Trail Ridge Air Inc. Fly-out Fishing

You don’t need to be an expert or a Hollywood star to enjoy fly-out fishing in the wilds of Alaska. Trail Ridge Air partners with backcountry lodges to get you into creeks and lakes where you can catch not only fish, but also a great Alaskan fish tale of your very own.

Your first decision is whether you want a guided or non-guided trip. There are benefits to both, but the deciding factor is likely going to be your comfort-level being on your own for a day in a secluded Alaskan paradise.

Trail Ridge Air offers the following tried-and-true locations, but you can also plan a custom fishing trip. Trail Ridge Air can help you explore logistics and options due to its extensive connections with backcountry operators.

Guided Fishing

Lake Creek Fishing

Fish for salmon and trout in this full-day, fly-in excursion in the Lake Creek area of Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Lake Creek is a 60-mile long corridor for all five species of Alaska salmon, as well as Rainbow Trout and Arctic Grayling. A 40-minute flight takes you over Knik Arm to the rushing white water of Lake Creek. It’s hard to believe this view, with annual runs totaling about 70,000 salmon, is just minutes from the largest urban center in the state. Your guide will navigate your boat, provide the tackle and advise you on what’s biting. After a few hours a hearty lunch will help you refuel. This guided trip is a great way to experience the range of Alaskan salmon fishing in a remote location without packing in your own gear or hassling with your own boat. Just relax and fish on!

Non-guided Fishing Trips

Northern Pike Fishing

Fly over Cook Inlet, the Susitna delta and out to a secluded Lake for a fun day of pike fishing. Trail Ridge Air helps you get a boat in the water and then you’re off! Pike are so abundant that you can spend the whole day just putting your hook in the water over and over. In fact, the Board of Fisheries even allows spear fishing or bowfishing for pike in Southcentral Alaska. Northern Pike put up a pretty good fight and are a little goofy besides – great for a family day on the water with the kids and for cool fishing photos. Bring your own gear, fishing license and lunch.

About Trail Ridge Air Incorporated

Trail Ridge Air is a locally-owned, family-run air taxi service that specializes in getting you out to experience Alaska’s incredible scenery from on high, either on a flight-seeing trip or packaged in with bear viewing, fishing, a float-trip or something entirely custom that fits into your dream vacation.

Since 1999 Jim and Loree Jensen have been running Trail Ridge Air out of Lake Hood, the busiest seaplane base in the world. Along with their team of pilots (some of whom are also family), they maintain a beautiful fleet of aircraft:

• Two classic 1950s-era DeHavilland Beavers, a quintessential bush plane that seats 6-7. Ruggedly functional, the Beaver still offers a comfortable ride. Fewer than 1,700 Beavers were ever made, so it’s quite a treat to ride in this aircraft that evokes a sense of nostalgia in those who understand its place in Alaska history.
• A Cessna 206. This 5-seater is known for its load-carrying capacity, so is a common sight in Alaska. It’s a bit smaller, and also faster, than the DeHavilland.
• A Piper PA-12 Super Cub. Trail Ridge Air is the only water taxi service operating a Piper PA-12 out of Lake Hood. The 1940s-era Super Cub seats two passengers in the back. Its small size and rugged construction allow for short landings on rough terrain, making it perfect for those custom flights headed into the back country.

Piloting those Trail Ridge Air seaplanes are staff committed to safety, customer service and showing off Alaska – and that garners a lot of repeat business. Pilots are experienced, safety-conscious, knowledgeable about the area, and take pride in what they do. “We aren’t the oldest pilots out there, but we do make up for that by being personable,” laughs Trail Ridge pilot Casey. “You won’t find any cranky pilots here.” Casey started out in the business working on the floatplane docks and soon developed a passion for small aircraft and bush flying. “It brings me joy knowing my passengers are having as much fun as I am up there.”

And Jim and Loree still meet every flight with a smile, waiting to hear passenger comments about jaw-dropping glaciers they just saw or a pod of beluga whales they spotted.

Customization is another big part of the Trail Ridge Air philosophy. If you’re planning an Alaska vacation, give them a call so they can help you put together the puzzle pieces of your itinerary to get what you want out of your trip. Even if you only have an hour, you can get up in the air for incredible views and an insider’s chat about wild and wonderful Alaska.