FAQ
Whether you’ve already booked your trip or just want to explore the idea, this FAQ can help you prepare for your adventure in the Alaskan wilderness.
Tell me about the fishing!
Our remote location ensures that you can truly disconnect from the chaos of civilization and find solace in the unspoiled natural wonder that surrounds us. You'll revel in the tranquil isolation that only a few lucky adventurers get to encounter. Forget about crowded docks, noisy boats, and lines of eager anglers.
In this serene setting, you'll get to fish for some of the largest pike around with the most gorgeous panoramic view of the Denali range, which includes Denali (aka Mt. McKinley) - the tallest mountain peak in North America - as well as Hunter and Foraker mountains. Pike can grow as large as 20lbs (9kg).
You’re welcome to take any fish you catch back with you. Since they are an invasive species, you’ll be helping the local wildlife flourish. Please know that the State of Alaska does not allow the use of live bait, but we’ll provide a variety of fishing lures, or feel free to bring your own.
While providing unique fishing trips, our small business also donates 10% of all proceeds to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Do I need a license to fish in Alaska?
Yes, you’ll need to acquire a license. You can purchase a license to fish in Alaska online.
What should I bring and is there anything I’m not allowed to pack?
Bring:
People age 12 and older.
Non-alcoholic beverages of your choice. We also have an Alaskan spring water source nearby.
Eye protection.
Water resistant boots or shoes with good traction.
Warm, water resistant gloves suitable for fishing.
We provide fishing gear and bait for the trip unless you prefer to use your own. Keep in mind that your rods and reels need to be able to break down to less 6’ for transport on the flight.
Warm clothes and layers for temperatures ranging between 40° and 70° and possibly rain gear.
Hand-held coolers for drinks, lunch, and snacks. Consider bringing extra food and beverages in case of inclement weather.
We provide bug repellent (Ben’s, Cutter’s, Off), but if you have a preference or allergy to general brands, please bring your own.
What not to bring:
Children under the age of 12.
No pets.
No bear spray or guns; these are not allowed on the planes. We are trained and carry protection against wildlife.
No alcohol or drugs - Alaska fishing regulations prohibited these on boats.
Do you offer overnight housing?
No, we do not provide lodging. The booking is for a 1 day-long fishing trip only.
In the rare event of inclement weather, your air taxi service may delay your outbound flight by a couple hours or, in extreme weather, may require rescheduling to the following morning. For any delays, we’ll invite you into our cabin at no-cost until your plane arrives.
What’s the flight experience like and what should I know about it?
Travel like a real Alaskan! This fishing hole is located 11 miles off the road system. The only way to reach this remote wonderland is through a small floatplane (aka an ‘air taxi,’) which will take off and land on water, making for a truly unique experience.
Your best bet is to book your air taxi flights as far in advance as you can for yourself and your party and as soon as possible after you book your fishing trip with us.
The floatplanes have different maximum occupancies, up to 4 passengers, and the fee is split among the number of passengers. Your flight reservations will determine the length of time you have for fishing that day. You can load the boat from the plane to immediately get on the water to fish.
Your flight can depart from Anchorage, Willow, or Talkeetna, depending on flight availability, and offers spectacular views. If you fly from Anchorage, you’ll be in-air for about 40 minutes. Flights from Willow are only 9 minutes and flights from Talkeetna are 7.5 minutes.
Once the flight lands on Trapper Lake, it will taxi to the front of our dock. You’ll deboard from the plane onto a floating dock and will do the same for your outbound flight. If you haven’t been on a floating dock before, they do bounce a bit so some agility is required to get on and off the plane. Prior to launching the boat, you’ll sign a liability form. As your fishing trip ends, the air taxi service can alert us when they’ll arrive. If you want, we can stay on the boat all the way until your flight arrives!
Because these bush planes are small, they have weight and length restrictions. Please check with your carrier to learn exact weight and length limits. We recommend hand-carry coolers given limited space. We’ll have fishing gear available but you are welcome to bring your own as long as they meet your air taxi service’s guidelines.
What’s the bathroom situation?
In the remote Alaskan wilderness, modern luxuries can be scarce, but fear not - our thoughtfully crafted outdoor outhouse meets your needs while maintaining the rustic charm of the wild. We want to make sure your trip is not only memorable, but also comfortable.
What fishing gear does Alaska Tundra Pike Adventures provide?
We provide all fishing gear, including spin caster and open-face rods and reels as well as a variety of fishing lures. You are welcome to bring your gear if you prefer, as long as it meets your air taxi service’s guidelines.
Can I bring my fish back for mounting or consumption?
Yes. Given the limited space on a floatplane, we’ll provide bags to bring fish back, which pilots will likely store in the floats so as not to contaminate the plane. For safety, we do not allow cleaning of fish onsite due to the large bear population. For any fish you want mounted, we can refer you to great taxidermy services in Anchorage or Wasilla.
What wildlife might we see?
You may see bald eagles flying around waiting for you to catch their lunch. Other sightings could include moose, ermines, beavers, porcupines, lynx, black and brown bears, wolves, wolverines, ducks, swans, geese, woodpeckers and other bird species.
Any other tips?
After you book your fishing trip with us, you’ll also need to schedule your inbound and outbound flight (aka an ‘air taxi service.’) We can give you the contact information for booking this air taxi. Be sure to book lodging and car to get yourself to the plane boarding site.
As Alaskans know well, flying on a small bush plane is different from commercial airlines. We suggest that you call your air taxi the day before and day of your flights to see what they expect of the weather and if they anticipate any delays or cancellation. If there is a delay, we can help you reschedule or provide a refund.
What should I expect if bad weather rolls in?
For your safety, pilots determine any changes to the flight schedule due to weather based on their expertise.
While unlikely, unexpected weather can cause early departures, delays or cancellation of your trip. If canceled, you may be able to re-book for later in the week. Because of this, we recommend you plan your fishing trip for earlier in your visit to Alaska.
While we don’t rent our home for overnight stays, if your flight is delayed or canceled for the night, we’ll welcome you to sleep in the cabin at no cost. The cabin sits about 150 ft from the boat, with an outhouse about 60 ft away, and has two full beds in one room upstairs. We’ll share whatever food we have on hand. However, we do recommend that you pack extra food in your cooler that you prefer in the event of a flight delay.
What if I have to cancel my booking?
Alaska Tundra Pike Adventures allows refunds for cancellations of your fishing experience with no fees up until 2 weeks before your scheduled fishing trip. If you cancel more than 24 hours before, we provide a 50% refund. No refunds provided if you cancel 24 or less hours before your booking. You are responsible for cancelling any other separate services you’ve arranged, like lodging, the air tax, or rental cars.
Any paperwork to know about?
You can view a copy of the liability form that we’ll have you sign prior to launching the the boat.
Can I get insurance?
We recommend you explore insurance that can cover the cost of flights if you need to cancel, accidents or other unexpected issues. One option is Travel Guard.