I'm Jim Oliver and this is my partner and daughter, Jessie Oliver. Together we own and operate Hitaluga Guide Service and offer Alaska fishing trips on the Talachulitna River. We hope you'll find the type of fishing and wilderness adventure you're looking for with us. Be assured that our reputation as a honest, courteous and professional operator is utmost in our lives here in the Alaskan Bush. If we don't have the trip for you we may know of a reputable operator that does.
"If this page doesn't answer all of your questions about a great wilderness float fishing trip down the Tal, contact us and we'll answer them."
Your guide, Jessie Oliver
Members of: -
IGFA - Federation of Fly Fishers - Trout Unlimited - Alaska Fly Fishers
Guided Wilderness Float Fishing Trips
Alaskan Style Adventure...
Interested in an exciting and memorable float fishing trip into the Alaskan wilderness filled with fishing and nature? Join us on one of our guided float fishing trips down the Talachulitna River at a price you'll like as much as the adventure. As year round residents living in the Alaskan bush, the Talachulitna River is right in our backyard and we have the gear and knowledge to make your Alaskan dream come true.
The Talachulitna River offers some of nature's most pristine and remote wilderness as well as some of Alaska's best fishing - this river is one of south central Alaska's most productive sport fisheries offering native rainbows, arctic grayling and all five species of Pacific salmon. So whether you're looking for a remote Alaska wilderness adventure with lots of fish or want a remote Alaska fishing trip filled with lots of adventure you'll not find a better trip in Alaska nor one at this price.
Our guides are all skilled fishers in both fly and spin as well as skilled rafters. We know and provide the flies and spinners you need to catch the fish you're after. Our riverside camps are very comfortable with generous space in the tents, 2 people in a 6 person tent, cots, self-inflating sleeping pads and great meals. All in a great wilderness setting that only Alaska can provide.
Fishing Spin or Flies? Whether you're fishing spinners or flies, we'll help you get the fish you're looking for. We provide all spin fishing rods, reels and lures. If your group is strictly interested in fly fishing Alaska bring your light rod (4-6 weight) for grayling and rainbows and a good heavy rod (7-10) for salmon. If a king is on your list, bring a good 10 weight rod. We'll provide the flies but by all means bring your local fly shop's suggestions. Rainbows are rainbows and if you've fished them elsewhere you'll be right at home here. Salmon are a bit different and we have the bright gaudy patterns that will annoy them. We tie our own flies and will have material on the float fishing trip to tie more. On the Talachulitna it is only catch and release for rainbows and that's why the fish are so huge. While the salmon limits are generous, you'll only be able to keep your limit on the last day as there is no way to preserve them for you.
A Quick Overview: We start our scenic wilderness float fishing trips at the Tal's midpoint. Shortly after our put-in, we'll head down through Hell's Gate followed by class I until the next canyon. Class II to III canyons with some standing waves, a few rocks and easy boulders provide an adventure-filled trip through this wilderness. Unlike Lake Creek or other streams with more whitewater than fishing holes, the Talachulitna provides almost continuous fishing mixed with adventure. With class I water in between the canyons, wildlife and fish abound. We spend our time fishing on these trips with early morning and late evenings bringing the hits. With our almost endless sunlight during the summer, late night fishing is the norm. You'll enjoy nature and this wilderness float from a comfortable 16' cataraft, camping each night on a gravel bar and enjoying our fine river dining all on one of Alaska's finest rivers. Fishing on a float trip is the only way to fish Alaska and on the Tal you'll enjoy catching Rainbow Trout, Salmon and Grayling. This trip is a slow, non-rushed trip. You won't be hurried to get to the next stop. In fact, when the fish are hitting that's where we'll be, right in the water with them. When we reach the confluence with the swift, glacial Skwentna River you'll get a last chance to fish while we prepare for the pickup by the bush plane. You'll travel with only 2 guests and one guide per raft getting top service with this ratio and, with the guide as the oarsman, you can sit back and enjoy the river and fish.
