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Gulkana
River
“Prettiest Piece” |
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Most people who
float rivers with KingFisher’s Perch (KFP)
want to catch salmon. For those who float the
Gulkana, however, catching salmon is only part
of an overall experience the whole family can
enjoy.
The Gulkana River ecosystem houses a variety of
Alaska’s wildlife. Whether small birds like
the bank swallow or large mammals like the
Alaska/Yukon moose, the Gulkana is a magnet,
attracting all survivors looking for a meal. For
some it’s a juicy mayfly. For others, luscious
sedge provides sustenance. Those on top of the
food chain have an uncanny way of finding fish.
KFP guides and fishermen are no exception. |
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A typical Gulkana River day with KingFisher’s
Perch will have you up with the song birds,
swatting insects, and trying on hip boots. An 8
mile drive north on the Richardson Highway
passes quickly, and precedes a short hike to the
water’s edge. Gear is then loaded into your
raft, instructions are given for the trip, life
vests are buckled, and the float begins!
The first task at hand is to outrun all the
mosquitoes. Using only the river for forward
momentum gives a three to five mile an hour
velocity. Mosquitoes can fly at least that fast,
so a morning breeze is usually welcome. The
Gulkana rarely disappoints, and the pesky bugs
are usually ditched by the first corner.
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The Gulkana River day trip provides more than 30
corners. This means there are more than 30
opportunities to see what is “just around the
river bend.” We are sure to see the mighty
bald eagle in all its majesty. The Gulkana is
prime nesting habitat, and there are several
active nests on this stretch of the river. Fifty
or more eagles are commonly sighted feeding on
salmon, soaring effortlessly overhead, or
perched along the river eyeing giant king salmon
pulled along behind KFP rafts. There are many
other birds to watch for while floating.
Mergansers with serrated bills for holding fish,
gulls, arctic terns and our infamous belted
kingfisher all depend on fish for subsistence.
They are our competitors. We really don’t
mind, however because we are fishing for the
adults that escaped 4 to 6 years ago and are now
returning to complete their life cycle. They are
fishing for the young, and there are plenty to
go around. |
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 Kingfisher’s Perch guides have named 23
different fishing holes on this stretch of the Gulkana River. From the boulder hole to the
grizzly hole, many intriguing stories are
claimed by each. Which holes will produce fish
on any given day is anyone’s guess at the
beginning of the trip. Salmon are continually
moving upstream, and yesterday’s hot spot may
be dead today unless replenished by a new group.
The uncertainty of when, where and how many fish
will be caught, adds to the relaxing adventure.
At the end of the day, however, those who float
the Gulkana are certain they have just
experienced one of the prettiest pieces of
Alaska and are appreciative for the varied
sights, sounds and wonders of this beautiful
watershed. |
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