Heli Fishing

Heli Fishing — Remote Alaska Rivers by Helicopter

Trade crowded banks for untouched bends of river on an all-day Heli Fishing adventure from Alaska Glacier Lodge. Your helicopter drops you on secluded stretches within the Susitna River drainage—prime habitat for all five species of Pacific salmon along with rainbow trout, Dolly Varden (char), Arctic grayling, steelhead, and northern pike. With an expert guide tailoring the day to your skill level and the season, you’ll cover more water, find fresher fish, and experience Alaska’s backcountry the way few anglers ever do.

Rates

• Private, full-day charter — pricing varies by date, group size (up to 5 guests), and seasonal target species
• Age: 13–99
• Booking tip: Peak King salmon (Chinook) season runs June–July and fills quickly; other salmon and freshwater species run June–September.

Duration

• Total tour time: ~8 hours
• Helicopter access: Multiple drops possible to follow conditions and fish movement
• Group size: Up to 5 people

About the Experience

Lift off from Alaska Glacier Lodge and skim over braided channels to remote beats chosen for that day’s flows, clarity, and fish activity. Your guide will customize tactics—swinging flies for chrome salmon, drifting beads to tempt trout and grayling, or working spoons and spinners on conventional gear. The goal is simple: maximum time on productive water with minimal pressure from other anglers.

Between runs you’ll refuel with a riverside packed lunch and compare notes on fish behavior, reading water, and presentation. Whether you’re a first-timer learning to single-hand cast or a seasoned angler dialing in a specific species, your guide adapts the plan to your pace, preferences, and the day’s conditions.

Highlights / Why Choose This Tour

• Helicopter advantage: Reach roadless rivers and fresh, lightly pressured water
• Target diversity: All five Pacific salmon (in season) plus trout, char, grayling, steelhead, and pike
• Tailored guiding: Instruction for novice to advanced anglers (fly & conventional)
• Flexible itinerary: Move quickly as conditions change to stay on fish
• Full day on the water: Gear provided, lunch included, focus on fishing

Good to Know / Additional Info

• Meeting point: Alaska Glacier Lodge, 29979 East Knik River Road, Palmer, AK 99645 (check in 45 minutes before departure)
• What’s included:
  • Full-day guided heli-fishing experience
  • Top-quality fly gear: rod, reel, waders, tippet, flies (spinning gear available on request)
  • Riverside packed lunch
• What’s not included: Alaska fishing license, alcoholic beverages, polarized sunglasses, personal jacket/rain gear, gratuity
• What to bring: sturdy closed-toe footwear, wind/rainproof outer layer, warm mid-layer (wool/fleece), hat that covers ears, thin gloves, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen
• Seasonal notes: Species and techniques vary by month; communicate your targets/preferences in advance for optimal planning
• Prohibited items: bear spray, lighters, battery packs, loaded firearms; secure all loose straps around your neck; backpacks/bulky bags are not permitted in the aircraft
• Passenger weights: Accurate weights are required at booking and verified at check-in for aircraft balance. Seating is assigned per FAA weight-and-balance guidelines and cannot be guaranteed. Tours may be shortened/cancelled without refund for inaccurate weight disclosure.
• Safety: Wildlife sightings and specific catch outcomes can’t be guaranteed; routes and landing zones may change with weather, water levels, or FAA temporary flight restrictions.
• Extras: Trip Protection available; overnight stays at Alaska Glacier Lodge can be arranged (call 907-759-5006). On-site gift shop carries cold-weather essentials and locally made items.

FAQs

• What should I bring if I have my own tackle? A 6–8 wt single-hand rod with floating line covers most scenarios; bring your preferred flies/lures.
• Where do we meet? Tours typically start at Alaska Helicopter Tours at Alaska Glacier Lodge unless otherwise arranged.
• How do I improve my odds? Share your goals and experience level with your guide; practice casting beforehand if possible.
• Who will guide me? You’ll be paired with an experienced guide matched to your needs and style.
• How much should I tip? Similar to restaurant norms; tip based on quality of service.

Cancellations

• Payment timeline: Full payment is due 72 hours prior to departure. If using the deposit feature within 72 hours, the remaining balance is charged automatically.
• Booked directly with Alaska Helicopter Tours:
  • 72+ hours before: Full refund.
  • Inside 72 hours: Non-refundable; may be rescheduled for a fee when possible.
  • No-show/late arrival: Payments forfeited unless Trip Protection was purchased.
  • Operator weather/safety cancel: 100% refund.
• Rescheduling: Same-day changes aren’t always possible; a $200 fee applies within 72 hours unless Trip Protection applies.
• How to cancel: Email reservations@alaskahelicoptertours.com.
• Booked via another agency: Follow that agency’s policy and cancel directly with them; travel insurance recommended.

From first cast to final fly-out, this is Alaska angling at its most exclusive and exhilarating. Book your Heli Fishing adventure today and chase wild fish on waters few ever reach.