Big River Lake Bear Tours
Big River Lake Bear Tours And Fly-In Fishing: Soar, Cast, and Roar!
Kenai Sportfishing offers several bear viewing and fly-in fishing options. We offer trips to Big River Lake, Crescent Lake, and Brooks Falls. The Big River Lake Bear Tours & Fly-In Fishing trip is one the most popular trips every summer. It is also one one of the earliest available trips each summer.
Big River Lakes
Get A First Hand Inside Look At Our Big River Lakes Bear Viewing and Flyout Fishing Adventures
Introduction to big river Lake
Your Big River Lake Bear Tours And Fly-In Fishing trip is designed to provide an up-close encounter with Alaska’s wildlife, specifically its brown and black bears, in their natural habitat. From the safety and comfort of our guide boat, you can expect to get as close as 30 feet to these magnificent creatures. Sometimes even closer. It’s a photographer’s paradise, so come prepared with batteries memory cards, and lenses – you won’t want to miss a moment.
Fishing enthusiasts will revel in the opportunity to cast their lines in these prolific waters. The lakes are teeming with various fish species, offering both the novice and experienced angler a rewarding experience. Whether it’s the thrill of the catch or the tranquility of the surroundings, fishing at Big River Lakes caters to all.
Throughout your journey, the expansive wilderness around you will be a constant companion. From soaring eagles to the lush terrain, every aspect of this trip is a testament to Alaska’s untouched beauty. Prepare to be enchanted by the serenity and splendor of the Alaskan wilderness on this remarkable adventure to Big River Lakes.
about big river lake
Big River Lake, situated approximately 40 miles west-northwest of Kenai and nestled within Alaska’s Aleutian Range, is a picturesque and ecologically significant location. At an elevation of 509 feet, it is part of the broader Cook Inlet area, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife. This pristine region is a favored destination for both fishing enthusiasts and wildlife watchers.
The area around Big River Lakes, including Wolverine Creek, is a prime spot for fishing, with abundant runs of sockeye and silver salmon. It’s an ideal destination for anglers of all skill levels and is particularly family-friendly. In addition to its fishing appeal, Big River Lakes is a hotspot for bear viewing. The presence of both brown and black bears is a common sight, especially when salmon are plentiful in the waters. The chance to see these bears in their natural habitat draws photographers and nature enthusiasts from far and wide.
Accessibly combined in a single adventure, Big River Lake and Wolverine Creek offer visitors a comprehensive experience of Alaska’s natural beauty and wildlife diversity. This combination of scenic vistas, rich fishing grounds, and wildlife viewing opportunities makes Big River Lakes a unique and must-visit destination in Alaska’s wilderness.
Float Plane Experience And Our De Havilland Beaver
The float plane trip to Big River Lake in our De Havilland Beaver is nothing short of an iconic way to start an Alaskan fishing trip. When people think of Alaska, images of remote wilderness accessed by float plane is one of the first things that come to mind. Even upon landing in Anchorage one is amazed by the sheer number of floatplanes parked at the Anchorage Seaplane base.
Equipped with floats in the summer, and tundra tires in the winter, our Beaver is ideal for landing on the lake’s surface, making it a go-to choice for accessing secluded areas like Big River Lake.
During the ascent, passengers are treated to panoramic views of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. On clear days it’s easy to see Anchorage to the North, Kalgin Island, and the beginnings of a ring of active volcanos as we head directly towards the Aleutian Range named Mt. Redoubt, Mt. Iliamna, and Mt. Augustine to the South.
Transition From Floatplane to River Boat
Upon reaching Big River Lake, the plane’s smooth water landing marks the transition from air travel to water exploration. We’ll park the plane and then transfer to a riverboat to explore the area usually teeming with bears. This part of the adventure focuses on wildlife observation, with an emphasis on bear watching. Brown and black bears are often seen along the shores or in the vicinity, offering a rare opportunity for up-close wildlife encounters in a natural setting.
We’ll spend about 4 hours on the lake watching the bears and eventually head for wolverine creek where we can do some fishing for sockeye salmon and silver salmon depending upon the dates.
Bear Viewing at Big River Lake
During the bear viewing part of the trip Big River Lake, guests can expect to safely observe bears from a comfortable distance. We do this trips from our river boats which helps to ensure safety and comfort. It also provides minimal disturbance to the bears. It’s common to see bears fishing for salmon, roaming the riverbanks, teaching their cubs survival skills, and it’s common to see fights break out. These encounters provide a unique insight into the natural behaviors and lifestyle of Alaskan bears.
