Tag: Guided Fly Fishing Alaska

6 Essentials for Bear Watching Trips

Posted on by Dev Editor

6 Essentials for Bear Watching Trips

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the state is home to approximately 32,000 brown bears.

With such a large population, it’s no wonder that bear-watching is a popular activity in the state. You might be planning a tour to see these amazing creatures up close. Watching bears can be an exciting and memorable experience.

You’ll see bears in their natural habitat, fishing for salmon or roaming the wilderness. It’s a chance to witness nature at its wildest.

But you might be unsure about what to pack for the trip. Read on to uncover eight essentials for bear-watching trips.

1. Binoculars for a Clear View

Bears usually stay far away, and you don’t want to depend on luck. A good pair of binoculars helps you see them clearly without getting too close. Look for binoculars with a wide field of view and strong magnification. 

These features make it easy to spot bears, even in dense forests. Binoculars let you focus on essential details, like:

  • Cubs playing
  • Feeding habits
  • Unique markings
  • Fishing behavior
  • Tracks and footprints

Whether you’re in a popular location or exploring remote areas, binoculars are essential for the best Alaska wildlife experiences. They make it easier to enjoy the bears from a safe distance, giving you a clearer view of their natural behavior.

2. A High-Resolution Camera

Seeing a bear in the wild is exciting, but capturing the moment is even better. A high-resolution camera with a zoom lens lets you safely photograph these amazing creatures. Look for a camera that works well outdoors

Seeing a bear in the wild is one of Alaska’s most thrilling experiences. And while the moment itself is unforgettable, capturing it on camera lets you relive it—and share it with others. A high-resolution camera with a zoom lens is ideal for safely photographing these amazing creatures without getting too close. Look for a camera that performs well in outdoor lighting, which can shift quickly in the wild.

Today’s modern cell phones can also be excellent tools for capturing Alaska’s beauty. Many come equipped with advanced cameras and zoom features that allow you to take high-quality photos from a safe distance. On your guided bear-viewing tour, don’t hesitate to ask your guide for photography tips—they know the best ways to capture wildlife respectfully and effectively.  They can help you capture the best moments.

Whether you’re using a DSLR or your phone, having a good camera is one of the key nature hike essentials. It ensures you take home more than just memories—you bring back the kind of photos that tell the story of your bear-watching adventure.

A good camera is one of the key nature hike essentials. It lets you take home unforgettable memories from your bear-watching adventure.

3. Weather-Appropriate Clothing

Bear-watching often involves long hours outdoors in unpredictable weather. Dressing in layers helps keep you comfortable on both cold mornings and warm afternoons. Waterproof gear is essential if you’re in a rainy area.

Sturdy hiking boots give you the traction needed on rough terrain. Before heading out, check the forecast to pack the right clothing for your trip. These might include:

  • Waterproof jacket
  • Warm layers
  • Hiking boots
  • Moisture-wicking socks
  • Gloves and hat
  • Sunglasses

Packing these items will help you stay dry and warm while exploring bear-viewing locations. Being prepared makes your trip much more enjoyable.

4. A Good Backpack for Gear Storage

A well-organized backpack can make your bear-watching trip much easier. Consider a bag that’s big enough to carry your essentials but still comfortable to wear. Look for a pack with multiple compartments so you can easily access items like:

If you’re going into the wilderness for a longer trip, choose a pack with a hydration system. Staying refreshed throughout the journey is important. Having a well-packed and organized backpack allows you to focus on enjoying the experience.

5. A Field Guide to Identify Bears

Bears come in different species, and each has its own behavior. Carry a field guide to help you identify bears and understand their habits.

A guide can help you spot key features that set each species apart. Pay attention to their:

  • Size
  • Fur color
  • Unique markings
  • Behavior
  • Tracks

Knowing these details enhances your experience and helps you stay safe. If a bear approaches, understanding its characteristics can help you react appropriately.

Many national parks and conservation areas offer free bear guides. Take advantage of these resources before your trip to prepare for any encounters.

