This float trip is the second of 2 Rainbow floats on the Tal. The trip is a 7 day 6 night float covering all of the 60 miles of the river from Tal Creek at Judd Lake to the confluence with the Skwentna River. We are targeting the rainbows that are after the king eggs. With the start of the king spawn the bows are very eager.
The water level is low so we'll be doing some wading but it's still at an acceptable level for the float trip. We'll spend 3 to 4 nights of the trip at the upriver areas where the kings are, one night at Friday Creek, and another night midway down the river before the last night at the mouth. Should the water levels be too low for the upper creek, we'll go in at the mid point for the same 7 day trip, only spending more time at the hot spots.
Please note that this trip is for the adventuresome angler and with lower water you will be helping with raft dragging, wade fishing many miles on the upper creek, and in general having a unique experience in the wilderness: not a pampered and catered float trip. Your physical health and weight are important for us and you to enjoy this trip.
What can you expect as far as:
Remoteness: This time of the year on the river is between major runs of salmon so it's great for the remoteness and for the rainbows looking for big eggs. With the lower water becoming a norm in the past years fewer are venturing on the upper river and the midpoint is generally unacceptable for plane landings due to the low water.
Fish: The rainbows average 2-3 pounds and go up to about 8. Do they fight? You bet! Nothing is prettier than a fat bow with crimson cheeks. The native rainbow on this river are noted for their exceptional colors with the silver, crimson, gold and dark green background overlayed with the leopard spots. What a great trophy photo!
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 you can do what you came for, fish!