Do It Yourself

What is the absolute, cheapest way to fish for Kings (and still have a great experience)?

The cheapest way to fish for Kings in Alaska would be to drive to the Gulkana River, bring a tent, and camp on the river. Each morning, hike up the river to a good, deep hole and go at it. You can camp right along the river, cook on an open fire and incur no cost but your gas and gear.  Also feel free to give us a call and we can recommend some good fishing holes to walk to.

Where's the best place to fish by myself?

For me, the best place to fish by myself on the Klutina River.  Head South towards Valdez from Glennallen.   After 16 miles you will turn right onto the Klutina road, that road goes right by the Princess Hotel.  Right after the Hotel it turns into a 4x4 dirt road and there look for the Ahtna Permit station, where you must you must buy a land crossing permit if you are going to get off the road to fish.  There are trails right to the river from which you can walk down to the Klutina river. You will probably see people there fishing along side the good spots.

On the Klutina river, the difficulty is not so much hooking the fish if you are using the right equipment and technique, but rather in getting the big king salmon to the bank. The river is so swift, that if the fish gets in the current, its history. That's part of the reason we like to have a raft on hand. When things get dicey with a fish on, we can jump in and drift alongside the runaway monster.  We, "Guides at KingFisher's Perch" call that the       "Fish Rodeo"!

Will you please just tell me all of your guide secrets so I can make this trip possible? I don't think I can afford a guide.

Sure thing... just visit Our Secrets  

Do I need a gun for bears?

Both of our rivers are full of Grizzly and Black Bears. Keep in mind, the bears are fishing, they are not out to get you.  As you'll quickly find out, carrying a gun can be more of a hassle then it's worth.

We don't carry guns on our guided trips. If and when we see bears on the river they never seem to hang around long. Seeing a bear is a real treat for the clients. We don't feel like we're in any danger without a gun. All of our guides at KFP have lived in Alaska for a long time and know what to do and how to act when a bear is spotted. The guide will let you know how to act around bears if you happen to run into one.  Who knows, you may just want to consider pepper spray type bear repellent. We've noticed that bears in these parts prefer their meat spicy.

All kidding aside, don't worry yourself (or your spouse) about bears. It's just not worth worrying about.

Can you give me an equipment list for my trip

Personal Equipment

Pants (fast drying non-cotton pants or army fatigues are good)
1 pair traveling pants (to go home in something clean)
3 long sleeve shirts
1 traveling shirt (long-sleeve)
Waterproof rain coat or shell (goretex is best)
Waterproof rain pants
Waterproof hat 
Hiking shoes
Wool or acrylic sweater (fleece is good)
Underwear
Socks
5 packs of pocket tissues (or rolled TP)
Aspirin
Bug Spray 18 - 30% pump spray deet
Polaroid glasses
Lip balm
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Cash
Camera & film
Watch
Extra batteries

Camping Equipment

Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag
Camp pillow
Eating utensils (Plate, fork, and spoon)
Buck knife
Sharpening Stone
Small Rain Tarp
Small rope or nylon line
Day pack
Water bottles
Head lamp or flashlight
Back-up Flashlight
First Aid Kit

Fishing Equipment (fly)

Number 4 or better rod (for Rainbows & Grayling)
Number 6 or better rod (for Reds)
Number 10 or better rod (for Kings)
Spare rod
One large reel with sinking line (for Salmon)
One spare reel
Chest Waders
Boots
Fishing vest
8 - 10 15 pound leaders (0 to 000)
Super heavy leader (for Kings)
Tippet material
10 flies per day or tying kit
Weights
Fishing Knife
Clippers
Fishing License
Wader repair kit
Wader Belt
Head lamp or flashlight

Fishing Equipment 
(bait cast or spin)
Check out our King Gear Recommendations 

(this list is only if you're self-guiding or want to use your own gear)

Heavy rod 
Spare rod
One large reel with tough-line
One spare reel with tough-line
Chest Waders
Boots
Fishing vest
30 to 60 lb. test monofilament
Orange corkys (available locally)
Salmon eggs (available locally)
Cheesecloth (available locally)
Led coil (available locally)
Large Rubber bands
Large, extremely heavy hooks 5/0 (available locally)
Fishing Knife
Clippers
Fishing License

Are some guides bad?

This is an interesting and delicate question - and one that is hard to answer if you've never used a guide before.  There are guides who substantially "bend" the law. That can be very dangerous. So, in any situation, you should read the regs for yourself and follow them.

Another problem with some guides is that they will try to guide too many clients at a once, or who will set you up on a hole and leave you to go get more clients to set on another hole. This kind of guiding removes the best part of the guide experience; the teaching and camaraderie that comes with a guided expedition.

When you fish with Kingfisher's Perch you are given a guide who will be your guide for the whole day, or longer if you are fishing with us for more that one day. You'll be amazed at the difference that this makes. You will grow very comfortable with your guide. You'll have more fun, and there'll be less stress. On top of all that Kingfisher's Perch does not do drop offs (where a guide would shuttle several groups of fishermen to various locations.) We're by your side all day long.

Another guiding practice that spells trouble is the tendency of some guides to flake out on their guests entirely. Just because you have a reservation with a guide doesn't mean that the guide will be around when you show up. More than one guiding outfit has gone out of business, sometimes without telling their clients before they show up.

 Our recommendation is to choose your guide carefully.  

The right guide will make your expedition the trip of a lifetime.

Like to know more about us ?