6. First Aid Kit for Emergencies

Accidents can happen in the wild, so carrying a first aid kit is wise. It’s important to pack supplies for managing minor injuries and staying safe.

A well-stocked kit can help you handle small problems before they become serious. It can include:

  • Bandages
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Pain relievers
  • Necessary medications
  • Tweezers

If you’re traveling with a group, make sure everyone knows where the kit is. Having the right medical supplies can prevent accidents from ruining your bear-watching adventure.

Making the Most of Your Bear-Watching Adventure

Bear-watching is an exciting way to experience nature and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. With the right preparation, you can make the most of your trip and stay safe while enjoying incredible moments. Following the tips shared in this guide will help you have a rewarding and memorable experience.

If you’re considering a bear-watching trip and looking for a reliable guide, consider Bear Creek Outfitters. We’ve been offering unforgettable wildlife tours in Southeast Alaska for over 30 years.

As a locally owned business, we specialize in providing small-group, authentic adventures. Let us show you the wild beauty of Alaska!

Top 9 Alaska Fly Fishing Trips to Experience

Posted on by Dev Editor

Each year, around a million people visit Alaska, according to Alaska’s News Source. Many of these people check out the state to pursue its ample fly fishing opportunities. Imagine landing a bright silver salmon beneath a snow-capped mountain, the only sounds around you are the rush of water and a distant eagle.

Alaska delivers that kind of magic, and no two rivers feel the same. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or heading out for your first time, these top Alaska fly fishing trips offer more than just fish. Let’s explore where to go and why each destination belongs on your list.

1. Crystal Streams Around Juneau

Few places balance accessibility and wilderness like the water surrounding Juneau. You can spend the morning on a small creek and still make it back to town for a hot meal and a good night’s sleep. When it comes to planning gear for these outings, keep this in mind.

  • Dry flies for cutthroat trout
  • Shorter rods for tight spaces
  • Sturdy wading boots

This is one of those Alaskan angling experiences that surprises you with how relaxed and rewarding it can be.

When booking a trip with Bear Creek Outfitters we provide ALL required fishing equipment from top brands like Simms, Rio, Sage, and Echo. Our fly fishing trips are designed to captivate and enthrall individuals of all skill levels.

2. Wilderness Rivers Near Lake Iliamna

This region feels like it was designed for fly fishing adventures. Accessing the rivers by floatplane drops you into a world where the only company might be a curious moose or circling eagle.

The water is gin-clear, the trout are aggressive, and the sense of freedom is hard to beat. If you’re planning to pack light but smart, keep this checklist in mind:

  • Versatile six- or seven-weight rod
  • Floating and sink-tip lines
  • Mouse and leech patterns

You’ll likely find it to be a place that pulls you in and makes you lose track of time.

3. Salmon Runs of the Kenai Peninsula

When the salmon move up the Kenai, the river turns electric. The surrounding landscape is just as dramatic as the fishing, with glacier-fed water carving through thick forest and mountain views around every bend.

Timing matters here, especially if you’re chasing the famous king salmon or want a mixed bag of species in a single day. Guides know the runs well and can help you hit the peak.

4. Untouched Tributaries of the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge

If you’re looking for isolation and raw beauty, this is it. The refuge protects a massive stretch of tundra and winding rivers that see more wildlife than people.

Wading these tributaries, you’ll feel like you’re the first to ever cast a line there. The fish are:

  • Untouched
  • Eager
  • Often enormous

There’s something deeply grounding about spending a few days out here with no agenda other than following the current.

5. Hidden Gems in the Copper River Basin

This part of Alaska doesn’t always make the top of the list, but that’s what makes it special. The rivers are full of surprises, with long glides perfect for dry flies and deep runs where trout hold in shadow.

Local anglers quietly protect this region, and visitors are often amazed at the quality of fishing. Before heading out, take time to pack a few key pieces of gear:

  • Lightweight waders
  • Stream thermometer
  • Split-shot and indicators

Fly fishing here feels like discovering a secret the rest of the world has forgotten.

