Tikchik

The Tikchik River float starts at either Nishlik Lake or Upnuk Lake. The distance from both starting points is about the same. There are Lake Trout in both of these lakes and either place is a very scenic starting point. You may want to spend your first day exploring these upper lakes where you are dropped off. The Tikchik River is about a 50 mile float and is a very nice trip. The actual floating time on this river is less than 25 hours; but, a week long trip allows time to hike and fish. For a longer trip you can float down the Nuyakuk River for your pickup on the Lower Nushagak River.

First Third

The first 10 miles of the Tikchik River can be shallow if there has not been much rain. You may have to walk alongside the raft or drag it at certain times. The first third of the float, the river is surrounded by open tundra and at certain times there may be thousands of Caribou migrating. Once you are about 15 miles down river you are entering areas of good fishing. Where the Upnuk flows into the Tikchik there is good Char fishing. This river is great for fly fishing because it is easy to wade. You will want to concentrate on the areas behind the salmon spawning beds for good Dolly and Grayling fishing. The Grayling fishing is good anytime and you can use dry flies, nymphs, or drapers. As you progress down the river you will be in country with more trees and brush
 and have a good opportunity to see Moose and Bear.

Lower Third

The lower third of this river is the prime fishing area for Rainbow and Salmon. The best time for Rainbow is late August through September. The Rainbows in this river are good sized, averaging from 2 to 3 pounds. Wooly buggers and egg patterns work well for these fish. The Tikchik River system averages about 350,000 Sockeye Salmon a year. This system also has a healthy Pink Salmon run. This run varies from 150,000 to a record high of one million. This provides a rich food source for all the species that feed on the Salmon. If you are an avid fisherman you are going to want to spend as much time as possible on this lower river.

The Tikchik River flows into Tikchik Lake, which is connected to Nuyakuk Lake and Chauekuktuli Lake. This is some very beautiful country. Just to explore these lakes is a trip in itself! There is good Lake Trout fishing where the Allen River flows into Chauekuktuli Lake and the Northwest Passage that connects Nuyakuk and Chauekuktuli has good fishing for Grayling and Rainbow. On the West End of both of these lakes there are glacial fed streams and bays with clear deep water. The scenery is spectacular.

The Tikchik River has moderate use. There are no guide camps on this river so primary use is by floaters. There will be little or no boat traffic on these lakes. Tikchik Lodge is located on the West End of Tikchik Lake.

Cost

Cost to float the Tikchik River: