Fishing the kisaralik River Papa Bear adventures Style

Often times at Papa Bear Adventures, we get asked “What is the best river to fish?” Our answer is the same every time. “All our rivers are great. Some are more popular than others but each river has its own special attributes that make it unique to the beholder.” All these river have so many fish in them it’s ridiculous. It’s all personal preference really. What’s important to you in a fishing trip? Each one of the rivers that we offer has something unique and different to offer.

This particular write up is about the Kisaralik River, my personal favorite. The criteria that I need in a river is a combination of a few things. This goes with out saying, the fishing of course has to be great. However, the river is so much more to me than just the fishing. I like a longer float. The double D’s, distance and duration. I like to spend 2 nights on a gravel bar at least 2 times. I use those days to recharge and relax as taking down and setting up camp every day combined with floating for 4-6 hours a day or more can wear you down quick, especially if the weather is poor. The Kisaralik is about 100 river miles from the lake to the pick up point. This is about the perfect distance for me. I get excited thinking about the fact that I am so far removed from civilization. No internet, no cell phone, no responsibilities except for my survival, no connection to the outside world, and more importantly, NO COVID! The feeling of complete and utter isolation is absolutely exhilarating to me. Scenery. The river has to be scenic. Lots of mountains, valleys, water falls, and river character. My thirst for natural beauty must be present to make the cut. The Kisaralik offers this beyond my wildest expectations. The flight to the lake gives you an idea of what to expect with the terrain and other geographic features along the river. The river starts at the Kisaralik Lake which is surrounded by 3500 foot peaks that often stay snow spotted until late summer. The lake is at an elevation around 1600 msl, is crystal clear, cold, and stunning. The first 20 miles of the river are characterized by lower water, lots of rocks, skinny water, a wide valley and mountains as far as the eye can see. Fishing is slow during this portion of the river with the occasional Grayling, Dolly, and Rainbow. The first confluence is called Gold Creek and helps add a little flow to the river. No, there is no gold in Gold Creek. Who names a creek after something that’s not even there? After Gold Creek is the North Fork Creek also adding to the flow and depth. Rafter beware, between Gold Creek and the North Fork is the rock gardens. This section is more of a pain in the butt than anything, especially with low water. It’s basically a mine field of rocks and it is only a matter of when, not if you get high centered on a boulder. After the North Fork, depending on recent rainfall, you generally won’t be getting hung up on any boulders. About 10 miles from the North Fork is where everything drastically changes. THE UPPER FALLS! The upper falls actually consists of two falls. Depending on water level, it is possible to run both, however, not suggested. Often times experienced rafters will run the first fall and portage the second. You can rope the raft down, which is suggested. Be sure to have extra rope as it may be needed if the water level is low. The distance from the first fall to the second is probably around 100-150 yards, and it is littered with large, sharp rocks with space enough between them to shave your shin or twist an ankle. Take your time and go slow as the rocks are quite slippery as well. There is a developed trail after the slippery shin busters on the north side or river right that leads you to the bottom of the second fall. This is where I consider the fishing to start. There is a large, deep pool under and around the water fall where hundreds of fish congregate and cannot go any further upriver due to the falls. If it is early season, the fish have not been worked over to hard and the fishing should be good. Later in the season, you’ll have to work a little harder as the fish have learned a lesson or two by that time. There are also a few camp spots located on the north or river right about 50-75 yards beyond the 2nd fall. There is a trail that leads to several grassy areas just big enough to pitch a tent. Firewood is scarce, so don’t expect to have a fire unless you have gathered some wood along the way, which is highly suggested if you remember and have the space.

About 4 river miles down from the upper falls is the confluence of quick silver creek. The creek will be on the north side or river right. This confluence offers several camp locations as well great fishing opportunities. For the explorers of the group, a short hike up the creek offers several fishing holes with Rainbows, Grayling and Dolly Varden as well as any Salmon depending on the month. Fire wood is still hard to find but the first few groups to float the river will have some options by this point. The next significant check point is Golden Gate which is 12 river miles from quick silver. The trip between is through a canyon with the river edges meeting the base of the mountains. This is the very scenic portion of the float. Golden Gate is also refereed to as the lower falls which can sometimes be confusing because the upper falls has two falls. Just prior to reaching Golden Gate are a few good camp spots and fishing holes. Fire wood is becoming more abundant by this point. Prior to running Golden Gate, be sure to strap everything down snug and tight. Don’t blink when going through Golden Gate because you’ll miss it. It’s very quick water all being funneled between bedrock sides. Keep the raft pointing down stream and pay attention to your oar position so you don’t break or damage them or your hands. After going through Golden Gate, just as the water begins to calm, there is a very deep pool with large boulders on river right, pull over as soon as you can and fish the hole. Great fishing! It looks like an aquarium with crystal clear water and full of fish. Fly fishing is not an option here as there is bedrock sides behind you. *THIS IS AN ERROR. The “S” Turns are just prior to Golden Gate* Soon after Golden Gate are the “S” turns. The water speeds up here and you will want to stay river left. There is a large section of bedrock, river right that could cause a hang up and cause your raft to tumble. Centrifugal force makes it feel like your going to get hammered right into the bedrock, however, stay the course, keep the raft pointed straight, and the current will take you where you need to go. Mind your oars. My next checkpoint is red rock. The distance from the “S” turns to Red Rock is roughly 30 miles. This is when the fishing gets awesome. Hit the braids and hit em hard. Find a good camp spot and spend two days and walk the braids. Sniper fishing all. day. long! This is also hard core bear country so be sure to follow all the bear rules. Be responsible. The last checkpoint before the pick up is Spruce Gap. Two years ago, there was a melt that happened very quick which sent an incredible amount of water rushing down the river and actually opened a new offshoot of the Kis that dumps, basically right into the tundra. That off shoot has only gotten worse and worse each year. This year, the offshoot is actually taking more water than the main, or at least that is what it looks like from the air. This is going to be a very tricky area to navigate. Take your time, pull over, check coordinates and verify your position and follow the river guidance supplied to you by Papa Bear. Prior to arriving at Spruce Gap, about 300 yards or so, on river left, there is an offshoot that goes to the Kasigluk River. Do not go this way as it is a completely different river. After the Kasigluk, the river splits, to the left and to the right. The main flow goes to the right while the Kis goes to the left and makes basically a 90 degree turn. Take your time, go slow, and go left. If you go right on accident, hopefully you catch your mistake right away and back track to the main channel. If not, motor boat pick up is highly unlikely and there is only one spot that a float plane can pick you up. After Spruce Gap the river begins to slow and slowly gets murky. The fishing begins to die off as the water darkens. Arrival at the pick up location is a high and dry gravel/sand bar and is located on river left. Don’t miss this bar as it’s the last one until the Kuskokwim.

I hope you enjoyed this write up of the Kisaralik. If you haven’t floated it, I highly suggest you do. It is a remarkable float and you will not be disapointed.

FISH ON!!