Big Kings - Small river need we say more? 

Located Northwest from the village of Illiamna, Alaska the Koktuli River has been described by many as "Ground Zero" in reference to it being located squarely in the midst the region targeted by Northern Dynasty for it's Pebble Mine project.
  The Koktuli is one of the headwaters of the Nushagak River drainage.  From its humble beginnings in the tundra covered foothills to the cottonwood and spruce forested lowlands where it joins the Mulchatna River, the Koktuli winds for some 50 miles as it transforms from a narrow, shallow high country "crick" to a wider, deeper true Alaskan River.  Along the way this environmental gem passes through country that offers viewing of migrating herds of Caribou, as well as the occasional Moose, the wandering Bear, and the rare glimpse of an elusive wolf, not to mention the usual Alaska variety of Eagles, Hawks, Fox, Coyote, and a multitude of other creatures.  The sharp-eyed guest may also spot the few dilapidated turn of the last century cabins that spring up in the brush lined riverbank on occasion.


  But enough of the sightseeing, lets talk FISH!! The aforementioned Nushagak River is world renowned for the fact it hosts the largest run of wild King (Chinook) Salmon on the Globe.  The Koktuli itself has historically been known for its consistent and healthy population of Salmon, Rainbow Trout, & Grayling, as well as the occasional Northern Pike and Lake Trout.

Our trip originates in Illiamna where we depart via floatplane for a small pothole lake that is the jumping off point for our Koktuli Trips. After a short 2/3 of a mile hike from the drop off at the lake you will find yourself standing on the banks of this unsullied treasure of a waterway.  At this point you can break out the rods and begin your pursuit of piscatorial pleasures as your guides put the finishing touches on the the last preparations necessary to begin the float.  
  Once the trip begins we strive to follow a standard routine, however we also acknowledge that when dealing with remote Alaska sometimes a schedule is more of a "guideline" as opposed to a Rule.  Generally speaking we prefer to rouse everyone up at around 0730 for morning coffee, tea, or cocoa, depending on your preference,  breakfast follows shortly thereafter.  After eating you will have time to return to your tent in order to pack away your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and personal effects while the guides see to the dishes.  After you are packed you may stack your gear near the rafts in preparation for loading up (unless of course that particular day has been designated as a "No Travel" day, in which case all you need to do is go FISHING!).  Once the rafts are loaded we begin our float around 0930, the morning is then spent floating/fishing until we stop for a shore side lunch, usually around 1230.  The float continues until we pull over for the evening, generally around 5:30, although much of this timetable depends upon the group and its ability to self motivate in the mornings, in other words, the earlier we get moving, the earlier we get to set up the evening camp.  If we have folks along who prefer a more relaxed morning routine, then by all means, enjoy your time, it is after all your vacation!  However please bear in mind that we have a finite amount of time to make a preset number of miles.  So if you enjoy a lazy morning, please be prepared for an late, as opposed to an early, evening dinner.