River Fishing and Bear Watching
Overview
This tour is designed for active and adventurous cruise passengers who are looking for an Alaskan excursion that is off the beaten path and away from the crowds.
We’ll depart Icy Strait Point and drive through the Alaska Native Tlingit village of Hoonah before merging onto old logging roads that will take us to a remote river for fishing (spin or fly fishing available). During the car ride and along the river it is common to spot wildlife- the island has more brown bears per square mile than almost anywhere else on the planet!
*Groups of more than 6 can be accommodated, please contact us to inquire about booking.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Fishing gear and waders.
- Fishing license
Meeting and Pickup
START/END TIME: Coordinated with you based on your ship's port schedule.We'll pick you up at the main vehicle entrance to Icy Strait Point. To get there, please follow these instructions:If your ship docks @ Ocean Landing (west dock)– Disembark your ship and proceed up the ramp to the Adventure Center. Exit the adventure center and follow signs toward the “historic cannery”. Go past the “icy strait museum”, and then follow signs toward the kayak center. Walk past the kayak center and you will see a circle drive. Walk past the circle drive and guard station and we will be waiting just outside the entrance of the Icy Strait Point property to pick you up. Estimated time from ship to meeting spot: 10-15 min.If your ship docks @ Wilderness Landing (east dock) – Disembark your ship and walk to gondola. Board the GREEN gondola for a 4 min. ride through the forest to the to the main area of the port. Then follow signs toward the “historic cannery”. Go past the “icy strait museum”, and then follow signs toward the kayak center. Walk past the kayak center and you will see a circle drive. Walk past the circle drive and guard station and we will be waiting just outside the entrance of the Icy Strait Point property to pick you up. Estimated time from ship to meeting spot: 10-15 min.
What To Expect
We'll pick you up and drive through the Alaska Native Tlingit village of Hoonah before merging onto old logging roads that will take us to a remote river where we'll fish for Salmon and/or Trout. The beautiful river is in the Tongass National Forest on Chichagof Island.
During the car ride and along the river it is common to spot wildlife- the island has more brown bears per square mile than almost anywhere else on the planet. Depending on the time of year, we can watch salmon spawn and look for wild berries to eat.
Upon arriving at the river, we'll put on our waders and walk a short distance to the first fishing hole where we'll fish for Salmon and/or Trout. We can stay at one spot for the duration of the trip, or we can walk along the river to fish in multiple spots.
After fishing and looking for bears along the river, we'll drive the old logging roads back to Hoonah and drop you off at the port or your desired destination in Hoonah.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Maximum weight: 230lbs
- If you have a BMI of 40 or higher, do not consider yourself physically fit, or if you have limited mobility, do not sign up for this trip.
- Start/end times coordinated based on your ship's port schedule.
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Is bait provided?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-371647P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 117 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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Yes. Whatever the fishing calls for: live bait, frozen bait, cut bait, or chum, our Charter Captains will have plentiful supplies on hand. The same thing goes for artificial bait such as lures, flies, or plugs.
Jul 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- Private transportation.
- Fishing gear and waders.
- Fishing license.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the River Fishing and Bear Watching is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Maximum weight: 230lbs
- If you have a BMI of 40 or higher, do not consider yourself physically fit, or if you have limited mobility, do not sign up for this trip.
- Start/end times coordinated based on your ship's port schedule.
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for River Fishing and Bear Watching will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Private transportation
- Fishing gear and waders.
- Fishing license
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Maximum weight: 230lbs
- If you have a BMI of 40 or higher, do not consider yourself physically fit, or if you have limited mobility, do not sign up for this trip.
- Start/end times coordinated based on your ship's port schedule.
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
