This trip encompasses all that wild Alaska has to offer. Load up on an ATV, ride 30 plus miles the Klutina Lake road to the launch point, and float back down the river in a guide-controlled raft, stopping at the best holes for king salmon and sockeye along the way. The float ends right on the banks of King For A Day Campground.
We also run float trips on the Gulkana River, 30 miles north. Load up, drive to the Gulkana launch, and float to hotspots targeting kings, sockeye, and more. Your driver picks up you and your guide at the end of the day with your catch and brings you back to camp. We specialize on the Klutina. Bigger fish, faster water, and scenery that makes the Gulkana look tame. Our lead guide knows this river inside and out and taught us to fish here, understanding every hole, every seam, and every run where fish stack up.
This is a full-day trip. You’ll meet at King For A Day Campground early in the morning, gear up, and ride ATVs to the launch. From there, your guide rows the raft stopping at the hot spots on the way down. NO FISHING FROM RAFT. Expect to hit multiple spots throughout the day, casting for both king and sockeye salmon.
The Klutina is glacier-fed, fast-moving 14 miles per hour. We are the 3rd fastest sport fishing river in the nation and 1st in Alaska. Between fishing stops, you’ll float through Class 1-4 water surrounded by wilderness. Keep your eyes open for abundant Alaskan wildlife, eagles, moose, and bears are often seen on trips.
The day ends with the raft pulling up right at camp. Walk to your tent, cabin, or RV with your catch.
Departure: King For A Day Campground, 100.5 Richardson Highway, Copper Center
What’s Included: Rod, tackle, flies, waders, bait, life vest, and guide. All floats on the Klutina land right at camp.
What to Bring: Lunch and drinks, rain jacket, layers of clothing, camera. Limit one bag per person. Bring your own waders if you have a preferred pair.
Season: June through August. King salmon dates vary by river (see above).
Military discounts available | Kids 12 & under fish for half price
King Salmon (Chinook): The Klutina produces some of the biggest kings in the Copper River drainage. King season on the Klutina runs July 1 through August 10. Gulkana king season starts June 1 and runs through July 16.
Sockeye (Red) Salmon: The Copper River reds that restaurants charge $40/pound for? This is where they come from. Sockeye run June through August.
Combo Fishing: Our float trips target both kings and sockeye. You can also encounter dolly varden, grayling, and rainbow trout depending on timing and location.
Not at all. Our guides work with anglers of all skill levels. If you’ve never held a fishing rod, they’ll teach you everything you need to know on the water.
Kids are welcome on the float and fish. Children 12 and under fish at half price. Very small children may be better suited for a scenic float or fishing lesson from the bank.
Non-fishing guests can ride along for the river tour rate. Or check out our Scenic Float trip for a dedicated sightseeing experience.
