Kanektok River - Alaska Fishing Camps - Flies or Lures
For more than forty years, Dave Duncan & Sons have guided anglers on Alaska’s legendary Kanektok River, affectionately known as “The Chosen.” Flowing through the remote Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, this pristine river is home to all five Pacific salmon species, trophy leopard rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic char, and grayling. With two strategically placed base camps and a limited-space float trip, the Duncans offer a rare opportunity to fish one of Alaska’s most productive and diverse rivers in comfort—while experiencing the true wilderness of southwest Alaska.
Dave Duncan & Sons have guided anglers in remote Alaska for 40+ years. They are proud to call the Kanektok River home—widely regarded as one of the finest fisheries in the state. Few rivers can match its diversity, with incredible fishing for leopard rainbow trout, all five Pacific salmon species (king, silver, chum, pink, and sockeye), plus Arctic char, Dolly Varden, and grayling. The Duncans practice strict catch-and-release to protect the fishery, with only the occasional fish set aside for a fresh camp dinner.
The Kanektok River
What makes the Kanektok River truly world-class is its remarkable fishability. Although it’s a large river, the countless braids and side channels make it feel intimate and perfectly suited for fly fishing. The Kanektok is also one of the best places in the world to fish a mouse pattern for trophy rainbows—an unforgettable thrill unique to this river.
For those seeking even more adventure, the Duncans offer a 90-mile Kanektok River Float Trip, limited to eight guests, providing an immersive journey through pristine Alaskan wilderness. Click here for the Duncans' Float Trip.
Two Base Camps - Lower and Upper River
The Lower River Base Camp is a 45-minute boat ride upstream from the village of Quinhagak (pronounced Quin-Hawk). You'll fish the lower 18 miles of the Kanektok at the Lower Camp for strong runs of all five salmon species fresh from the sea.
Generally, the Lower Camp has a bit better salmon fishing because they can fish all the way to the saltwater for fish that are fresh from the sea. The Lower Camp also has great fishing for up to 30-inch leopard rainbows, dolly varden, and grayling.
Upper River Base Camp
The Upper River Base Camp is two hours upstream from Quinhagak, approximately thirty miles. The Upper River camp is the only semi-permanent operation allowed in the Wilderness Area of the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. Here, you'll be in the heart of the best trout water, known as The Braids section of the river. Great mousing and streamer fishing for big leopard rainbows. Skate dry flies for dollies. The Upper Camp also has excellent salmon fishing, along with dollies and grayling. Which Camp to Choose? If you want to catch salmon until your arms ache, their Lower Camp may be for you. If you think catching big rainbows on mouse patterns sounds fun, the Upper Camp would be a good choice.
Colored-Up Dolly Varden
Jim Teeny with Kanektok King Salmon
"Over the past 28 years, I've had the pleasure of fishing with the Duncan family for a total of more than 50 weeks! That just about says it all! I am so impressed with the whole family and how they take pride in their operation, putting their customers first, with safety always being a top priority. I consider them family and recommend a trip with the Duncans to anyone planning on going to Alaska. You will not be disappointed." - Jim Teeny - Teeny Inc. Fly Lines
King Salmon Fishing
Sample Fishing Day: 6:30 a.m. - Coffee is ready. 7:00 a.m. - Breakfast is ready. 8:00 a.m.- Guided fishing begins. Noon - Enjoy deli-style sandwiches, chips, fruit, cookies, and soft drinks. There is also the option of a shore lunch, where you can enjoy fresh fish on the river; just let your guide know your lunch preferences before you leave camp in the morning. 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. - You'll return to Camp. 7:00 p.m. - Dinnertime. During dinner, the head guide gives an orientation. If you have the energy, you can fish after dinner.
The Fishing Program:
2026 Season: June 20 - August 29. Boats: Powerboats are used to access prime side channels and productive stretches of the river. You'll fish two anglers per boat and guide. Equipment: Single, barbless (debarbed) hooks are required. The camps provide quality fly rods and reels in 6-, 8-, and 10-weight sizes. Spin gear must be brought by guests, except during king salmon season, when spin rods and reels are available at no charge. Fly Tying: Both camps feature fly-tying benches stocked with materials and tools, allowing you to tie or fine-tune patterns during your stay. Flies: A detailed fly list is included with your confirmation packet. Fishing License: An Alaska fishing license is required and costs $45. During king salmon season (June 15 - July 25), an additional King Salmon Stamp is also required for $45. Methods: Both fly and lure fishing. Most fishing is done from the boat, but you’ll also have opportunities to fish holding water from shore and wade side channels. Wading is shallow—rarely deeper than your knees. Guides: Professional, seasoned guides. Each day you’ll fish with a different guide, including the Duncans themselves, who guide full-time. Most guides have been with the operation for six years or more, with some guiding here for over 15 years.
