Drift the legendary Chilkat River — home to the world's largest concentration of bald eagles — on a private guided fly-fishing float through a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
What to expect
A custom raft launches onto the braided, glacially blue Chilkat as your guide — a certified master fly-fisher and naturalist — sets you up for king or silver salmon depending on the season. The valley walls rise on all sides, draped in cottonwood that blazes gold in autumn; the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve shelters over 3,000 eagles during peak season. Even off-peak, sightings of 40–60 eagles in a single float are routine. Between casts, your guide pours hot coffee from a thermos and tells the history of this valley from the Tlingit perspective.
Good to know
Haines requires a short ferry or fast-boat transfer from Skagway (approx. 45 min each way); confirm all-aboard times carefully. Total float runs 2.5–3.5 hours. Fishing licenses required (approx. USD 25/day, purchased locally). Waders and gear provided. Best salmon runs: July–September; peak eagle season: November (may not align with cruise calls).