Gulkana River Fishing Charters
The Gulkana River is a beautiful winding river. Its headwaters are just a little stream that exits Copper Lake in the Wrangell Mountains and travels over 300 miles to tidewater at Cordova. At tidewater, the Copper River Delta is over five miles across and teaming with our famous Copper River Reds and Kings. The word, "Gulkana" is an Athabascan native work meaning winding river. It covers about three river miles for every mile on the highway. On our five-hour charters we fish 5 to 6 miles of the river. On our ten-hour charters we can extend that up to 23 miles of the river.
As you may know, Copper River Salmon are considered by many to be the most prized and best tasting salmon in the world. The reason for this is that these fish have a slightly higher fat content in their meat and, like a good steak; the extra fat produces a brighter taste. If the opportunity presents itself, do a comparison taste test with any other salmon. It will quickly show what so many people have learned ~ Copper River Salmon (Kings and Reds) are the top of the line. Oftentimes, various kinds of Alaska wildlife such as Caribou, Black and Brown Bear, Moose, Beaver, Otter, a myriad of water fowl and a couple of dozen Bald Eagles are seen and are enjoyed up close and personal.
Beginning in early June, Copper River Salmon Charters offers five-hour and ten-hour guided raft trips fishing for the famous Copper River King Salmon (Chinook) and Red Salmon (Sockeye) in the beautiful Gulkana River. Half-day and Full-day Charters: With up to three trips daily, the Copper River Salmon Charters will outfit every client with all the essentials including your own fully insured and permitted professional guide and rafts, all tackle, boots and PFD's. For your nourishment, we carry snacks and beverages for the five-hour charters. We carry sack lunches, snacks and beverages for the ten-hour trips. (No alcoholic beverages, please!) Of course, some days anglers will limit out and some days fishing can be challenging. I cannot guarantee your catch but I can guarantee that our guides will do all they can to provide an exciting and eventful day as they put our guests in the middle of them. The rest us up to you and providence. Emergency Orders: These rules regulations are subject to change by Emergency Orders of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, depending on their assessment of the strength of the escapement up river.
Size and Limits:
In the Gulkana River, King Salmon range in size from 15 to 45 pounds with an occasional catch over 50 pounds. As in all our rivers in East Alaska, for Chinook (King) Salmon the rule is catch and release all day ~ keep one per day and four per season. The Sockeye (Reds) range in size from 4 to 8 pounds. For the Sockeye Salmon, the rule is catch and release all day ~ keep three per day with no seasonal limit. These rules regulations are subject to change by Emergency Orders of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, depending on their assessment of the strength of the escapement up river. Of course, some days anglers will limit out and some days fishing can be challenging. I cannot guarantee your catch but I can guarantee that our guides will do all they can to provide an exciting and eventful day as they put our guests in the middle of them. The rest us up to you and providence.
Fishing Equipment Angler Provides:
Current Alaska Fishing License can be purchased locally on arrival or online at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (license application)
King Salmon Stamp can be purchased locally on arrival or online at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (license application)
Clothes for the weather
Rain gear strongly recommended
A great "ketchum" attitude!
Outfitter Provides:
Transportation from our property to the river and return back from the river to our property
Professional fishing gear including:
Fully experienced, licensed, permitted and insured fishing guides
NRS Poly-Hypolon rafts with rowing frames and Cartright oars
Shakespeare 9' King salmon spinning rods with Quantum BOCA-PT's reels
Shakespeare fly rods and spinning rods for the Sockeye (Reds)
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's)
Bait and lures
Snacks on half day trips and hearty sack lunches on full day trips
Bottled water
Cleaning, preparation and freezing of catch for shipping
Gakona Cabins are available on the property. Gakona Stop 'n Shop offers groceries, tobacco and gifts. Gakona ECO Gas offers unleaded and diesel fuel at competitive prices. One day overnight shipping of your catch with FedEx is available on request.