Kanektok Species Fishing Chart
Arctic Grayling - Sail like Dorsal Fin
Discounted Rates for Children age 15 and Under.
The Duncans encourage family outings by offering 20 percent off for children aged 15 and under.
Deluxe Base Camps
The Upper Camp hosts ten guests, and the Lower Base Camp hosts 12 guests. Camps have heated, double-occupancy tents, hot showers, and great fishing – right out the front door. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag. Each camp has a spacious kitchen, dining facilities, and a large social tent. It remains sunny at night, as this is the land of the midnight sun. Some guests bring sleeping masks. Electricity: The Camps have a charging system that uses either a 12V male cigarette lighter adapter or USB electricity. You can charge your devices in your sleeping tent.
Dining Tent
Meals: Hearty breakfasts, deli-style lunches, and family-style dinners. The guides take turns preparing dinner. Dinners feature large cuts of high-quality meat, fresh-caught salmon, and desserts. There's a pre-dinner appetizer of smoked salmon or salmon pate each evening. Beverages include coffee, tea, purified water, and soft drinks. Alcohol: Alcohol is not provided, as Quinhagak is a dry community.
Kanektok River
Getting to the Camps:
1.) Anchorage to Bethel: From Anchorage, you’ll take about a one-hour flight to Bethel. Alaska Airlines offers the best Saturday schedule. 2. Bethel to Quinhagak: From Bethel, you’ll board a Grant Aviation Cessna Caravan for a 30-minute flight to Quinhagak. The roundtrip fare is approximately $750.00 per person, payable directly to Grant Aviation upon arrival in Bethel. Flights to Quinhagak typically depart around 2:45 p.m. 3. Arrival in Quinhagak: You’ll land at Quinhagak Airport (KWN) at about 3:30 p.m., where the Duncans and their guides will meet you. They’ll transfer your bags from the aircraft to the boats for the ride upriver—about 45 minutes to the Lower Camp and two hours to the Upper Camp. Be sure to have rain gear handy for the boat ride.
Departure Day: Your return flight from Quinhagak to Bethel departs at 9:15 a.m. You’ll arrive in Bethel around 10:00 a.m. Alaska Airlines has a flight that departs from Bethel to Anchorage at 1:00 p.m.
2026 Rates:
Children age 15 and under 20% off the package rate. Upper River Base Camp June 20 to August 29
7 nights / 6 days guided fishing $7,200 per person
Lower River Base Camp June 20 to August 29
7 nights / 6 days guided fishing $7,100 per person
Kodiak Steelhead Camp Seven (7) Weeks in 2026: Sept. 5 - Oct. 24
7 nights / 6.5 days guided fishing $7,200 per person Click here for Steelhead Camp.
The Packages Include:
• Reception at Quinhagak Airport • Boat ride to camp • Guided fishing • Use of fly rods and reels • Use of spin rods and reels for king salmon • Fly-tying materials • Tent camping • All meals at camp • Coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
The Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare to and from Anchorage • Roundtrip airfare between Bethel and Quinhagak
• Ground transfers, hotels, and meals in Anchorage • Sleeping bag • Alaska fishing license, $45 • King salmon stamp, $45 (for June 15 to July 25) • Flies • Spin gear for non-salmon species • Gratuities to guides and staff, $800 to $900 p.p. • Global Rescue coverage • Travel Insurance • Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
×
Fishing with Larry Payment Options: 1.) Credit card (a 2.5% convenience fee applies) 2.) Check. Please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to Fishing with Larry P.O. Box 419 Columbus, MT 59019.
3.) Wire Transfer (Send money electronically – typically a $15 to $30 fee for domestic transfers and $45 - $50 for international transfers.)
Please email Toni at toni@fishingwithlarry.com for wire instructions.
Dave Duncan and Sons Policies: Deposit Policy: Reservations should be made as early as possible due to expedition popularity. The trip cost is payable 25% on booking, 25% October 1st and 50% on March 1st. Cancellation Policy: In the event of cancellation, no monies will be refunded unless the trip is resold. If the trip is resold, monies paid less 15% of the trip cost will be refunded. If payment schedules are not met, Dave Duncan and Sons, Ltd. will treat nonpayment as a cancellation. Dave Duncan and Sons, Ltd. reserves the right to withdraw any trip as well as the right to make any reasonable changes in schedule when deemed necessary for the well-being and comfort of their guests. Upon receipt of deposits, a supplemental list with detailed information pertinent to your trip will be sent to you.
