Icy Strait Point: River Fishing & Bear Search Tour

If you’re seeking an adventurous experience that combines wildlife viewing with fishing in a remote setting, the Icy Strait Point: River Fishing & Bear Search Tour offers a compelling option. This 4-hour guided tour departs from Icy Strait Point and takes you into the heart of Chichagof Island on old logging roads. Here, you’ll search for brown bears, fish for Salmon, Dolly Varden Char, and Cut Throat Trout, and enjoy an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience.

This tour is designed for those who appreciate off-the-beaten-path adventures and are comfortable with a bit of walking and outdoor activity. It’s suitable for participants over 10 years old and not recommended for individuals with mobility issues, those over 243 lbs (110 kg), or with low fitness levels. The tour balances wildlife searching and fishing, making it an engaging outing for nature lovers and anglers alike.

Key Points

• Remote wilderness experience with a focus on bear searching and fishing
• Guided by NatVenture Tours, with a small group size limited to 6 participants
• Includes a drive through Hoonah and old logging roads to reach the fishing spot
• Duration of 4 hours with flexible fishing options at the river
• Participants must obtain their own one-day fishing license before the tour
• Departs from a specific meeting point near the guard station at Icy Strait Point

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Starting Point and Meeting Details at Icy Strait Point

The tour begins at the circle drive just past the guard station at Icy Strait Point. To locate the meeting spot, travelers pass the kayak center, then continue past the circle drive and guard station, where the tour vehicle is parked and visible from the road. The precise coordinates are 58.128135681152344, -135.46002197265625. This straightforward meeting point simplifies arrival logistics for participants.

The guide from NatVenture Tours leads the outing, ensuring a small group experience with a maximum of 6 participants. This setup fosters personalized attention and a more intimate experience in the Alaskan wilderness.

Journey Through Hoonah and Old Logging Roads

After pickup, the tour drives through the Alaska Native Tlingit village of Hoonah, giving a glimpse into the local culture. The journey then continues along old logging roads, which are now used for access to remote areas. These dirt roads add to the adventure, taking travelers far away from busy tourist spots into the wild.

The drive offers scenic views and a chance to observe the landscape that supports Alaska’s wildlife. The route is an essential part of the experience, setting the tone for the sense of adventure and discovery. The roads are not paved, so a sense of ruggedness and exploration is part of the charm.

Reaching the Remote River in Tongass National Forest

The ultimate destination is a beautiful river within Tongass National Forest on Chichagof Island. This location provides a prime habitat for salmon and trout and is notable for its abundant brown bears. The dense forests and the river’s clear waters create an authentic wilderness backdrop for the fishing and bear-searching activities.

The river spot is accessible after a short walk, where you’ll don waders before fishing. The natural environment makes it a favorite for wildlife spotting, especially as brown bears are known to frequent this area, especially during salmon spawning season.

Wildlife Watching: Spotting Brown Bears & Salmon Spawning

One of the standout features of this tour is the opportunity to see brown bears in their natural habitat. The island has more brown bears per square mile than almost anywhere else, making wildlife encounters quite likely. The guide keeps an eye out for bears along the river, and guests may witness salmon spawning depending on the time of year.

While searching for bears, the anticipation of seeing these majestic creatures in the wild adds an exciting element to the experience. The environment is rich with opportunities for wildlife photography, especially during salmon spawning season when the river teems with activity.

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Fishing for Salmon, Dolly Varden Char, and Cut Throat Trout

Once at the river, participants can fish for Salmon and Trout. The guide helps set up for fishing, and whether anglers stay in one spot or walk along the river to fish in multiple locations, the experience offers plenty of chances to hook a wild catch. The fishing is done with the appropriate gear and waders, making it suitable for those comfortable with outdoor fishing activities.

The specific species include Salmon, Dolly Varden Char, and Cut Throat Trout. Catching a wild salmon is a highlight, and the natural setting amplifies the thrill of fishing in such pristine waters.

