Guided Fishing

Guides of KFP ...

***have years of experience on Alaska's rivers.

***have the best tackle for that moment on the river.

***can get you to the best holes.

***will teach you the best techniques.

***are able to instruct you, once a Salmon has been hooked.

***will assist you in netting the fish.

***will handle all of your rebating and tackle replacement.

***will transport you to and from the rivers.

***will become your friend.

You probably get the picture, so we won't say more.

What is the best place in Alaska to catch Salmon?

There are many places to catch Salmon in Alaska. The best place we have found, hands down, is the Copper River Basin (that's why we live here!)

The fish come up the river from the ocean to spawn, and they are big! This area is more remote and is incredible. The Copper River Basin is better than other places because of its unknown identity and has not been discovered by the thousands. It is not a "combat fishing zone" like the Kenai. You can actually get out on your own and fish without being shoulder to shoulder with someone. Many times we get to fish half the day before even seeing another boat.

How many days of fishing should I book?

How long you stay depends on what kind of Alaskan experience you want. If you are coming to Alaska to create a hard-core, once in a lifetime fishing expedition, then we would suggest that you fish for at least five days. Our five day package is an awesome way to enjoy Alaska. In this time you really get to know your guide and the river. Also, if the fishing is slow one day you'll have a very good chance of hitting the jackpot the next day. It has never happened that we go five days without some serious action, during the fishing season.

If you have come to Alaska to sightsee and fish, and don't plan on staying in our area long you can book a day trip and have a great time on the river. Odds are excellent that we'll put you on fish (it's what we do.) Also we would like to mention our sightseeing trips, Wrangle St. Elisa National Park, Denali Highway, Caribou Migration Tours, Flight seeing trips, and many other Wildlife viewing tours.

If you're planning on being in Alaska for several weeks, touring, and traveling and don't want to spend too much time in the Copper River Basin, we would recommend fishing for Kings in mid July and coming back through Glennallen to fish Sockeyes (Reds) in August. That's a great recipe for a salmon fishing memory. Also fishing the Saltwater out of Valdez for Halibut and Silvers is a worth while trip!

Where are you located and how do I get there?

The Copper River Basin is located 180 miles northeast of Anchorage on the Glen Highway (Highway 1.) Just jumping on the Glen Highway will get you to Glennallen, our base town. From Glennallen, the Gulkana River is 17 miles Northwest and the Klutina River is about 14 miles Southeast. Call us and we will give specific instructions how to get to us and where to stay. There are not that many roads in this part of Alaska. It's hard to get lost.

What is my whole Trip going to cost me?

Plane tickets to Anchorage range from $400 to $800 depending on when you buy them and where you're flying from. Your rent-a-car will cost between $50 and $100 a day, depending on the size of the car. Other than those expenses, you will have your guided trip expenses, and gratuity.

Do I need to tip, how much?

Tips are expected by our guides. Depending on your financial position, and how you feel your guide preformed that day tips vary. 15 - 20% of your total trip price is nice. Tips, of course, are left to your discretion. We are confident you will give what is deserved. We run assistant guides, and deckhands, and much of their income for the whole summer depends on tips.




Is there any guarantee that I'll catch fish?

KingFisher's Perch has a guarantee that you will hook fish! If you don't hook a fish you will $100.00 back on your day. We are the only Guide Service in the Copper River Valley that has any guarantee. The reason we can be so generous is because we have never had to use it. Also, we must mention that there is some skill involved in catching salmon. These big beasts don't just let anyone take them out of the river. A guide will give you a huge advantage (especially if you're committed to being teachable.) With all that said, when the run is strong just about anyone can catch fish.

What are the odds that I will catch salmon.

The odds of catching salmon, are very high if you are fishing during the salmon season. Remember your odds dramatically increase by fishing with a KingFisher's Perch Guide.

The key to catching salmon is using the correct equipment and technique. You may be fishing in the right spot, however, if you are not fishing with the proper equipment or using the correct technique, the chances of hanging a King or Red are less.

The Sockeye (Red) run is later in the year and it is a different type of fishing. Without the expert lessons with a KFP guide, experienced fly fishermen seem to be the best in catching Reds. With a few pointers, and lessons We are confident that anyone can knock them dead during the main part of the Red salmon season, catching many fish a day.

There is a early run of Red Salmon that comes up with the Kings in late June and July. If you fish during the "Klutina Peak" season everyone will have the opportunity to catch both Kings, and Reds! Pulling double limits is nice, when you head home with twice the amount of fish to share, and eat!

When King Salmon fishing, there's quite a difference between hooking Kings and landing Kings. If you're landing one out of every three hookups, you're doing great. Don't forget, Kings range from 25 to 85 lbs. Add an angry King to some swift current, and odds are that you'll lose some fish. On the rushing Klutina River, it will require all kinds of fast thinking to net or beach a King before the current rips him off your line. Believe it or not, that's the good news. It's a blast to fight one rushing, pounding King after another, even if you don't land him. Still, you'll most likely land fish. KingFisher's Perch guides allow you to catch and release as much as you like. You are never required to keep any certain fish until you are satisfied with the salmon you caught.

