Flyer 2
Itinerary
Day 1: Our 10:00 AM departure from Gustavus will take us to our first campsite on Yakobi Island. We will set up camp and then paddle and hike, exploring the waters, and island shorelines of the Surge Bay area. Those more interested in fishing can paddle to Surge Lake and try their luck in the short outlet stream, or fish salt water species in the surrounding kelp beds.
Day 2: Surge Lake's outlet stream into the ocean is very short, but includes narrow, fast water that can not be paddled up with a sea kayak. Conditions permitting we will portage or "line" kayaks up stream and into the lake. The lake holds cut throat, rainbows, and dolly varden, and we may find steelhead in the outlet stream or one of several of the inlet streams. It is a beautiful and calm paddle regardless, and a wonderful place to spend part of a day and relax.
Day 3: We'll break camp in the morning, and motor to Takanis Bay. After our arrival, we can paddle into a narrow estuarine entrance, and then hike through the muskegs up to Takanis Lake. This pristine wilderness lake has a waterfall on the outlet that blocks passage of fish from the ocean, but the surrounding area is rich salmon habitat and evidence of past human habitation is confirmed by a very old rock cairn marking a small island in this secluded bay.
In the afternoon, we will load the kayaks and motor down the coast across the mouth of Lisianski Strait into the protected waters of the outside coast of Chichagof Island. Enroute (if conditions allow), we may stop for a soak at White Sulfur Hot Springs. We'll also pass through an area where grey whales are often seen feeding.
Days 4-6: Every day of this trip will be exploration with paddling, fishing, and hiking opportunities. The group may split with different guides for activities, depending upon individuals stronger preference. We will be in an area of relatively protected paddling waters with hundreds of coastal islands to explore, an old mining "ghost town", and several good river systems.
One great example is the Goulding Lakes and River system. It is one of the largest drainages on Chichagof Island and an impressive waterfall is accessible by hiking a trail that begins by following the remains of an old mule drawn mining cart rail line.
The trail continues into more open muskegs to the shore of the first lake. The waterfall blocks passage of salmon runs into the lakes, but there is over a mile of challenging stream below the falls that does support a summer salmon run, and steelhead, cut throat, and dolly varden can be found here in May and June.
Day 7: We will pack up and head back on this day. It will be at least a 3 hour ride back to Gustavus. An early start gives us time for a short stop at White Sulfur, and a "walk around" in the quaint board walk village of Elfin Cove. Arrival time at the Gustavus Dock will be about 3:00 pm.
Fishing Opportunities
The fishing opportunities will change in our streams as the spring and summer progress.
From May through mid-June, we often find steelhead in the upper stretches of the rivers. One of the ultimate fresh water fighting fish in the world, steelhead can be a challenge to hook. But imagine a 20-pound fish leaping four feet out of the water, and streaking away on a powerful run — putting you in hot pursuit to keep the line from being "stripped"!
Cut-throat trout and Dolly Varden can also provide good fun during this period. During May, most of the Dolly Varden move out of the upper reaches of the rivers, into salt water and near the river mouths.
There they feed on small ocean fishes and invertebrates. We often find concentrations in the lower tidal areas of streams, where the main food source is out-migrating salmon fry. Get on to the right presentation, and you may experience the best "catching" of your life.
Salmon start moving into the streams on their spawning cycle in early July. By mid-July, Pink Salmon offer abundant opportunities to catch four to seven pound fighte. Mix in a few Sockeye and Chum Salmon, and add the Dolly Vardens which have followed the salmon up the rivers, and the streams can be "alive" with thousands of fish.
Late August and September is when Silver Salmon move into the rivers. You will get a hit, followed by a seven to fifteen pound Silver clearing the water several times before settling into strong combat. Keep the drag loose! They will easily break 10-lb line.
What We Provide
We offer a great bundle of services, to maximize your experience on the rivers we fish.
We'll provide boat transportation, to several different streams off the Gustavus road system. If you have your own favorite equipment and waders, by all means bring them, because if you're staying in Gustavus, there are places you can fish accessible by road or hiking.
Whisper Marine can supply waders, and flyfishing or spin-cast gear for our clients. Anyone over the age of 12 will need an Alaska fishing license. The same license applies for salt water fishing. We carry a small first aid kit, and a pack for lunches and other supplies. With larger groups, we sometimes bring a canoe or kayak up the river, for ease in transporting lunches and extra gear in "dry bags."
When we choose to keep a few fish, we make sure they are properly cleaned and transported back to the dock.
What You Need To Bring
Most Gustavus Lodges provide a lunch for their clients who have booked a day outing. If yours does not, you'll need to have a lunch, snacks, and enough beverages for a full day.
Between the sunny days in Southeast Alaska, it can be cool and damp. You'll need to bring rain gear, rubber boots, and some warm clothing. The stream waters are always chilly. We will be wearing waders when fishing, but long pants or long underwear bottoms under them can be a nice thing — especially if you choose to stand in water much of the day.
A small day pack is handy for your binoculars, camera (be sure to store it in a zip-lock bag) and some extra clothing. Check with your lodge before you pack everything for your trip — some of the lodges supply day packs and rubber boots.
