Alaska Rainbow Adventures

Founded in 1993, Alaska Rainbow Adventures has set the standard for high-end overnight fly fishing float trips in the Bristol Bay region of southwest Alaska. Offering several different types of trips, ARA can arrange expeditions on a host of legendary Alaskan river drainages including the Goodnews, Kanektok, Moraine, and others. Depending on the specific river system and the time of season, guests can expect to fish for some combination of Rainbow Trout, Pacific Salmon, Char, and Arctic Grayling. Guests will enjoy spacious waterproof tent accommodations, hearty meals, and unparalleled river access each day. The guide staff at ARA are hardworking experts in the fields of fly fishing and hospitality alike. For adventurous anglers who want a remote float fishing and camping experience, Alaska Rainbow Adventures offers the premier program.

Who It’s For

•  Adventurous anglers
•  Fishing-oriented families and groups

When To Go

Alaska Rainbow Adventures operates from June through September. Throughout the season, anglers have access to wild Rainbow Trout, Char, Grayling, and various species of Pacific Salmon in a variety of river systems. Early season, from mid-June through mid-July offers opportunities for Rainbows, King Salmon, Sockeyes, Pinks, and Char. Mid-season, from mid-July through August brings runs of Chum Salmon and the start of the Silver Salmon run. September brings excellent fishing for Silvers, Char, and Rainbow Trout. The entire season is special and can offer incredible fishing. When you should come depends on what river you choose and which species you want to target!

Rainbow Trout

The Bristol Bay region of Alaska is well known for its hard-fighting, wild Rainbow Trout which can grow to over 30 inches. On each of the rivers that ARA floats, you’ll have unrivaled opportunities to target these amazing fish. Techniques for targeting Rainbows can depend on the conditions and the time of the season. Common tactics include drifting dry flies, skating mice, swinging or stripping streamers, and nymphing.

Sockeye Salmon

The Bristol Bay region boasts one of the world's largest Sockeye Salmon (aka Red Salmon) runs, from mid-June through early August. Not only are these brightly red-colored Salmon extremely fun to catch on a fly rod, but their smolt, fry, and eggs create an extremely abundant forage for Rainbows, Char, and Grayling. 

King Salmon

Generally available from mid-June into early July, King Salmon (aka Chinook Salmon) is the largest and strongest of the 5 Pacific salmon species. Landing a mature King Salmon is no small feat, and will test any angler’s fortitude and wit.

Silver Salmon

August and September bring runs of Silver Salmon (aka Coho Salmon) into various rivers of the Bristol Bay region. Known for being the most “catchable” of the 5 Pacific salmon species, Silvers reward anglers with acrobatic leaps and brute strength.

Chum Salmon

Available between mid-July and mid-August, Chum Salmon (aka Dog Salmon) is one of the more picturesque salmon species. As they begin spawning, they turn from chrome silver to a striped green, purple, and red coloration. Chums are also highly regarded for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting nature.

Pink Salmon

From mid-June through mid-August, Pink Salmon (aka Humpy Salmon) migrate up various rivers in the Bristol Bay region. Pinks are characterized by a giant “humpback” appearance, and their long, kype jaws. Their prehistoric looks and their willingness to take flies make them a fun angling target for beginners and advanced anglers alike.

Dolly Varden & Arctic Char

Known for their vibrant spawning coloration, Dolly Varden and Arctic Char (aka Charlies) are frequently caught in many of the rivers offered by ARA. These cousins of the Brook Trout are generally available all season and are happy to eat a variety of well-presented flies from eggs to swung streamers.

Arctic Grayling

Arctic Grayling is a unique species resident to many of the rivers and streams of southwest Alaska. Available all season, these gorgeous salmonids are often willing to eat dry flies, adding excellent variety to a day of targeting many other species.

Equipment

A successful float trip with Alaska Rainbow Adventures requires specific rods and reels depending on your target species. Generally, we recommend bringing 3 rods with matching reels: a 9’ 6wt for dries and nymphing, a 9’ 7wt for nymphing and streamers, and a 9’ 8wt for most of the powerful salmon species. Your guide will help you rig appropriately for the day’s fishing. We recommend adhering to the packing and equipment lists provided by Trident.

Boats

At Alaska Rainbow Adventures, you’ll be fishing out of 14’ or 16’ inflatable rafts with a fishing frame and seats. These are custom-built frames designed to accommodate gear while also creating a stable and comfortable fishing vessel for anglers.

Day 1: From Home to Bethel, Alaska

A week-long float trip with Alaska Rainbow Adventures begins with a flight to the Bethel Airport in Bethel, Alaska (BET,) or another hub city depending on your specific trip. Once you’ve arrived in Bethel, a shuttle service will transport you to a pre-arranged bed and breakfast, where you will spend one night.

Day 2: From Bethel to the River

The next morning, a shuttle service will transport you from the bed and breakfast to a charter aircraft, which will transport you to the put-in on the river. Flight times can vary depending on your specific river trip, ranging from a short hop to over an hour. Once you’re at the river, you’ll get your equipment rigged and begin floating and fishing with your guides.

