Jonathan Murphy
My friends and I recently used Papa Bear Adventures as the outfit for our fishing trip on the Arolik River. We had an amazing trip, and we’re hoping to do it again in the next couple of years!
John McCall
We have been particularly impressed by the new owners of Papa Bear. We have been well treated by Papa Bear, and we have enjoyed the finest trout and salmon fishing that any of us have ever seen. We have consistently caught trophy rainbows, dolly varden, silvers, and kings in pure wilderness. For a pure wilderness experience, great fishing, and really fine people who make your trip possible, Papa Bear can’t be beat.
Charles Schroeder
Having booked 12 trips over the past 14 years on three different rivers — Kanektok; Kisaralik; Kwethluk — there are countless things that make Papa Bear a great choice, but from my perspective the most important one is RELIABILITY!
We always count on a safe, timely and effective fly out from Bethel and return to the lodge. Because of the incredible variability of weather, we are totally dependent upon the quality and condition of the equipment we rent; hence, it must be 100% functional and high quality. We have never been disappointed when it comes to these critical aspects of our trip. In addition, accommodations in the lodge are first-rate, and the staff always help with last-minute items you made need to get in Bethel.
In terms of the river float fishing experience, it is truly remarkable. Over the years we have seen every North American animal imaginable including wolverines, wolves and big bears. We have also caught more fish than we ever expected.
Aaron and his crew are topnotch, and they do everything possible to insure that every client has an opportunity to have a safe and memorable wilderness experience. As someone who has done high-altitude mountaineering, I have relied on a number of outfitters and none have come close to the personal attention and overall quality of the experience offered by the Papa Bear crew.
Greg Mathis
With other outfitters sometimes it looks like a junkyard around their place, but (Papa Bear) are just professional. They’ve taken it to the next level. Sometimes we bring our own tents because we’re looking at a weight issue, but on the trip we’re taking this year, I’m going to rent the tents from them. They’ve got you covered. If you put together your equipment list, they’ve always got you covered.
There’s really good communication. That really helps when you’re going to be on a river for eight to ten days, and there’s no going back. You’ve got to make sure you’ve got everything there you’re going to need — it’s important.