How to Plan a Float Plane Fishing Trip Departing From Anchorage

Nancy Wagner, Leaf Group

Many of Alaska's fish-filled streams, lakes and rivers require a float plane to reach the road-less locations. Float planes departing from Anchorage take off from the Lake Hood Seaplane Base (, located next to the city's International Airport. Lake Hood maintains a reputation as one of the largest and busiest float plane bases in the world.

Step 1

Decide on the type of fishing you want to do. The huge state's rivers, streams and lakes provide habitat for up to five different types of salmon as well as rainbow and brook trout, grayling and Arctic char.

Step 2

Calculate when and how many days you want to spend fishing. Float plane trips start in mid May and continue through September. Allow an extra day or two on each side of your trip to account for bad weather that may keep the floatplane from dropping you off or picking you up at your destination.

Step 3

Find a tour company or fishing lodge to handle the arrangements. A handful of companies arrange fishing trips via float plane, including Alaska Tours ( The company offers day trips from Anchorage to the Kenai River for salmon fishing. Trips include an experienced guide, fishing gear and lunch. One tour takes you to a fishing lodge for a day of angling for trout and grayling before returning in the evening. Another company, Regal Air (, arranges fishing trips to Alaska's bush areas. The company handles all the details, including meals, lodging and guides for either one or multiple-day trips to catch king, Coho and sockeye salmon.

Step 4

Consider taking a float plane to a remote cabin or camp near a lake or stream, and plan to spend a few nights in the wilderness. Plan to bring your own bedding, food, cookware and water on the plane along with all fishing gear. Several government agencies rent remote cabins, including the U.S. Forest Service ( and the National Park Service ( Most cabins have a wood stove for heat, bunk beds, tables and chairs and an outhouse. Some of the cabins have boats for fishing.

Step 5

Call or email the tour company or fishing lodge to make reservations and arrange for a float plane ride. Or, once you make sure the dates you want are open, contact one of the dozens of float plane operators working out of Lake Hood to schedule your flight to a remote cabin or camp.