Arolik River

The Arolik River Float is an awesome trip. There is good fishing for the 5 species of Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Grayling,
and Char/Dolly Varden. The trip begins with flying from Dillingham to Arolik Lake via DHC-2 Beaver on floats (max wt.
1200#). From the lake you head down the East Fork for about 9 miles. This 9 miles is very narrow and depending on the water level you may end up dragging your raft for the whole 9 miles. From the confluence of the east and south forks, there is plenty of water for easy floating.

When you reach Bessie Creek, the water becomes murky. Depending on rain at the time, you may find the water clear, or you may have no visibility at all. 10% of the time the water is completely clear. When picking a camping spot on the lower river look for high, grassy ground. Don't camp on the gravel as you can have problems with tidal water. You can arrange for a pickup on the lower river with the Beaver.

Run timing for fishing is as follows:

• Kings - Mid June-end of July (Peak June 20-July 10) 20 to 25 pound average, use eggs or big spoons, the bigger the better.

• Sockeye - Mid June-early August

• Chum - Early June-mid August

• Pinks - Even years only, Early July-early August

• Coho - Early August-end of September (peak August 7-September 1) 8 to 12 pound average, green or orange Popsicle.

• Rainbows - Good fishing all season, 3.5 pound average with chance for 5-pound fish; Memphs Spinner with silver blade, Egg Sucking Leeches in black or purple, fishing quality depends on water levels and clarity of the water.

• Grayling - Primarily 8-year-old fish averaging 2 to 3 pounds; use purple Egg Sucking Leeches or dry fly Muddlers.

• Char - Good fishing anytime, these char will hit on most anything.

Cost Estimate for Arolik Float:

Drop-off @ Arolik Lake (Beaver) $4,000
Pick-up @ Quinhagak Village (Wheelplane) estimate $2,400
Raft Rental (SOTAR w/rowing frame) 13 ft $120/day

Wheel plane pickup requires coordinating a pickup with a 4 wheeler or truck at the mouth of the Arolik river and transporting to the Quinhak airport . Call us for the latest pick up info.