Icy Strait Point: River Fishing & Bear Search Tour

If you’re looking for an excursion that takes you beyond the typical cruise ship sights and into the wild heart of Alaska, the River Fishing & Bear Search Tour offered by NatVenture Tours is a compelling choice. This half-day adventure promises a blend of wildlife spotting, fishing, and scenic exploration, all set in one of the most pristine and remote parts of Chichagof Island.

What we love about this tour is its ability to combine true wilderness with local flavor—you’ll travel on old logging roads through the Tongass National Forest, a landscape that feels like stepping into an episode of nature’s storybook. Plus, the chance to see brown bears in their natural habitat and to fish for salmon or trout makes it a memorable, authentic Alaskan experience.

The main consideration? This tour involves some walking in waders and requires a moderate level of physical fitness. It’s not suitable for children under 10, those with mobility issues, or travelers over a certain weight limit, so it’s best for active, adventure-minded visitors.

If you’re eager to see Alaska’s wildlife up close, enjoy fishing in a wild setting, and relish the thrill of exploring off-road on historical logging routes, this tour hits many of the right notes. It’s tailored for nature lovers and those seeking a genuine, less-touristy experience in the Alaskan wilderness.

Key Points

• Wildlife encounters: The trip offers a high chance of spotting brown bears and observing salmon spawning.
• Fishing opportunities: You’ll have the chance to catch wild salmon or Trout in a scenic river setting.
• Remote location: The adventure takes you off the beaten path, traveling through old logging roads to reach a pristine river.
• Authentic landscape: The tour is set in the Tongass National Forest on Chichagof Island, known for its abundant wildlife.
• Small group experience: Limited to 6 participants, ensuring a more personalized and intimate outing.
• Practical prep: Participants need to obtain a one-day fishing license beforehand, adding a small but important step.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at What to Expect

From the moment we consider the logistics, this tour is designed for travelers who want a genuine taste of Alaska’s wilderness. The pickup point is conveniently located at the circle drive just past the guard station at Icy Strait Point, making it easy to find. The driver then takes you through Hoonah, a traditional Tlingit village, offering a glimpse into local culture and history before hitting the rugged, old logging roads that lead to the river. This transportation itself is part of the adventure—narrow, dirt roads that wind through dense forest, feeling like a journey back in time.

The Scenic Drive and Wildlife Sightings

Traveling these dirt roads is where the tour’s charm begins. The landscape is breathtaking, with towering trees and the sense of remoteness only accessible by these historic routes. Along the way, you’ll likely spot wildlife, including eagles, small mammals, and perhaps even more bears. The area is known for its incredibly high bear density—more bears per square mile than almost anywhere else in the world—so keep your camera ready.

The River and Fishing

Reaching the river is the highlight of the trip. After donning waders, you’ll walk a short distance to your fishing spot. Here, the scenery is stunning—cold, clear water flowing over rocky beds, surrounded by lush greenery. You can choose to fish at one location or travel along the river to explore multiple spots, depending on your preferences and conditions that day.

Expect to fish for Salmon (including Sockeye or Pink, depending on the season) and Trout such as Dolly Varden or Cut Throat. The excitement of waiting for a bite, amid such pristine surroundings, truly captures the essence of Alaskan wilderness fishing. Reviewers mention a “beautiful river,” and “we loved the way the river setting made us feel like true explorers,” emphasizing the immersive nature of this activity.

Bear Search and Wildlife Viewing

While fishing, you’ll also be on the lookout for brown bears. This isn’t a dedicated bear-watching tour, but with the high bear population and strategic vantage points, sightings are common. Observers report “seeing bears along the river, just yards away,” which adds a layer of thrill to the day. Keep in mind, wildlife sightings depend on the season and luck, but the opportunity is certainly there.

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Return Journey

After a satisfying fishing session and wildlife search, you’ll retrace your route back along the old logging roads, soaking in the scenery one last time before heading back to Icy Strait Point. The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day escape that won’t eat up your entire day.

What’s Included and What You Should Know

The tour includes transportation, guiding, and equipment for fishing, but travelers must arrange their own one-day fishing license—a quick, straightforward process on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. Small groups keep the experience intimate, and the limit of six participants means you’ll get personalized attention.

Since the activity involves walking in waders and outdoor conditions, some physical fitness is recommended. The tour is not suitable for children under 10, or those with mobility issues or weight restrictions (under 243 lbs / 110 kg). The terrain and outdoor setting mean you’ll want to be comfortable with uneven ground and variable weather.

What to Bring

Essential items include layered clothing suitable for weather fluctuations, sturdy footwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera for capturing wildlife moments. The tour provider offers the opportunity to enjoy an authentic outdoor adventure, so come prepared to get a little muddy and wet.

Authenticity and Value

This tour offers more than just sightseeing—it’s an active, authentic experience that immerses you in Alaska’s wild environment. For the price, you get a well-rounded adventure: the thrill of catching wild salmon, the chance to see bears in their natural habitat, and the beauty of remote Alaskan landscapes. Reviewers consistently mention the stunning views and wildlife encounters as highlights, emphasizing how rare these moments are outside of a national park or wilderness area.

The fact that this is a small group tour enhances its value—guides can share local insights and help spot wildlife better than large, generic tours. The off-road journey on historic logging roads feels like a true exploration, adding a sense of adventure that’s hard to match.

The Sum Up

This River Fishing & Bear Search Tour is a fantastic choice for travelers eager for a hands-on, authentic outdoor experience in Alaska. It’s ideal for those who enjoy fishing, wildlife spotting, and exploring remote landscapes. The small group setting ensures a more personal experience, and the scenic journey through the Tongass National Forest guarantees memorable views and encounters.

While it demands a bit of physical effort and some planning (like securing a fishing license), the rewards—bears in their natural habitat, wild salmon on your line, and stunning vistas—are well worth it. It’s a genuine taste of Alaska’s wilderness that will appeal most to adventurous, nature-loving travelers ready to get a little dirt under their nails and see the state’s wildlife in its most unspoiled form.

This tour isn’t just about catching fish; it’s about stepping into the wild, experiencing the raw beauty of Alaska, and creating stories you’ll talk about long after you leave.

FAQs

Do I need a fishing license to participate?
Yes, participants must obtain a one-day fishing license before the trip. It can be purchased easily online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not for children under 10 years old. The activity involves walking in waders and some physical activity, so it’s best suited for active, reasonably fit travelers.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to 6 participants, offering a more personalized and intimate experience.

What should I wear?
Layered clothing suitable for outdoor weather, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear are recommended. The outdoor setting means weather can change quickly.

Can I expect to see bears?
While sightings depend on the season and luck, this area has one of the highest bear populations per square mile worldwide. Many travelers report seeing bears along the river.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, making it a convenient half-day activity that fits well into most travel schedules.

This tour offers a real slice of Alaska—raw, beautiful, and wild. If you’re looking for an adventure that combines wildlife, fishing, and scenic exploration in a setting that feels untouched by modern life, this is a choice worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby