Holitna River
Your trip starts with a bush flight to the headwaters of the Holitna and may continue 85 miles to the take out. You may be picked up along the river near the confluence of the Holitna and Hoholitna rivers by floatplane and flown back to Bethel. However many alternate pick up points are available. This is a class I-II river. Due to the higher cost float plane pickup and drop off we recommend 7 days. It is possible to float fewer days. Most fishermen prefer 7-10 days. Options are available for wheeled drop off farther up one of the many forks up river for a much more varied and possibly longer adventure. The Holitna River is an easy flowing river in southwest Alaska, running through a vast wilderness area. Flowing north along the base of the Kuskokwim Mountains and out of the Taylor Mountains, the Holitna is the largest river system in the lower Kuskokwim River basin and offers a great family and friends trip in a true wilderness setting.
Holitna River is one of the most remote Southwest Alaska float trip options. The river supports all five species of Pacific Salmon. Besides Salmon the Holitna also offers great Char fishing along with Grayling, Northern Pike and even Sheefish at times. For the fisherman looking for an easy scenic float, with few if any other people and endless gravel bars for virtually unlimited camping opportunities then the Holitna River is the one to float.
The fishing begins each year in early July with the King Salmon run and culminates each year in mid-September with the Silver Salmon run. The Holitna is a lesser known River and as such receives little fishing pressure.
Ask about the Hoholitna and Shotgun Creek and the Kogrukluk River
Transportation Costs Include:
- Bush flight to the headwaters of Holitna
- Flight from river back to Bethel
- All shuttles to and from Bethel Airport
PRICE: $2300-3400 per person (light groups of 3 vs 2)
PLEASE NOTE: total price of the trip is transportation plus equipment rental pricing. Equipment Rental pricing varies based on gear selection, number of days and group size.
Optional
Lodging in Bethel: $200.00 (Front end or tail end of your trip)
Showers on return to Bethel: $40.00
Holitna River Salmon Timing
| Salmon Species | Lower River | Mid-Upper River | Comments |
| King (Chinook) | Late June | July | |
| Dog (Chum) | Early June | Mid to Late July | |
| Red (Sockeye) | Early July | Mid to Late July | |
| Pink (Humpy) | Late July | August | Even Year Return |
| Coho (Silver) | Early August | Mid August- September |
