Build Your Own Trip in 2026

Overview

  • Trips leave daily and they can be any number of days. Our season is typically late June, July, August and the first ½ of September.  Weekend start dates book up faster and should be planned earlier. Weekend end dates on the peak of the salmon run may see a bit more traffic
  • Add a day or two on top of the minimum recommended days for weather delays  (this is cheap insurance), extra days for fishing, hiking photography and layover camp days.  I prefer 10-14 days on my 8 day rivers.
  • These trips can be minimal from a gear standpoint or “luxury” items may be added for additional comfort on longer trips.  Gazelle bug tents, Helinox cots, Yeti Trailhead chairs, NRS rod holders, etc
  • We try to separate groups by a couple of days so locking in the bush flight date and river first is important.  Fine tuning the numbers and gear can be changed down the road. 
  • Typical total trip costs (equipment, flights, food licenses etc) for 5-12+ day trips can be under $3000 per person (not including commercial airlines to Bethel) but may sneak up to $3500.  
  • The number of people on your raft, the number of days you stay at the lodge, the extra or “luxury” gear selections as well as river selection and access fees may add up to $500 per person.
  • Rafts and tents accommodate 2 or 3 people. Groups of 3 and 6 people will need to travel a bit light or split an extra flight . 
  • Most plans fail at the “getting all 6 people to commit” stage.  Get your core group committed and set your dates. We can “pencil in” additional rafts and gear while your group gets organized.
  • I will work with you as needed through the entire process. Conference calls are great and welcome.

Planning

Please explore our online tools to define the basic trip.  Then give me a call and we can fine tune the details.

  • Explore our rivers to determine a good match with your rowing skill and travel time frame as well as your scenic and wilderness expectations
  • Surf our facebook page current information, reports and specials.  
  • Review our specific river run timing on each river page for optimal salmon times or catch the edges of the runs for great fishing and fewer people on the river.
  • Check out our Equipment page to see what is included in our packages and general pricing. Review our Comfortable Camping for more “luxury items”.
  • Contact us with your preferred dates and flexibility around those dates.  
  • I will confirm equipment and river availability and provide pricing and an equipment list.  Next, review commercial flights on Alaska Airlines into Bethel.  When you are comfortable with the full package (equipment, pricing, river selection, you can send your deposit of $400 per person.
  • Now you own that river on those dates. It is time to get excited, get your gear together and tell your friends. We can add rafts and gear as others join the group.
  • In our Travel Tools page we provide detailed information to prepare you for your adventure.
  • Use our Personal Items, Fishing Gear and Food Recommendations and Best Practices to get yourself started
  • Additional information will be provided after deposits including specific river gps coordinates, trip planning tips, delegation of responsibilities and local information
  • Call me direct or schedule a conference call with your group at (208) 602-1200 for any reason at any time.

Considerations for your custom trip

A do-it yourself Alaskan float trip takes a lot of planning and preparation.  The choice of river is a combination of your goals, expectations, rowing abilities and fish species.

Contact float Alaska with detailed information on your group. Or call me to assist with the following:

  • Perfect amount of time for your trip
  • Number of flexible days +/-
  • General or specific days/month available
  • Top 3 priorities (scenery, remote experience, fishing, safety, wildlife viewing)
  • Rowing experience-(# days on the oars, age and physical condition)
  • Fishing experience in Alaska (good bad and ugly)
  • Other fishing experience,
  • Fly fishing or spin fishing or both

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Float Alaska provides the equipment and works directly with you for multiple months prior to the trip.  We also coordinate the services of local Bethel companies to pull our gear, pick you up at the airport, take you to the lodges and assist in any way.  
  • Once you have booked your flights to Bethel you will provide us with your information for pick up and drop off and we will organize the rest.
  • All of this planning is typically accomplished 3 months to two years ahead of time so we expect changes in flights and numbers of people among other things. We will work hard to accommodate any changes as they occur to make your trip smooth and easy.