Cell phones certainly take great pictures these days and we often find ourselves where distances between the boats and the bears are such that cell phones can take an amazing picture. However, cell phones still don’t take pictures with the crispness and focus of a professional camera with a beautiful lens, so if you have this type of camera and lens combination, this is the trip to bring it.
Also, these wild animals roam where they may. And, while we might be close to some activity taking place a fight might or other interesting behavior might break out you’d love to capture a bit further away and there will be no substitute for a great zoom lens when this happens.
Fishing at big river lake
At Big River Lake, visitors on a bear viewing and fly-in fishing trip have the opportunity to do some fishing as well. The lake is well-known for its abundant populations of sockeye salmon and silver salmon, making it a prime destination for anglers.
The fishing opportunities at Big River Lake allow each visitor to catch up to their daily limit, which is usually three sockeye salmon per person. Similarly, for those targeting silver salmon, the limit is also typically set at three per person. This regulation helps to ensure sustainable fishing practices while still providing a rewarding experience for anglers.
The lake’s rich waters and the presence of these salmon species offer a fulfilling fishing experience, especially when combined with the scenic beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities of the area. Whether you are a seasoned angler or new to fishing, the trip to Big River Lake provides a chance to enjoy some of Alaska’s best fishing in a stunning natural setting.
Booking Your Big River Lake Trip
Kenai Sport Fishing in partnership with River Rock Adventure offers several trips daily and instant online booking. Check the calendar schedule below to see what bear viewing and which fishing is available during the time you’ll be visiting us in Alaska.
Also, keep in mind that if you book any combination of trips with us including, river fishing on the Kenai or Kasilof Rivers, or halibut fishing with us in Homer, you will receive a 5% discount on all your fishing adventures. Please call us or send an email to info@kenaisportfishing.com if you are interested in this multi-trip discount.
Make sure to take a look at our Crescent Lake Bear Tours and Fly-In Fishing trips as well!
Bear Tours & Fly-In Fishing
Location & Species Description Available Dates Best Dates
Big River Lake Bear Viewing 6/10 – 8/31 6/15 – 7/31
Sockeye Fishing 6/10 – 7/31 6/20 – 7/15
Silver Fishing 7/15 – 8/31 7/20 – 8/15
Lake Trout 6/10 – 8/31 8/15 – 9/30
Crescent Lake Bear Viewing 6/20 – 8/31 7/1 – 9/15
Sockeye Fishing 7/10 – 8/10 7/15 – 8/5
Silver Fishing 9/1 – 9/30 9/10 – 9/25
Lake Trout & Arctic Char 6/20 – 8/31 6/20 – 8/31
Brooks Falls Bear Viewing 7/1 – 8/2 7/8 – 7/25
Ready to Go on a Bear Tour & Fly-In Fishing adventure?
Ready to embark on a thrilling Bear Tour & Fly-In Fishing adventure? Imagine soaring over Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness in a float plane, landing in remote, untouched locations where nature’s grandeur unfolds before your eyes. On our tours, you’ll witness majestic brown bears in their natural habitat – a truly awe-inspiring experience. Our expert guides will lead you to the best spots for both bear viewing and fishing, ensuring a safe, memorable adventure. Whether you’re angling for the catch of a lifetime or capturing once-in-a-lifetime photographs of Alaska’s wildlife, our tours offer an unparalleled blend of excitement and serenity. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories. Book your adventure with us today!
Big River Lake Bear Tours & Fly-in Fishing Frequently Asked Questions
Big River Lake is located 45 miles north-west of Kenai/Soldotna in the Aleutian Mountain Range of Alaska.
