Alaska Fly-in Fishing and River FLOAT Trips

Talachulitna River is a 52-mile river located in the Matanuska-Susitna valley. The float trip starts at Judd Lake and features long stretches of Class 1 segments interspersed with Class 2-4 segments. The International Rating System classifies Class 2-4 rapids as moderate to challenging. Judd Lake is the normal drop-off point and rafters can request helicopter pick-up at any location along the Talachulitna River.

For those interested in fishing the Talachulitna River, the Tal, as it's commonly called, is a stream perfectly created for angling success. Its crystal clear water meanders through unspoiled Alaskan wilderness 65 miles from the nearest road. Numerous sandbars and shallow riffles offer easy wading access to the many deeper pools teeming with salmon, trout, and Arctic grayling.

The Talachulitna River is only accessible by bush plane and helicopter. This Alaska wilderness fishing and rafting trip offers exciting scenic flightseeing as you fly into the Talachulitna River. We can pick you up and drop you off along any section of this river with our in-house helicopter flight service. Most rafters choose to put-in at Judd Lake, where the Talachulitna Creek flows out. This section of the river is narrow and shallow, with log-filled, meandering waters. You'll find yourself having to drag your raft, especially in spots with low water. You'll float for 18 miles with Class I waters. The river begins to widen and deepen from the confluence with the Talachulitna River. After 14 miles of Class I waters, you'll encounter the astonishing and sensational Class IV rapid, Hell's Gate.

After Hell's Gate, there is a 15-mile canyon with Class II-IV waters. You'll feel the rush of Class III drops into dark, mysterious pools. Narrow gorges abound along this river, with 100-150 high bluffs and rock exposures on either side of the river. You'll continue rafting along with the current at moderate speeds.

Where the waters become flat, you'll marvel at the crystal clear waters with no trace of the glacial silt usually found in Alaskan rivers. Look all around you at the waters, and as far as the eye can see, you'll find the waters teeming with salmon, plump rainbow trout, and Arctic Grayling. All five species of Pacific salmon migrate through the Talachulitna River. Depending on the time of year, you’ll find King/Chinook, Red/Sockeye, Chum, Pink, and Silver/Coho. During spawning season, salmon readily swim past your boat all day as they swim upstream to spawn. Unlike more popular fishing spots, the Talachulitna River is not overfished, due to its remote fly-in only location. With your fishing gear in hand, you'll experience the thrill of magnificent bites and fights as you battle fish that jump and tug the lines with incredible, mighty strength.

Keep your eyes peeled for Alaskan wildlife as you float down the river. Moose, eagles, and all species of birds can be spotted. Black and brown bears are also regular visitors to the various fishing holes.

Whenever and wherever you're ready to conclude your trip to this marvelous piece of Alaska backcountry, our private in-house helicopter service will pick you up and return you to your lodge or destination of choice.

For multi-day Alaska fly-in fishing trips, river rafting trips, or all-inclusive packages, we invite you to stay at Tal-Adventures Lodge.

R44 Helicopter: $750 per hour    Capacity: 3 seats         Weight Limit   600LB

 Raft rental: $125/day