6. Clearwater Lakes of the Kodiak Archipelago

The lakes of Kodiak are:

  • Calm
  • Clear
  • Packed with fish

On your journey, you’ll find:

  • Trout rising to midges
  • Char hugging the bottom
  • A silence that makes every strike feel louder

While this area is better known for brown bears and its rugged coastline, its inland waters are a quiet paradise for anglers who prefer stillwater techniques.

7. Deep Channels of the Alagnak Wild River

The Alagnak twists and turns through some of the most dramatic terrain in southwest Alaska. Known for strong salmon runs and aggressive trout, this river keeps you engaged the entire time.

The variety of water (from slow channels to powerful riffles) means you’ll never get bored. It also makes it a great destination for top fly fishing tours since every stretch offers something different. You’ll come back tired and content, with stories that feel too wild to be true.

8. Backcountry Rivers in the Talkeetna Mountains

Access isn’t always easy here, but that’s part of the appeal. The rivers are full of character, changing from quiet bends to fast drops in a matter of yards. The fish are resilient, having survived the harsh mountain winters.

For anglers who don’t mind a bit of a hike, the rewards are rich. Use this simple prep list before heading into the backcountry:

  • Topo maps and GPS
  • Compact rod case
  • Water filter

That first rise after a long hike is a feeling you won’t forget.

9. Scenic Bays Near Prince of Wales Island

Tucked between the forested hills and rocky shores are inlets teeming with life. These sheltered waters offer a mix of salt and fresh. With them come unique fishing opportunities.

Cast to sea-run cutthroat in the estuaries or move inland toward hidden streams filled with dollies. It’s a region full of surprises, and many consider it one of the more underrated Alaska fishing destinations.

Check Out These Spots for Alaska Fly Fishing Trips

No matter which direction you choose for your Alaska fly fishing trips, the state rewards the curious and the patient. They’re the kind of places that stay with you long after you’ve packed up your gear.

With over 25 years of guiding experience, Bear Creek Outfitters offers remote Alaska fly fishing trips and bear-viewing excursions deep in the Tongass National Forest. Guests enjoy floatplane access, expert guides, and unmatched scenery. You can get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help.

Bear Creek Outfitters: Unleash Your Adventure in Alaska

Posted on by Dev Editor

Bear Creek Outfitters: Unleash Your Adventure in Alaska

Too many people visit Alaska and leave feeling like they only scratched the surface. A rushed fishing charter, a crowded sightseeing tour, or a roadside pull-off just doesn’t cut it. Not when you came all this way for something wild.

The real Alaska is quiet, raw, and tucked deep beyond the beaten path. That’s exactly where Bear Creek Outfitters takes you. With nearly 30 years of experience, we help you skip the tourist lines and step straight into the untouched heart of Southeast Alaska.

Read on if you’re after the kind of story that’s hard to believe but impossible to forget.

Why Southeast Alaska?

Southeast Alaska isn’t built for highways. It’s built for floatplanes, rivers, and old-growth forests. That’s part of what makes it so appealing for anglers and wildlife watchers.

You don’t just go sightseeing; you step straight into one of the richest ecosystems in North America.

The Tongass National Forest covers nearly 17 million acres and is considered the largest national forest in the U.S. It’s mostly temperate rainforest, fed by glaciers and tides, and filled with fish, bears, eagles, and wolves. The sheer volume of untouched land means you’re not fighting for space out there; you’re often the only ones around.

Some reasons people are drawn to this part of Alaska include:

  • Access to remote waters filled with wild Pacific salmon
  • Unmatched scenery with fjords, mountains, and massive spruce forests
  • Higher chance of wildlife sightings compared to road-access locations
  • Smaller fishing pressure and less human impact on the rivers
  • Better water clarity and cooler temps for peak fishing conditions

It’s no surprise that Southeast Alaska is a hub for adventure travel Alaska fans who want more than a bus tour. The region offers something you just don’t get from the roadside; it offers time. Time to fish, time to spot bears, and time to actually take it all in without a crowd around you.

