One of our most popular flyout fishing trips from early June through July includes a bird's eye, er, bear's eye view of Alaska's most popular celebrity, the brown bear. A half hour floatplane flight puts you into a serene setting on a remote lake where thousands of sockeye salmon congregate before moving up a tiny stream to spawn in a high alpine lake. This gathering of fish attracts a number of anglers who enjoy fishing for reds but at the same time, the local bear population has also found these fish to be easy pickings. In any given year there are a variety of bears that visit the area, including sows with cubs, juveniles and young adults. Black bears may occasionally visit but black and brown does not mix so you won't find them present at the same time.
The sockeye limit in this area is 3 fish per person and you can relax and watch the bears for a while if you get tired of catching fish. But you better keep a close eye on your stringer when they are around as they know all the tricks and won't hesitate to snatch unguarded fish. You'll be accompanied by a guide the entire time you are there for your safety and all waders, rod, flies, and lunch are provided. Better take plenty of film and video tape for this one.
