We had the pleasure of flying with High Adventure in 2012 for bear-viewing. Looking to repeat our experience again in 2021, we booked our second trip. Unfortunately, this time, the bears decided not to arrive early. To salvage our 6 1/2 hour day tour, the staff recommended a combination fishing/bear-viewing trip. Fishing is our passion, so it was a straightforward decision to switch.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Read the full disclosure policy here.
Table of Contents
High Adventure Air Charter—Your Gateway to Wolverine Creek Sockeye Fishing
High Adventure Air is on Longmere Lake off the Sterling Highway near Soldotna. They offer daily fishing or bear-viewing trips to Wolverine Creek. I had fond memories of breathtaking mountain vistas, calm lakes, endless river stretches of blue glacial waters lined with lush green foliage from my first trip. I was looking forward to another spectacular venture with the High Adventure Air Charter for excellent sockeye fishing.
NOTE: Sadly, High Adventure Air is no longer offering trips as they are selling the business.
By 6:30 am, we were geared up and ready. We swapped our boots for warm rubber waders, essential for the chilly morning ahead on our 20-foot aluminum boat. With licenses verified and a safety brief, our guide Drew and pilot Cory loaded the floatplane. As we took our seats, the engine roared to life, marking the start of our fly-out fishing expedition.
Note: you can buy your fishing license online before your trip. Licenses must be printed and signed as required by the State of Alaska (FWC).
Ready, Set, Take-Off: Fly-Out Sockeye Fishing with High Adventure Air Charter
Our DeHavilland Beaver float plane glides onto the calm waters of Longmere Lake. Cory, our pilot, runs the pre-flight engine check while veteran pilot Mark keeps a watchful eye. Despite the rainy, overcast morning, liftoff is effortless.
The 30-minute flight carries us over the Cook Inlet and into the Big River Lakes — and it’s absolutely breathtaking. Below us, the Cook Inlet’s tidal flats stretch wide, the tide slowly receding, revealing braided streams and vast marshes. We scan the shoreline for wildlife; moose often graze here on willows and sedges. Today, however, we spot no moose — only a few seals basking along the banks, lazily enjoying the morning calm.
Cory gently set the Beaver down on the lake, taxiing toward a marsh inlet that serves as a natural harbor for boats. The Chigmit Mountains seem to rise straight from the water, their peaks draped in low-hanging clouds. Drew guided our 18-foot Jon boat alongside one of the plane’s floats, and we carefully unloaded all our gear.
With the boat securely tied to the float, we assisted in moving the plane into deeper water for its return flight to base. Then, powered by its small motor, our guide steered us into open water, and we set out on six hours of high-adrenaline sockeye (“red”) fishing, ready for whatever the Big River Lakes would offer.
Big Lake River: Pristine Sockeye Waters at the Edge of Otter Lake
Barry was the first to spot salmon breaking in a secluded cove near the nearby Fisher Falls. Crystal-clear water cascades roughly 30 feet from the falls into the glacial-blue lake below. Today, we have this remote cove all to ourselves — not a single other boat in sight for the first two hours.
The turquoise blue waters result from suspended glacial silt called rock flour. The sunlight that reflects off these particles gives rise to the spectacular colors in the rivers and lakes in much of Alaska. Drew was patient, and we could see he was very passionate about fishing as we motored over to the postcard waterfall. He explained that the fish rise and slap the water to dislodge the silt particles that build onto their gills as the fish move from ocean waters to the fresh river. Fish seem to be schooled up all around us.
Catching the Wily Reds: Chasing Sockeye Salmon in Alaska’s Remote Waters
Drew did an excellent job explaining how to use the provided spin-fishing equipment and offered helpful tips to increase our chances of successful hookups. He pointed out that the sockeye (“reds”) here often hold in epic schools along the shoreline, which makes for relatively easy catches. Most of the fish we hooked averaged 4–6 pounds, providing plenty of action and excitement for everyone on the water.
So how do we catch these fish? Red salmon will not take a lure or bait on their journey upstream to spawn. They primarily feed on zooplankton while in the ocean. The bare hook sockeye rig works great at places like Big Lake River.