Flexibility in Fishing Spots and Wildlife Search

The tour offers flexibility in terms of fishing locations. Guests can stay at one spot for the entire duration or walk along the river to fish in different areas. This adaptability allows for a personalized experience based on conditions, wildlife activity, and individual preferences.

Throughout the trip, the guide continuously searches for bears along the river, combining wildlife observation with fishing. The walk along the river is short but provides additional vantage points for both wildlife viewing and fishing.

Return Drive and Drop-Off in Hoonah

After the fishing and wildlife search, the group returns to Icy Strait Point via the old logging roads. The drive back offers scenic views and a chance to reflect on the rich wilderness encountered during the trip. The tour concludes with a drop-off at Icy Strait Point or a location within Hoonah, depending on passenger preference.

This seamless return makes the experience convenient, with transportation included in the 4-hour itinerary. The entire outing is designed for efficient exploration while maximizing wildlife sightings and fishing opportunities.

Practical Tips and Important Information

Participants must obtain a one-day fishing license on their own via the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website before the trip. The tour is not suitable for children under 10, individuals with mobility issues, or those weighing more than 243 lbs (110 kg) or 230 lbs (104 kg) with low fitness levels.

The tour is conducted in English and is ideal for those prepared for outdoor activity. It’s a small-group experience, providing personalized guidance and a more intimate encounter with Alaska’s wilderness.

What Sets This Tour Apart From Similar Experiences

This off-the-beaten-path adventure emphasizes the thrill of wildlife viewing combined with fishing in a remote, forested environment. The drive through Hoonah and on old logging roads adds a sense of exploration that larger, more commercial tours may lack.

The focus on brown bears and the chance to witness salmon spawning make it especially appealing for nature enthusiasts. The small group size ensures more attention from guides and a quieter, more personal experience in the wild. The tour balances adventure, wildlife, and fishing—a combination that’s rare to find in single-day excursions.

Final Thoughts on the Icy Strait Point River Fishing & Bear Search Tour

This tour offers a genuinely authentic Alaskan adventure for those who enjoy wildlife encounters and fishing. The combination of guided wildlife searching, remote river fishing, and scenic drive creates a well-rounded experience. The small group size ensures personalized attention, while the drive through Hoonah and the Tongass National Forest provides stunning scenery.

While the outdoor activity and wildlife focus are definite highlights, the tour does have some considerations: participants need to arrange their fishing license and should be prepared for physical activity, walking, and outdoor conditions. It’s best suited for adventurers over 10 years old who are comfortable in rugged environments.

Overall, this tour balances adventure, wildlife, and fishing in a remote setting—ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Alaskan experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license?
Yes, guests must obtain a one-day fishing license on their own through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website before the trip.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old due to outdoor activity and physical requirements.

What is the group size?
The experience is limited to 6 participants, ensuring a small, personalized group.

How long does the tour last?
The tour has a duration of 4 hours, including transportation, wildlife searching, and fishing.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from the circle drive just past the guard station at Icy Strait Point. The exact location is marked by coordinates 58.128135681152344, -135.46002197265625.

What wildlife might I see?
The tour offers chances to spot brown bears along the river, especially during salmon spawning times.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments due to walking and outdoor terrain.

Can I fish at multiple spots?
Yes, participants may stay at one spot or walk along the river to fish in different locations, depending on conditions and preferences.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
The tour’s wildlife and fishing activities are best experienced during salmon spawning season, though specific timing isn’t detailed in the data.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation from and back to Icy Strait Point or Hoonah is included as part of the 4-hour experience.

Is the experience weather-dependent?
While not explicitly stated, outdoor activities like this are naturally influenced by weather conditions, so dress appropriately and be prepared for variable weather.

This River Fishing & Bear Search Tour from NatVenture Tours provides a rich, outdoor adventure with plenty of chances for wildlife sightings and fishing in an untouched part of Alaska. It balances scenic drives with engaging activities, making it a memorable choice for those eager to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.

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