The purpose of this thread at this time is merely to gauge interest, or non-interest in the idea of developing a river rafting trip on a remote river in SW Alaska. It would require a bush flight to a headwaters lake and a one-way trip, lasting about 10 days to a pickup point.

This trip would be focused on fishing. The rivers under consideration have all five species of salmon, king, reds, silvers, chum, and pink. Additionally, these rivers feature huge rainbows, steelhead, dolly varden, and grayling. Due to the tundra nature, hammock camping will not be possible, due to lack of trees. This is bear country, both grizzly and black bear, so appropriate measures will be taken.

As for timeframe, no dates are set. The best months are June through September, so the trip will be scheduled in those months. I'm thinking 2017 to allow for adequate planning.

This will be an expensive trip. Those participating will need to fly from their home airport to/from Anchorage ANC. From there we would fly to Dillingham or Bethel. From there we would fly to chosen headwaters lake and fish Lakers and grayling.

Party size will need to be limited to eight total. I already am aware of some who have interest. If more than eight have interest, others will be put on a waiting list. Due to the difficult logistics, it will be necessary to have some planning meetings. My thinking at this time is to have a meeting at Copia in Madison in March and another spring meeting in the Twin Cities for those who don't make Copia.

I'm sure you may have questions. Please post them here. I'm not asking for commitment at this time. But this is a good venue for starting the conversation. 8-)

A few additional considerations. It's not a bushwhack. There are no portages. None. That means that a few creature comforts can be brought. It is remote. We will not likely see other parties. It is wild. You will see the Alaskan and Chugiach mountains. You will experience a wild and free-flowing river. You will see wildlife of all kinds. It's a trip of a lifetime. 8-)

Interested. I'll send you a PM.

I would be interested.  Please keep me informed.  This would be rafts or canoes or a combination?

I would be interested, at least on getting further information.  Alaska is on our bucket list.

Definitely a bucket list opportunity, OS. I'll have start working on Mission Control now to get clearance for 2017  ::)

I'll let you know if I might be a possibility...

To answer MP's question, my thought is to rent inflatable rafts which are designed for this kind of travel. That said, it can be done with a canoe or kayak. My guess is that shipping costs may exceed rental costs.

I'm hoping to have some preliminary cost estimates to post this weekend or next week.

I'm also hoping to present a couple of shows on Alaska at Copia. Won't know that until December. Make your plans to attend.

Mule Lars is working on a group deal at a Madison motel close to Copia. 8-)

Interested in obtaining more information.

Jimbo   8-)

Sure!  Put me on the list.  Sounds like it could be a real adventure!!!!

dd

I'd be very interested in learning the current 100 yard dash speed of all those considering this trip. 

Towards that end, I suggest we stage a short race down the hall at Copia next March.

I need to know that I can out-run at least ONE of you guys....

Jimbo   8-)

This is beginning to shape up as the QJ all stars trip. I'm working on developing information to share. For those that are serious, planning will be a group project. The best trips have input from all. While I've been to Alaska multiple times, this will be a first for me. I've never done an Alaska float trip, but it's been on my bucket list for years. Don't think of me as your guide, rather as coordinator. I will share some good fishing info later in process.

This is really getting me going.  Here's something I'm rolling around in my mind.  The expense of getting out to Alaska is such that I'd like to stay on for at least another week or ten days to "justify" the travel expense.  So I wonder a) is the 10 day length of the trip fixed or could it be longer?  And b) would any others consider doing some kind of Alaska canoe trip prior to or after the river trip? 

Jimbo wrote on Jul 8^th, 2015 at 9:13pm:

I'd be very interested in learning the current 100 yard dash speed of all those considering this trip.  Towards that end, I suggest we stage a short race down the hall at Copia next March. I need to know that I can out-run at least ONE of you guys.... Jimbo   8-)

I've been known to sandbag in the prelim's!   ::)

dd

DentonDoc wrote on Jul 9^th, 2015 at 1:18am:

Jimbo wrote on Jul 8th, 2015 at 9:13pm: I'd be very interested in learning the current 100 yard dash speed of all those considering this trip.  Towards that end, I suggest we stage a short race down the hall at Copia next March. I need to know that I can out-run at least ONE of you guys.... Jimbo   8-) I've been known to sandbag in the prelim's!   ::) dd

That's my plan. Haven't run in years.

OK, ready, set, research. The rivers under consideration are:

1) Togiak River
2) Goodnews River
3) Kanektok River

We've got plenty of time to research and choose which river to raft and fish. In the course of study, you will no doubt read about the fantastic fishing. Run timing will be critical for salmon. I would focus on sockeye (reds), coho (silvers), and chum (dog). Two of those three are good.
Rainbows, arctic grayling, and dolly varden are present year around. Best time for them is August into September.

