GUSTAVUS FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Riverholes and Bears: A Private Full-Day Fishing and Bear-Watching on Chichagof Island
A six-hour, private outing from Icy Strait Point into the Tongass to fish for salmon and trout, watch for brown bears, and optionally cook your catch over a fire.
Riverholes and Bears: A Private Full-Day Fishing and Bear-Watching on Chichagof Island.
This private, full-day excursion launches from Icy Strait Point and threads through the Alaska Native village of Hoonah onto old logging roads that lead to a remote river on Chichagof Island in the Tongass National Forest. Guests fish for salmon and/or trout in a wild, riverine setting where brown bears are commonly seen; on the full-day itinerary there is even the option to cook your catch over a fire and finish with s'mores.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Brown bears in a bear-rich island landscape
Chichagof Island is noted for exceptionally high brown-bear density; wildlife viewing along the river is a common part of the trip as you fish and move between holes.
Salmon and trout in a remote Tongass river
You’ll put on waders and fish for salmon and/or trout at one or multiple spots along a beautiful river in the Tongass National Forest; waders are provided by the operator.
Cook your catch and s'mores by the river
On the full-day outing participants have the option to cook their catch over a fire and enjoy s'mores for dessert—an informal finish to a day on the water.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day moves from a short road transfer into wilderness: pickup at Icy Strait Point, a drive through Hoonah and along old logging roads to a remote river, a short wade to the first fishing hole, and hours spent casting, moving between holes as desired, scanning river edges for bears, and—if you choose—ending with a riverside cookout and s'mores before the return drive to town.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a 6-hour private full-day trip; start time can be adjusted at booking to better fit your schedule.
Pickup is from Icy Strait Point; at the end of the trip guests are returned to Icy Strait Point or another desired destination in Hoonah.
Bring a rain jacket, warm socks, and polarized sunglasses. Waders are provided unless your shoe size is larger than 14 or calves exceed 17 inches, in which case bring your own boots/waders.
All fishing guests age 16 and older must have a fishing license; a 1-day (24-hour) license can be purchased online for $15 and should be bought before your trip. A King Salmon stamp is not required.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The private full-day fishing and bear-watching outing is 6 hours.
Where do we meet and end the day?
Pickup is at Icy Strait Point; after the trip you will be returned to Icy Strait Point or another requested destination in Hoonah.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. All fishing guests age 16 and older must have a fishing license; a 1-day (24-hour) license can be purchased online for $15 and should be purchased before the trip. A King Salmon stamp is not required.
Are waders provided?
Waders are provided; if your shoe size is larger than a 14 or your calves are wider than 17 inches you will need to bring your own boots/waders.
Can the start time or group size be adjusted?
Start time can be adjusted at booking to better fit your schedule. Groups of more than four can often be accommodated with advance notice—contact the operator to inquire.