Bring your clothes and waders for a great Alaska fishing trip. If you have special or favorite fishing gear, bring it along. However, for King salmon you'll need a stout rig. All of you fly fishers bring your best light and heavy setups for Rainbows to Salmon.
We don't mix parties unless you are only a party of 2 and would like to lessen the trip cost by joining another party of 2. Larger parties than 4 are always welcomed. Your group is our sole concern during these special wilderness trips.
The Tal also offers outstanding photographic opportunities of landscapes, wildlife and wildflowers as well as the memorable shots you'll want of the great fishing so don't forget your camera gear.
2004 Alaska Fishing Prices and Booking Information...
You can book these Alaska float fishing trips from mid-June through mid-September. We can accommodate most schedules but some of the more popular dates book quickly so set your Alaska fishing schedule and give us a call or e-mail us at guides. For a quick check on setting up your Alaska fishing trip, click here.
3 Day, 2 Night Alaska Float Fishing Trip:
The price is $940 US per person with a 4 person minimum. Price includes 40 minute air taxi flight from Anchorage to the river and the return flight to Anchorage, meals and guides, and all gear (except fly rods & reels plus waders). You provide waders and fly fishing gear.
For a 2 person minimum the price is $1,375 per person.
5 Day, 4 Night Alaska Float Fishing Trip:
The price is $1,240 US per person with a 4 person minimum. Price includes 40 minute air taxi flight from Anchorage to the river and the return flight to Anchorage, meals and guides, and all gear (except fly rods & reels plus waders). You provide waders and fly fishing gear.
For a 2 person minimum the price is $1,675 per person.
Terms: 50% deposit required to hold a reservation. Balance due 30 days prior to trip start date. Cancellations: see Cancellation Policy.
Not Included: Fishing license or King stamp.
So gather up your friends or family and join us this summer for a unique blend of Alaska fishing on the Talachulitna River.
Everything you need to know about setting up an Alaskan Fishing Trip is on our Trip Planner page. No obligation, just info. You'll find dates, airlines, hotels, fishing license and more. Click the button above and you'll discover we've put it all together to make your trip set up a breeze.
Fish Schedule...
The below chart indicates the approximate dates the fish are in the lower Tal waters. Use this chart to help in scheduling your Alaska fishing trip. Remember, however, the fish don't know about your vacation plans and may not abide by the restrictions of your schedule.
The graph below is from NOAA and depicts the water level of the Skwentna River, the glacial flow that the Tal feeds into. Using this graph you can determine the expected level of the Talachulitna River.
The top portion of the graph gives a day-by-day measurement of the water level over a 7-8 day period. The bottom portion indicates the levels over a period of a month.
The left side of the graphs indicate the water level in feet and the bottom of the graphs indicate the date and time (UTC Time or Zulu time). To view a larger version of the graph, click anywhere on the graph. It willa new browser window. To return simply close that window.
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Fishing Spin or Flies? Whether you're fishing spinners or flies, we'll help you get the fish you're looking for. We provide all spin fishing rods, reels and lures. If your group is strictly interested in fly fishing Alaska bring your light rod (4-6 weight) for grayling and rainbows and a good heavy rod (7-10) for salmon. If a king is on your list, bring a good 10 weight rod. We'll provide the flies but by all means bring your local fly shop's suggestions. Rainbows are rainbows and if you've fished them elsewhere you'll be right at home here. Salmon are a bit different and we have the bright gaudy patterns that will annoy them. We tie our own flies and will have material on the float fishing trip to tie more. On the Talachulitna it is only catch and release for rainbows and that's why the fish are so huge. While the salmon limits are generous, you'll only be able to keep your limit on the last day as there is no way to preserve them for you.
We don't mix parties unless you are only a party of 2 and would like to lessen the trip cost by joining another party of 2. Larger parties than 4 are always welcomed. Your group is our sole concern during these special wilderness trips.