There is no rush on this. Focus on your canoe trips this year. Together, we'll figure out a plan. 8-)

You get to help decide which river we float. When you have a choice, send me a pm.

Any particular reason that rivers from the   (You need to Login or Register were selected?

dd

Yes,

They are in the Bristol bay area, largest salmon return in the world.

They feature some of the best salmon and rainbow fishing anywhere.

They are protected and wild. Only one party per day can enter.

Much wildlife in the area.

The rivers are easy for novice rafters, such as myself to paddle.

I am open to other suggestions. 8-)

Old Salt wrote on Jul 9^th, 2015 at 2:49am:

The rivers under consideration are: 1) Togiak River 2) Goodnews River 3) Kanektok River

Is this like the Jamboree - Old Salt's Secret River? I'll get dropped into the headwaters of one of these rivers and find it's only me and MagicPaddler at the party!  ;D

Ranger wrote on Jul 9^th, 2015 at 10:21pm:

Old Salt wrote on Jul 9th, 2015 at 2:49am: The rivers under consideration are: 1) Togiak River 2) Goodnews River 3) Kanektok River Is this like the Jamboree - Old Salt's Secret River? I'll get dropped into the headwaters of one of these rivers and find it's only me and MagicPaddler at the party!  ;D

What could possibly go wrong with that picture?   :o

You're a dog guy, right? MP never travels alone in the wilds without his faithful, trusty companion, man's best friend, SPOT. :-?

I'd be interested in getting more information as well on this.

OS,

Sounds like a great trip - you've got my interest....plus, what group would be complete w/o the FNG to go with all those allstars!  ::)  I'll have to see, though as 2017 is the year we're planning on taking our Scout troop up there again.  I still need to catch up with you on that topic.

pd

Old Salt wrote on Jul 9^th, 2015 at 10:13pm:

Yes, They are in the Bristol bay area, largest salmon return in the world. They feature some of the best salmon and rainbow fishing anywhere. They are protected and wild. Only one party per day can enter. Much wildlife in the area..... 8-)

Hmmmm... park officials trying not to overfeed the bears, eh???

Jimbo   8-)

Any chance it could be 2016? You aint getten any younger you know.

Magicpaddler wrote on Jul 10^th, 2015 at 12:57pm:

Any chance it could be 2016? You aint getten any younger you know.

I would like to do it in 2016, but family circumstances have conspired against it. My wife has a recent diagnosis of cancer which is fast growing and spreading. Her treatment plan makes remote travel unwise for at least a year. We had to cancel our Alaska trip for September. Her outlook and prognosis is good and we expect her to be cancer free next year.

We feel confident that 2017 is a good timeframe. If any wish to go next year, I would be happy to assist with planning.

Your prayers for her health and recovery are appreciated. We know that God is the healer.

Quote:

Your prayers for her health and recovery are appreciated. We know that God is the healer.

I have friend in Calif, who has survived 2x serious cancers and is now in remission. My bro-in-law is 10+ yrs on with Multiple-Myeloma, most people don't make it past 5 yrs.

They both have positive attitudes, don't give up and know that they need to do their part for the Good Lord to do his. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a cancer free life from here on in.

Thanks. We appreciate the encouragement. I don't want to sidetrack this thread. We are at the Mayo Clinic, and have the best care on the planet. Linda is a fighter and we have every confidence that in a year or less she will be cancer free.

Now, back to Alaska planning.

I want this trip to be a QJ group plan. Everyone who goes needs to have 'skin in it'. Kind of an internet first.

Can I assume this is a co-ed venture?  This is something that my wife and I would like to do together.

I have no issue with co-ed. My wife has no interest in rafting. Can't speak for others... It depends on numbers.

As for getting together before/after rafting trip, feel free to make your own plans. We will be spending before/after time with family in Alaska.

This thread will soon be made visible only to those who have stated an interest. If you are interested and haven't posted, please do so, or PM me. Thanks. 8-)

We have a new forum thanks to db for planning purposes. It is in the Inukshuk Rendezvous. I have posted a preliminary cost estimate there. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 8-)

I cannot find it but I am interested.

Paging db to the red courtesy phone...

As a before/after trip idea, I would be up for a halibut, ling, salmon, rockfish charter out of Seward, AK. I bet we could fill a six-pack charter. 8-)

Magicpaddler wrote on Jul 12^th, 2015 at 12:43pm:

I cannot find it but I am interested.

Well, what goes around, comes around, Magic.  Half-the-time we can't find YOU!

Incidentally, I'm in the same lost boat as Magic.  I guess I'm not sure what it is I'm supposed to be able to see... and, bears be damned, I'm definitely interested in this trip!