The Bear Creek Outfitters Experience

Bear Creek Outfitters started guided Alaska excursions nearly three decades ago, long before fly-out fishing was popular here. Since then, we’ve stayed small on purpose, choosing quality over volume. Our trips focus on real experiences; no huge tour groups, no rushed schedules.

All trips start with door-to-door service in Juneau. After suiting up at the fly shop, guests take off from the water with Ward Air, flying over alpine lakes and forested valleys toward wild streams few people ever see.

Here’s what makes Bear Creek Outfitters different from the average operator:

  • Only small group sizes to keep the experience personal
  • Over 65 permitted remote streams to choose from each day
  • Decades of local guiding experience from seasoned professionals
  • All equipment provided, including premium rods, reels, and waders
  • Focus on conservation with catch-and-release fishing and barbless hooks

Fly Fishing in Remote Wilderness

The fly fishing season typically runs from late May through September, with different species showing up at different times.

For instance, Dolly Varden (a type of char) is available all season, but Pink Salmon tends to peak in July and August. Silver Salmon show up in late August and stick around into fall. That variety means every month offers a slightly different experience.

Bear Creek Outfitters offers several Juneau fishing trips, depending on your schedule and interests. These include:

  • Half-Day Fly-Out Trips: ~5.5 hours door-to-door, ideal for cruise ship visitors
  • Full-Day Fly-Out Trips: ~8.5 hours, more time to explore remote rivers
  • Private and Custom Trips: Meet your floatplane almost anywhere in the region

Our fly-out model lets us choose a stream based on current fishing conditions, weather, and species activity. You won’t be stuck going where everyone else is going that week.

More Than Just Fishing

If you’re coming to Alaska and don’t see a bear, you’re missing something. Bear Creek Outfitters has offered wildlife tours in Alaska longer than just about anyone in Juneau, and we don’t do bear viewing the way big-name operators do.

Instead of crowds and platforms, our bear excursions bring guests into quiet estuaries, creek mouths, and wild valleys; places where bears are naturally feeding, not being fed. These experiences take place in places like Pack Creek on Admiralty Island, a federally protected area known for its high concentration of brown bears.

Types of bear tours available include:

  • Pack Creek Bear Viewing: Located in the Stan Price Bear Preserve, available May-mid-September
  • Waterfall Creek Bear Viewing: Known for intimate bear fishing scenes, runs in late July-September
  • Private Bear Viewing: Customized based on travel needs, can include extra flightseeing time

Our guides on these trips are seasoned pros. Most have over a decade of experience watching the same families of bears come back year after year. They know how to read bear behavior, where to stand, and, importantly, when to move.

Guests often see more than bears, though. It’s common to spot:

  • Bald eagles perched in spruce trees or swooping over streams
  • Harbor seals near estuaries or inlets
  • Sitka black-tailed deer browsing at the edge of the forest
  • Otters playing along stream banks or tidal flats

Planning and Preparation Tips

Fishing or bear viewing in Southeast Alaska isn’t difficult, but you do need to be ready for conditions that are a little less predictable than a lodge-based trip. Weather can shift quickly, and your feet will probably get wet at some point, even with boots on.

Bear Creek Outfitters makes things easier by providing just about everything. Guests get fully equipped with rods, waders, raincoats, and more. Even lunch is covered on full-day trips. The only extra expense is the Alaska fishing license ($15), which you can buy online or on your phone the morning of your trip.

Some things you’ll want to bring include:

  • Warm, moisture-wicking base layers
  • Hat with a brim and sunglasses
  • Lightweight gloves for chilly mornings
  • Waterproof or water-resistant camera
  • Tipping money for your guide

Ready to Go Beyond the Ordinary?

With Bear Creek Outfitters, you get authentic, small-group adventures led by guides who have logged thousands of days in Southeast Alaska’s remote streams and bear country. Whether you’re here for floatplane-accessed Juneau fishing trips or up-close wildlife experiences, you’ll have exclusive access to spots other outfitters can’t offer. Our commitment to conservation, experienced guides, and true Alaskan hospitality make us Southeast Alaska’s original fly fishing and bear viewing outfitter.

Book now and make sure your Alaska trip is one worth telling stories about for years.