Self Guided Fishing Rafting Float Package On The Chilikadrotna River

Alaska’s Most Spectacular River Adventure — No Roads, No Crowds, Just Pure Wilderness

There Is No Road to Where We Take You

The Chilikadrotna River is one of Alaska’s most breathtaking and pristine river corridors — and the only way to get there is by floatplane. Bush Pilot Hunter’s Retreat Lodge flies you and your group deep into the Alaskan wilderness, drops you at the river, and lets you experience 3 to 4 days of world class self-guided whitewater rafting and fishing through some of the most untouched scenery on earth. No roads, no crowds, no guides — just you, your group, the river, and Alaska in its most raw and prehistoric form.

This is a true wilderness adventure. The Chilikadrotna River runs through the heart of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve — a designated National Wild and Scenic River surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, crystal clear glacier-fed water, and some of the richest wildlife habitat in all of Alaska.

The Chilikadrotna River

The Chilikadrotna River is a federally designated National Wild and Scenic River flowing through Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in southwest Alaska. Known for its stunning clarity, dramatic canyon walls, and world class fishing, the Chilikadrotna offers an unmatched combination of thrilling whitewater rapids and peaceful stretches of river perfect for photography and wildlife viewing.

The river corridor is home to an extraordinary concentration of Alaskan wildlife. Guests regularly encounter Brown Bears fishing and foraging along the banks, Moose wading through shallow river flats, Bald Eagles nesting high above the water, Wolves moving through the tree line, and Caribou crossing open tundra near the river. Every bend in the river brings a new experience and a new photograph.

3 to 4 Day Self Guided Rafting & Fishing Package

$4,000.00 per person — Raft up to 4 people

This package is designed for groups of up to 4 people looking for the ultimate Alaska river adventure. Whether you are here to fish, photograph wildlife, experience the thrill of whitewater, or all three — this is the trip of a lifetime.

Solo Traveler? Raft on Your Own Terms

Prefer to go it alone? We have 14ft x 52in rafts built for solo adventurers. One person, one raft, total freedom on the river. Our solo rafts hold up to 1,000 lbs — plenty for you, your gear, and your catch.

Solo Rafter Pricing: $8,000 per person (Includes your own dedicated raft, round trip floatplane transport, all gear and food for 3–4 days)

Before You Arrive — Purchase Your Alaska Fishing License

All guests must purchase their Alaska fishing license, salmon stamps, and any required permits before arriving at the lodge. Click the button to purchase directly through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

Wildlife You Will Encounter

Floating the Chilikadrotna puts you deep inside Lake Clark National Park — one of the most remote and wildlife rich national parks in all of America. Along the river you can expect to see:

- Brown Bear / Grizzly Bear fishing and foraging along the banks
- Moose wading in river shallows and feeding along the banks
- Bald Eagles nesting and hunting above the water
- Wolves moving through the spruce forest along the tree line
- Caribou crossing open tundra flats near the river corridor
- Dall Sheep on the mountain slopes above the valley.

Experience on the Chilikadrotna is a front-row seat to the raw, unscripted rhythms of the Alaskan wilderness. In this vast ecosystem, the river serves as a vital lifeline, drawing iconic species from the surrounding tundra and spruce forests directly to its banks. Navigating these waters offers a rare opportunity to witness apex predators and majestic herbivores coexisting in a landscape that remains largely untouched by human presence.

Fishing on the Chilikadrotna River

The Chilikadrotna River is a world-class fishery. The river is loaded with multiple salmon species and trophy rainbow trout throughout the season. Bring your fly rod or spin cast rod and get ready for some of the best river fishing Alaska has to offer.
Target Species on the Chilikadrotna:

King Salmon
Silver Salmon / Coho
Sockeye Salmon
Chum Salmon
Pink Salmon
Rainbow Trout
Arctic Grayling
Arctic Char

Important Notes

This is a fully self-guided experience with no professional guides or support staff on the river with you. Please prepare for potential weather delays — if the floatplane cannot fly due to weather, you will wait at the lodge until conditions clear. Life jackets must be worn at all times on the water. The Chilikadrotna River runs through active brown bear country, and the portable electric bear fence is required for all overnight camps. Please note that no Alaska fishing license is included — all guests must purchase their own Alaska resident or non-resident fishing license and salmon stamps before arrival.

What You Need to Bring

- Camera and extra batteries — this is a photography paradise
- Rain gear and a waterproof jacket
- Chest waders and hip waders
- Extra wool socks and warm layers — Alaskan river temperatures are cold
- Waterproof bags for all your gear and clothing
- Rope and hip waders
- Hunting or fishing boots
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Your own fishing rods and tackle if you have preferred gear
- Personal medications
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Whistle and flare gun
- Water purifier bottle
- Your own towel
- Binoculars 8×42 / Spotting Scope 20×60
- Waterproof pants
- Thermacell masquito unit extra butane and burning mats
- Knife / filet knife and knife sharpener
- Handheld GPS navigation example the Rino is a good choice has walkie talkie and GPS navigation
- Waterproof matches/ lighter / wind and Waterproof fire starter
- Backpack Waterproof preferably
- Compass
- Warm Hat
- Change of night time camp cloths and foot wear
- Handheld saw for cutting fire wood
- A good first aid kit
- Satellite phone mandatory
- Extra SD Cards for camera
- Survival gear
- Beacon Locator

What’s Included

- Floatplane transport from the lodge to your Chilikadrotna River drop-off point via Cessna 206 or DeHavilland Beaver
- Raft, paddles, and all river equipment provided
- Helmets provided for all guests
- Fishing nets provided
- High quality wetsuits and life jackets for all guests
- Portable electric bear fence for overnight camp protection
- Food and cooking supplies — small propane grill, fuel, utensils, plastic dishes, cooler
- Water and beverages
- Safety briefing before departure
- All gear flown in on Cessna 206 or DeHavilland Beaver floatplane
- Floatplane retrieval from the river at the end of your trip
- Return to the lodge to clean, package, and prepare your fish for shipping home
- Same day boat transport to Kokhanok Village Airport for your return flight to Merrill Field — no overnight cabin stay required
- Cooler for fish meat and food
- Chainsaw and 1 gallon of gas for cutting firewood
- Camp take down wood burning stove for the tent to keep warm

Booking and Cancellation

All bookings require a 50% deposit at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due in full within 10 days. Once payment is made there are no refunds under any circumstances, including flight delays, bad weather, travel issues, poor game runs, or emergency closures. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive trip cancellation insurance before booking.

Book Your Chilikadrotna River Adventure

This is one of the most exclusive and remote river experiences available anywhere in Alaska. Groups are limited to a maximum of 4 people per raft to preserve the quality of the experience and minimize impact on this pristine wilderness. Availability is limited — book early to secure your dates.

$4,000.00 per person — Groups of up to 4

Bush Pilot Hunter's Retreat Lodge