Days 3 - 8: The Fishing Days

Fishing days start with a full camp breakfast before breaking down camp and heading out with your guide for the day on the raft. Mileage covered each day can depend on the river and the current conditions, but is typically anywhere from 5 to 10+ miles floated per day. Hearty cooler lunches are packed by your guide daily, allowing you to eat and relax on the water. Following the afternoon float, you will assist the guides in setting up camp, and then relax with friends while a delicious dinner is being prepared. After dinner, you can enjoy stories with friends in the dining tent, tie flies, or retire early to prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Day 9: From the River to Bethel

On your final day of fishing, you’ll enjoy breakfast on Saturday morning before floating and fishing your way downstream to the final take-out point, where you will begin your transfer flight back to the Bethel Airport (BET). From Bethel, a shuttle service will transfer you to your pre-arranged hotel, where you’ll spend one night.

Day 10: From Bethel to Home

The next morning, you’ll take a taxi to the Bethel Airport, where you’ll board your flight back to Anchorage, and then to your subsequent home destination.

Accommodations

River camps at Alaska Rainbow Adventures feature custom-built double-occupancy waterproof tents with cots, a spacious dining tent/gathering area with chairs and a table, and a portable river toilet system set up away from camp for privacy. Some trips also include a portable shower system. This is roughing it in style, allowing anglers to feel relaxed, warm, and dry after each day of fishing.

Food

Meals at Alaska Rainbow Adventures are hearty and delicious, and provide anglers with the nourishment they need to fish hard all day. Breakfast features classic options such as eggs and pancakes with strong coffee and tea. Substantial cooler lunches are packed daily by your guide, allowing you to maximize your time on the water. Dinners include meats, pasta, and freshly caught salmon, punctuated by delectable desserts. 

Connectivity

Internet and Cell services are not available on the river. The guide staff carries satellite telephones in case of emergencies.

2025 Fishing Packages

Trident Travel’s expert planning service is free of charge. The rates below are the same as you would pay by booking directly with the lodge. 

Rates and inclusions are subject to change at any time. Contact us for the most current pricing. 

Goodnews River - Double Occupancy (Per Person)

6 Nights / 7 Days = $7,895

9 Nights / 10 Days = $8,495

Kanektok River - Double Occupancy (Per Person)

7 Nights / 8 Days = $7,695

What's Included:

•  Roundtrip transfers between the hub city and the put-in
•  Daily boat and guide service
•  Tent accommodations on the river
•  All meals at camp and cooler lunches
   

What's Not Included:

•  Airfare to/from Alaska
•  Lodging and meals in the hub city
•  Gratuities
•  Fishing equipment and terminal tackle
•  Sleeping bag and pad
•  Alcoholic beverages
•  Alaska fishing license
•  Alaska taxes

What skill level is required for this trip?

The guides at Alaska Rainbow Adventures are patient and knowledgeable professionals, capable of guiding anglers of any ability. From first-timers to seasoned veterans, all anglers can find success and enjoyment in the productive fisheries of the Bristol Bay region.

How should I prepare for a week of fly fishing in Alaska?

Practicing your casting is crucial, as accuracy is important when fishing large Rainbow Trout and Pacific Salmon. Also, purchasing the right gear, tackle, and clothing is important - use our recommended packing lists. You should think about your goals for the trip so that you can relay them to your guides. Lastly, figure out your travel logistics well in advance.

Is Alaska Rainbow Adventures Family Friendly?

For adventurous families who don’t mind roughing it, Alaska Rainbow Adventures offers the opportunity to create lifetime memories in the Alaskan Wilderness.

How many other anglers will be there?

Guest capacity depends on the specific trip, but is usually capped at 8 anglers, resulting in an intimate and personalized experience. The vast fisheries of Bristol Bay ensure uncrowded fishing beats and unpressured fish.

How does money work in Alaska?

Although credit cards are accepted in Anchorage, we advise carrying enough cash in USD to cover all additional expenses during your trip, including gratuities.

Do I need travel insurance?

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. We recommend Travel Guard, a well-established insurance company offering excellent, affordable policies for angling travel.

What happens if I'm injured or have an emergency requiring evacuation?

Every situation is different when medical and security emergencies happen. To ensure you’re protected when things don’t go as planned, we highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue.

What wildlife can we see in Alaska?

In addition to amazing fly fishing, seeing the plentiful wildlife is a highlight of any trip into the Alaskan Wilderness. On an overnight float trip, you could see Eagles, Moose, Caribou, Brown Bears, Foxes, and much more. We recommend bringing a packable digital camera to take photos of wildlife during your trip.

Is it safe to fish near the bears?

The Brown Bears of Alaska are wild animals and certainly demand respect and space. That being said, the bears here are typically unbothered by human presence. Your guides will prepare you for any bear encounters to ensure a safe and memorable fishing experience.

What is the weather like?

The Bristol Bay region is known for variable summer weather. Temperatures here can range from the low 40s to the upper 70s, Fahrenheit. With rain and wind possible at any time, we recommend dressing in layers and packing a reliable (Gore-Tex or similar) rain jacket to be prepared for the varying weather conditions at Alaska Rainbow Adventures

Is tipping customary in Alaska?

Yes, tipping is customary and appreciated, although it is at your discretion. Tipping 15-20 % of your trip total per person is recommended. Please plan on tipping in cash.