I'd like some advice. I am taking a group of 4 fishermen (myself included) to Alaska in late August (8/20-8/28).

I have been twice before myself on solo fishing/camping trips down the Western side of the Kenai peninsula. Once in June for Kings and Pinks and Char, and the second in late August/early September for Silvers, Rainbows and an errant early Steelhead or two.

No one else has been to Alaska before but are avid fishermen and outdoorsmen.

My initial plan was to fly into Anchorage rent a car and fish and camp as I have done before down through the Kenai peninsula.

But with four of us the option opens up to do a 5-7 day river float. Which I have always wanted to do. I have looked at several options online, but would like your guy's opinions.

Do you see any reason why we would need to do a guided versus an unguided float? I am leaning towards doing the unguided option and just seeing if we can hook up with a firm that will fly us in, rent us the equipment and pick us up 5-7 days later. Am I being naive? Is this a bad idea? What should I watch out for (besides friendly wildlife)?

Also, what rivers would you recommend we float at that time of year for Silver and Rainbows (August 20-28)?

Thanks.

Looks like I got into the UK forum instead of the North American somehow. I apologize for the mistake.

Hi there

I have spent quite a bit of time in Alaska and with my level of experience would be nervous of a diy float.
Rapidly changing weather conditions causing river flows to increase dramatically are a possibility and lots of interactions with bears. I have fished on the Alagnak in Katmai and there seemed to be a kind of path down the side of the river thats belongs to the animals.
I think that you need some bush skills to safely complete this trip , but there are outfitters that will definitely kit you out and maybe they would be the ones to discuss this with.
I hope that you do make the trip as a diy float has always been a dream of mine.
Regards ian