Alaskan Float Trips

Alaska's Deshka River is home for large runs of king and silver salmon, as well as plentiful rainbow trout. In mid to late June through early July, the water is dropping, the kings are thick and the rainbows are hungry, perfect conditions to fly cast for the fish of your dreams. The time is right to float the river and fish the entire length from the headwaters of Moose Creek down to the mouth of the Deshka at the Susitna River.

After a night at the Schwager Haus B&B, we'll float for five days, in three canoes with two people and gear in each. Nights will be spent in comfortable tents at the edge of the water. The river is slow with occasional riffles and provides a relaxing float with plenty of time to see the sights.

The Deshka River stretches through some of the most beautiful country in Alaska. Eagles and beavers are everyday companions. It's not uncommon to float through salmon so thick that they rock the canoes. An occasional bear, wolf or moose provide an exciting photo opportunity.

Fishing on Moose Creek and the upper Deshka can be excellent. Hungry trout hit all types of flies including egg patterns, egg-sucking leaches and flesh patterns. The challenge isn't catching the trout, it's keeping the kings from hitting the fly first. On the upper river, catch and release is required as we fish for the trout in among all of the salmon.

The last two days of the float are through the lower section of the Deshka River and king salmon become the target. The typical low, clear water of June presents a prime opportunity to catch big kings on a fly. Fifteen pound tippets are the norm and fish to 30+ pounds are not uncommon. Set the hook and hold on - there is nothing quite like the hook-set on a fresh king.

The last night will be spent at the Schwager Haus B&B. A cozy cabin and a hot shower feel pretty good after five days on the river. "Can we do it again next year???"