The exact GPS coordinates are: 60.795683, -152.316680
The following table details the best time to see bear and enjoy fishing at Big River Lake.
| Bear Tours & Fly-In Fishing |
|||
| Location & Species | Description | Available Dates | Best Dates |
| Big River Lake | Bear Viewing | 6/10 – 8/31 | 6/15 – 7/31 |
| Sockeye Fishing | 6/10 – 7/31 | 6/20 – 7/15 | |
| Silver Fishing | 7/15 – 8/31 | 7/20 – 8/15 | |
| Lake Trout | 6/10 – 8/31 | 8/15 – 9/30 | |
| Crescent Lake | Bear Viewing | 6/20 – 8/31 | 7/1 – 9/15 |
| Sockeye Fishing | 7/10 – 8/10 | 7/15 – 8/5 | |
| Silver Fishing | 9/1 – 9/30 | 9/10 – 9/25 |
|
| Lake Trout & Arctic Char | 6/20 – 8/31 | 6/20 – 8/31 | |
| Brooks Falls | Bear Viewing | 7/1 – 8/2 | 7/8 – 7/25 |
On Our Bear Tours and Fly-In Fishing Trips to Big River Lake the limit is 3 salmon per person per day
You will need a fishing license for your bear tour and fly-in fishing trip to Big River Lake.
You DO NOT need a KING STAMP.
Your License can be purchased online directly at Alaska Department of Fish and Game and printed at home. You may also have a copy of it on your phone. Finally, you can also buy your fishing license, in person, at thousands of stores throughout Alaska.
No we provide all the fishing equipment, bait, tackle, and more. For most of our trips hip waders or chest waders are not needed. If they are, we will provide them to you.
At Big River Lake in Alaska, visitors can typically expect to see two main types of bears: Brown Bears and Black Bears.
Brown Bears: Brown bears are a common sight around Big River Lake, especially during the salmon spawning season. They are often observed fishing in the rivers and around the lake, providing a spectacular view for visitors. Brown bears in this region can be quite large and are known for their impressive size and strength.
Black Bears: While they are generally more elusive than brown bears, black bears are also present in the area. They are smaller than brown bears and have a more varied diet, although they also enjoy fishing for salmon in the lake and nearby streams.
Both species are an integral part of the Alaskan wilderness and contribute to the rich wildlife viewing experiences at Big River Lake.
You will be within the safety of our boats for the entirety of the trip.
You will be within the safety of our boats for the entirety of the trip.
This is a fairly non strenuous trip. Basic mobility is all that is required. You need to be physically fit enough to climb into and out of our aircraft as well as into and our of our river boats. We are happy to assist anyone in need of help.
Infants and toddlers have gone on these trips plenty of times although it is not necessarily recommended. We will leave this up to the discretion of the parents.
This is a remote trip. While all of our guides are trained in first aid and CPR, we are still 30 minutes or more plane flight from a hospital and emergency services care.
Here’s a list of items you should consider bringing:
- Bring Your Fishing License
Appropriate Clothing: Weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so dress in layers. Include waterproof and windproof jackets, warm clothing (fleece or wool), and long pants. Also, bring a hat and gloves for colder days. Look at the weather for the day and plan accordingly.
Sturdy Footwear: Waterproof boots or sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven and possibly wet terrain.
Rain Gear: An essential item in Alaska, where weather can change rapidly. A good quality rain jacket and pants will keep you dry. We always plan for rain in Alaska, even on mornings that look like it’s going to be sunny all day.
Personal Items: Sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary medications. Remember, you’ll be in a remote area, so bring any personal health items you might need.
Camera and Binoculars: For capturing photos of the wildlife and scenery. Binoculars will come in handy for a closer look at bears and other wildlife from a safe distance.
Food, water and snacks. Please bring any food, water, drinks, and snacks that you would like to have. We do not provide lunches.
Backpack: A small to medium-sized backpack to carry your personal items, snacks, and extra clothing layers.
Insect Repellant: Depending on the time of year, mosquito and bug repellent will be useful, as well as a head net if you’re particularly sensitive.
The Big River Lake Bear Tour and Fly-In Fishing Trip is approximately 6 hours in duration. With flight time, and transferring between planes and boats, this leaves about 4 hours for bear viewing and fishing.
Previous fishing experience is not required! Your guide will provide all the fishing equipment you need for the day and provide instruction on how to fish.
This is a remote Alaska trip where there are no restrooms or facilities. We recommend that everyone use the restroom prior to the flight.
All cancellations prior to May 15th will have a 20% non-refundable cancellation fee.
Cancellations after May 15th are non-refundable.
Cancellations with two weeks or greater prior written notice, via email, may transfer 50% of the monies paid to date to a future reservation within the next 12 months.
Change Fees: When availability allows for a change of date and time an additional $50.00 per person administration fee will be added.
Most of our flights depart from the Kenai Airport float plane base. However, depending upon the number of passengers for the day we may leave at one of the float plane bases in Soldotna just a few minutes away from the Kenai Airport.