Now, if only I could get my sciatica problem licked.  I really need to be able to run faster than Old Salt....

Jimbo   8-)

Jimbo,
IF you can't outrun them, you need to outsmart them.
Bears can see colors like humans, but don't see reds and oranges very well. I'm thinking PINK falls in there somewhere. ;) ;D ;D


Quote:

Bears see color very well. We can tell this by the number and position of the rods and cones in their eyes. Rods collect light, and cones interpret color. Bears particularly see colors on the blue end of the spectrum very well. They may not see reds as well as we do, but definitely better than deer. Deer see blues and greens especially well, but do not see reds well at all. In fact, if you go into the woods wearing a blaze-orange shirt and blue jeans, a deer can pick out the blue better than you can, but can see the orange only as subdued tones. The orange would be barely visible but the blue would glow like the fluorescent orange does to our eyes! Bears are not that extreme, but they do not see reds and oranges very well.

Maybe the jokes on me. There is supposed to be a new forum created for those interested in planning our Alaska trip. It is in the Inukshuk Rendezvous. It is visible to those who have indicated an interest. I requested it to be a forum for information sharing to be invisible to general public.

I have posted some information regarding costs and Anchorage.

Perhaps a PM to db will unlock the door and enable you to see the light. Never thought I was the only one who could see it. FWIW, any inuks interested in doing this trip have my permission to view and post to this new forum. 8-)

Old Salt wrote on Jul 12^th, 2015 at 3:53pm:

Maybe the jokes on me. There is supposed to be a new forum created for those interested in planning our Alaska trip. It is in the Inukshuk Rendezvous. It is visible to those who have indicated an interest. I requested it to be a forum for information sharing to be invisible to general public. I have posted some information regarding costs and Anchorage. Perhaps a PM to db will unlock the door and enable you to see the light. Never thought I was the only one who could see it. FWIW, any inuks interested in doing this trip have my permission to view and post to this new forum. 8-)

I got nada! :-/  And I've checked a few times since you posted last night.

I'll send db a bullet.

dd

Interested in learning more but a longshot at best. Didn't see anything in the rendezvous either.

DentonDoc wrote on Jul 12^th, 2015 at 5:40pm:

Old Salt wrote on Jul 12th, 2015 at 3:53pm: Maybe the jokes on me. There is supposed to be a new forum created for those interested in planning our Alaska trip. It is in the Inukshuk Rendezvous. It is visible to those who have indicated an interest. I requested it to be a forum for information sharing to be invisible to general public. I have posted some information regarding costs and Anchorage. Perhaps a PM to db will unlock the door and enable you to see the light. Never thought I was the only one who could see it. FWIW, any inuks interested in doing this trip have my permission to view and post to this new forum. 8-) I got nada! :-/  And I've checked a few times since you posted last night. I'll send db a bullet. dd

Ditto... but it's not like QJ is db's full-time job.  I'm sure he'll get around to a fix.  Meanwhile, Old Salt, you're talking to yourself.

Jimbo   8-)

Good things come to those who wait...
Patience is a requirement for this kind of trip. I appreciate db's willingness to create this special forum for our use.

We've got two years...

Patience is a requirement for any trip.

Everyone on the list OS kindly provided should now have access to the new AK forum. If I missed anyone or if anyone else thinks they may want to participate - please send me a short PM and I'll add you to the Alaska trip planning forum.

FWIW - It might be nice to let everyone in that forum know that you actually have access by checking in with a post there.

Oh and BTW - We need some POD's. :)

A huge thank you and hug to db.

If there is anyone else considering this trip, we need to know by September 15, 2015. At that time, we need to lock numbers. Not saying there is no chance after that date, but it would take someone backing out.

If you want to get in, post here AND send a PM to db. Thanks.  8-)

This trip is definitely a GO 8-)

I have been invited to speak at Midwest Mountaineering Fall Outdoor Adventure Expo, November 20-22, 2015. I will be speaking on 'Alaska River Fishing' in Hanson Hall #102 at 4:45pm on Saturday, November 21. Hanson Hall is part of the UM campus. Great venue. I'm always willing to meet with QJ folks before/after. 8-)

Alaska has over 3000 rivers. Where and how to start?

'Alaska River Fishing' is for the beginner or experienced fisherman looking to experience world-class Alaskan rivers. I have been visiting and fishing Alaska since 2004. I do this on a budget and can share some ways to save money while not cutting corners on having a true Alaskan adventure. I discuss gear, tackle, tactics, and strategies for finding and catching salmon (5 species), rainbows, Arctic char, and Arctic grayling, all comprising an awesome slam. I hope to see you there. Is Alaska on your bucket list? It should be.