This week is the start of the King float fishing season on the Tal. The Kings will be just starting up river and are generally up to Friday Creek, very close to our put-in at the mid Tal. Rainbows are good and hungry as well as grayling.
The water level is at a good level for the float trip. We'll spend the first 2 nights at Friday Creek fishing the kings where they pack up at the turn, then a night midway down the river before the last night at the mouth.
What can you expect as far as:
Remoteness: Ever heard of a "secret fishing hole" that everyone knows about? Well, the same is true in Alaska. That's right, no such thing. If there are fish, believe me, someone else knows about it and is trying to get there. Kings are the most sought after fish in Alaska and the King season is the busiest of all the salmon runs. You'll float the river without seeing others (usually) but plan on having 1 or 2 other floaters at Friday Creek and at the mouth.
Fish: The kings average 20 pounds on the Tal but we regularly get into 40 pounders and up to 60. On a 10 wgt rod you'll spend about 40-45 minutes bringing one in. The limit to keep is 1 and after 1 you'll know why! (Note: You can only keep your salmon catch the last day as we can't preserve it until then) The C&R is as many as you can handle a day. 5-6 in a day on a fly rod is a great day. 1-2 large ones with a few smaller ones is a normal day. The rainbows are really fun to catch from our fishing platforms while we float each day.
Camp: Our camps are very comfortable with cots and a dining area within the cook tent. We serve as-near gourmet meals as possible in a riverside setting. We are continually complemented on the meals, quantity of food, and snacks served while you fish. We do ALL the chores so can do what you came for, fish!