Can I contact pass Clients to get references?

Absolutely feel free to visit our Client Reference page.

What kind of gear do you provide?

We provide absolutely everything you need to catch Salmon (except for a willing spirit - you bring that.) This means that you can come in with nothing and still catch fish.

For those who need to fish with a spinning reel we will set you up with a heavy duty spinning reel attached to a Shakespeare Ugly Stick rod. We also have G-Loomis bait casting rods with Ambassador bait casting reels. (Those will be your guides favorite) All lures, bait, weights and hooks are provided. In fact, we will bait your lure, and keep your rig in top form. It's like fishing with a butler standing next to you.

If I am bringing my own gear what should it be?

If you own a suitable rod and reel, we will be happy to work with you (you don't have to use our equipment.) As mentioned elsewhere on this site, you may wish to buy some top-of-the-line King Salmon Gear. We'd be happy to guide you on whatever equipment you bring (just make sure your rig is plenty tough, as salmon are some of the most brutish fish to swim in fresh water.)

For Kings, you'll want to use a heavy weight rod. The rod doesn't have to be too long. We use a 8' 6'' rod. A little shorter or a little longer doesn't matter, as long as it is stout. You can put a large spin reel on it, or, if you're into learning something new, match a large frame bait casting reel to your rod. Test should be at least 30 lbs. or heavier.

If you're a fly fisherman, regardless of the season, we suggest that you bring at least one fly rod. Odds are great that we'll get into Red Salmon, and your fly rod will be a godsend. A 5/6 weight rod would be good for grayling or trout (which are frequent in our local waters), but, for salmon, you'll need an 7 to12 weight rod. Red Salmon can best be fished with a 7 to 10 weight rod. For Kings, don't even consider going after them with less than a 10 weight rod.

Also for Red salmon, a smaller spinning rig would work fine with about 15lb test line. The best rig for Reds, however, is a fly rod and reel.

If you have your own hip waders or other gortex waders, we strongly suggest that you bring them. You'll be more comfortable in your own gear. If you don't have any though don't sweat it, we have everything you will need for the river.

Where can I stay or camp when I come?

The best place to stay in the area is with us of course.
Come and stay in our Luxury Log Lodge or in our Rustic Alaskan Cabins.

If you're arriving in an RV, there are several different places to stay. Northern Nights RV in Glennallen is top quality, located in the Copper River Valley this is only about 15 miles from both the Klutina and Gulkana rivers.

Another beautiful campground that we recommend is the Tolsona Wilderness Campground located about 15 miles south of Glennallen on the Glen Hwy. Towards Anchorage. That will put you 30 miles from our rivers. If you were driving north-east from Anchorage to our location at Gakona, and you don't mind a little extra drive that would be a great place to stay.

There are also a variety of Bed and Breakfasts and hotels in Glennallen. Give us a call and we will be happy to get you the numbers.

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 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 before-hand how to act around bears if you happen to run into one. Who knows, you may just want to consider pepper spray 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. You may like to read about someone that was terrified of bears and has somehow managed to live in Alaska for the last 50 years, check out Homesteaders Corner.

Will I be able to catch Trout, Dollies or Grayling?

While Kings and Reds are the main attractions, some visitors choose to take a different approach. By floating the upper Gulkana you will see some of the prettiest fish in Alaska. There are also lakes in the area that have both Grayling and Rainbows in large numbers. Check out our Rainbows and Grayling Trip!

How do I go about getting my license and what are the fees?

You can get your license at many stores in the area. It is a good idea and recommended that you purchase your license the day prior to your fishing trip.
In addition to your Alaska license, you are required to purchase a King salmon stamp if you plan to fish for Kings.

What should I do about food?

All of our Overnight packages provide your three meals a day, snacks and drink.
Food prices are best in Anchorage. As soon as you drive into any rural area, food prices go up about 25% (not the end of the world, but if you're on a tight budget, it may make a difference.) However, any little town will have a grocery store. There are also several different restaurants in the area. In Glennallen The Caribou restaurant is a nice place to go for a burger. There is also a place that makes Mexican food called the Hitch'n Post. Two miles east of the Gakona Junction is a great place called the Carriage House. It's a little expensive ($20 a plate or so) but the food is excellent. They serve only dinner and their hours are short, so plan ahead to eat there. There is also a Bar called Trappers Den at the trading post next to the restaurant.

What is the fishing experience of your guides?

Kingfisher's Perch is, without a doubt, a family business. Since you asked, we'll bend your ear with more than you probably want to know about the family. Check us out!

Home

Fishing

Rafting

Lodging

The Rivers