Crescent Lake Bear Tours
Crescent 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 Crescent Lake Bear Tour & Fly-In fishing trip is one the most popular trips every summer.
Introduction to Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake Bear Tours And Fly-In Fishing introduces you to Crescent Lake, a hidden Alaskan treasure. Situated about 65 miles west of the Kenai-Soldotna Area, it’s encircled by the Alaska Range’s majestic peaks. The lake’s crystal-clear waters attract anglers and nature lovers.
Famed for its fishing, Crescent Lake boasts abundant salmon and native fish. Surrounding lush forests host bears, moose, and diverse birds, ideal for wildlife observation and photography.
Each summer, the migration of sockeye and silver salmon draws large bear populations, eager for the salmon’s arrival.
about Cresent lake
Crescent Lake, located in the Aleutian Range of Alaska, is a remote and scenic freshwater lake known for its rich wildlife and fishing opportunities. Surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests, the lake is a habitat for salmon, making it a popular destination for anglers. The area around Crescent Lake is also frequented by a variety of wildlife, including bears, which are often seen by visitors. The lake’s setting in the Alaska Range offers picturesque landscapes and a tranquil environment for outdoor activities and nature observation. The Crescent Lake Bear Tours are an absolute summer favorite.
Crescent Lake’s bear population mainly consists of brown bears, but there are also black bears seen. These bears are attracted to the area due to the abundant salmon in the lake, especially during spawning seasons. These bears are commonly observed along the shores and near the water, offering visitors unique wildlife viewing opportunities. The lake’s natural ecosystem provides an ideal environment for these bears, supporting their feeding and breeding habits. As a result, Crescent Lake is not only a destination for fishing enthusiasts but also for those interested in observing these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
The National Park Service has put together a fantastic 10 minute info-video about Crescent Lake that is definitely worth checking out.
Float Plane Experience And Our De Havilland Beaver
The float plane trip to Crescent 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 Crescent 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.
From Planes To Boats
Upon reaching Crescent 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 Crescent Lake
During the bear viewing part of the trip Crescent Lake Bear Tours, guests can expect to safely observe bears from a comfortable distance. 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.
Don’t forget to check out our Bear Tour And Fly-In Fishing Trip to Big River Lake as well.
Fishing at Crescent lake
On our Crescent Lake Bear Tours & Fly-In Fishing trips, visitors have the chance to engage in fishing alongside their wildlife experience. Known for its plentiful sockeye and silver salmon populations, the lake is a favored spot for fishing enthusiasts.
At Crescent Lake, anglers can fish up to their daily limit, which is three salmon per person per day. The same limit applies to both sockeye salmon and silver salmon. These limits are in place to promote sustainable fishing practices while ensuring a satisfying angling experience.
The presence of these salmon species, along with the lake’s nutrient-rich waters, makes fishing at Crescent Lake particularly rewarding. This, combined with the lake’s picturesque scenery and opportunities for wildlife observation, enhances the overall experience. Crescent Lake is an ideal destination for both experienced anglers and those new to fishing, offering some of the finest fishing in Alaska amidst a beautiful natural backdrop.
Booking Your crescent Lake Trip
Kenai Sport Fishing in partnership with River Rock Adventure offers several trips daily to Crescent Lake and instant online booking. The Crescent Lake Bear Tour & Fly-In Fishing Trips is one of our most popular ever summer so please consider booking early! 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.
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!
Crescent Lake Bear Tours & Fly-in Fishing Frequently Asked Questions
Crescent Lake is located 45 miles north-west of Kenai/Soldotna in the Aleutian Mountain Range of Alaska.
The exact GPS coordinates are: 60.362480, -152.894943
The following table details the best time to see bear and enjoy fishing at Crescent 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 Crescent 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 Crescent 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.
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.