Arolik River

Arolik River – Short on length long on intimate secluded fishing

Your Arolik River trip starts with a bush flight to Arolik Lake and continues 45 miles to the take out the mouth of the river near Quinhagak, AK.  You will be picked up in Quinhagak by vehicle and be returned to Bethel via wheeled planes.  The full river is a comfortable 5 day float, however most fishermen prefer 7-10 days.  Our wheeled plane landing option 12 miles downstream of the lake makes this one of our quick trip favorites.  Due to the extra fees and flight costs this is one of our “top shelf” rivers.

The fishing begins each year in mid-June with prime rainbow fishing and the King Salmon run and culminates each year in mid-September with the Rainbow fishing peaking again with the peak of the Silver Salmon run. In addition to Rainbow and Salmon fishing, the Arolik Adventure also offers great Dolly Varden and Grayling fishing. The Arolik River is World Renowned for its World Class Rainbow Trout that lurk in the river.

The Arolik can be a bit challenging on the upper section at low water.  We provide an alternate Put-In at the confluence 12 miles down for both low water and shorter duration floats. The upper river is not a river for everyone but with a little extra effort you can enjoy some of the best fishing in Alaska plus seclusion unmatched anywhere else. A short duration float trip with good to excellent fishing. This float is for the novice to experienced rafter.

The Arolik starts small in volume and finishes with the same intimate feel. However, it unveils excellent wade fly-fishing around every corner from top to bottom.  The Arolik fishes big in its small tributaries and braided channels keeping fishermen challenged for up to 10 days or more on this short river. Hiking is fantastic with many climbs of 1000′ or more above the lake and river.  Expect to see few if any people on this river.

Transportation Costs Include:

• Bush flight
• River shuttle to Quinhagak Airport
• Wheeled flight to Bethel
• All shuttles to and from Bethel Airport

TRANSPORTATION COST:  $1,970 per person + $75 shuttle (lake)

TRANSPORTATION COST:  $2370 per person + $75 shuttle (wheels)

(the wheels option places you lower on the river, bypasses possible low water and allows more time fishing and quicker trips)

TRIBAL RIVER FEE:  averages out to roughly $50 per day per person  ($100 per day applies to # days below snow gulch-approx. 1/2 total trip days est.)

The total cost of your trip is transportation costs above plus equipment rental pricing.  Equipment Rental pricing -varies based on gear selection, number of days group size and weight limits.
Optional:
First night’s lodging in Bethel: $200.00
Showers on return to Bethel: $40.00

Arolik River Salmon Timing