Gear Up: Essential Equipment for Sockeye Salmon Fishing in Alaska
When fishing for sockeye salmon in Alaska’s remote waters—like Big Lake River near Lake Clark National Park—having the right gear can make all the difference. Light to medium-action rods paired with quality spinning reels spooled with 20–30 lb braided line are ideal for handling these strong, fast-running fish. Sockeye respond best to brightly colored flies, streamers, or small spinners, especially red and orange hues. Waders are essential for river access, and polarized sunglasses help spot fish in clear currents. Don’t forget rain gear—Alaska’s weather can change in a heartbeat, and staying dry keeps you focused on landing those wily reds.
- A medium to fast action weight spinning rod and reel. 7 1/2′ to 8 1/2′ in length
- Braided 20-30 pound test line.
- One ounce sinker
- Sharp octopus hook 2/0.
Today’s High Adventure Sockeye Fishing Gear
The rig we are using today has a strong leader that is 24-30 inches in length attached to a 1 oz piece of lead and has a single hook. Basically, you just take the hook with weight and jig through the school. Reds face upstream and constantly open and close their mouths. The trick is to feel when the fish bumps into the leader; you pull the rod swiftly upwards, setting the hook in the open mouth. They often refer to this as “flossing.” They sometimes called this method lining, plunking, or flipping.
Our guide reminded us that the daily limit is three sockeye salmon per person, and once your limit is reached, fishing must stop. As a group, we agreed to target just two fish at this spot before moving further upstream to another clear section of the river. Drew stayed vigilant, emphasizing that all salmon must be hooked in the mouth; any snagged fish were immediately returned to the water. A few of the fish bore seal scars, and these, too, were carefully released back into the lake.
The Aerobatic Sockeye: High-Flying Action in Alaska’s Wild Water
Once the fish is hooked, this is when the fun really begins! My first rod-bending fish began searing of line with incredible speed. Going airborne several times. Drew expertly coached me through keeping the rod low, slowly bringing the fish to the net. It took a few tries with the fish running under the boat before we finally got her netted. Fish just kept on coming after this. Pretty amazing!
I was the first to reach our limit, landing two fish in quick succession, each averaging 4–7 pounds. Despite the cool, rainy weather, I enjoyed watching the others fish while scanning the shoreline with binoculars for wildlife. Within half an hour, everyone had their two-fish limit — all except Barry.
Drew suggested moving upriver, as the salmon were no longer congregated and had become harder to catch. Rain gear i was essential today with the off-and-on showers, but the weather didn’t dampen our spirits. Not even the persistent mosquitoes could slow us down.
Note: You want to make sure and dress properly in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Bring a small cooler with some snacks and drinks.
South Fork Big River on the Edge of Lake Clark National Park
The run up the south fork of the Big River took about 20-minutes. The river can change overnight because of the enormous amount of glacial silt being deposited by the double glacier. Just once, Drew had to get out and unclog the motor and get us off the shallow shoals. Once we got to the top of the creek, we were no longer alone. Multiple boats lined the shore where the fish were stacked in gigantic schools.
The action was fast and furious during the first ten minutes. Multiple fish zig-zagged under the boat, and many of us got tangled in lines. I landed my last fish amid the chaos — without even trying to hook it. I lifted the line, and the fish was already 100 yards from the boat. My first cast had been a thrilling “fish on!” moment.
Arguably, reds are some of the hardest-fighting fish, and this one was the largest of the day for me — though it was sadly also my third and final catch. Over the next hour, I watched the others reach their limits. JT, the last in our group, struggled to finish; after four straight days of fishing for kings and halibut, he was completely tuckered out.
With everyone now at their limits, it was time to switch gears and search for bears — the next chapter of our Alaska adventure.
Wolverine Creek Bear Viewing on Redoubt Bay
Wolverine Creek sits on the edge of Lake Clark National Park. This 171,000-acre state-owned critical habitat area is prime viewing for both black and brown bears during the months of June/July. The bears are drawn to the huge schools of both sockeye and silver salmon that begin their journey to spawn at the mouth of the creek. Excellent bear-viewing opportunities to see sows with cubs happen daily. Luckily, I got up-close-and-personal bear viewing on my first trip with High Adventure Air in 2012.
Both the North and South Forks of the Big Lake River flow into Otter Lake. Finally, entering the Cook Inlet at Redoubt Bay. Otter is the largest of the seven Big River Lakes. Many migratory birds come to the area to breed on the low grass islands or along the shore. A pair of trumpeter swans, immature bald eagles, and merganser ducks were just some species we observed today. We moved to a rocky shoreline so that we could watch for bears making for the Wolverine Creek falls and to clean our catch.
Note: Bears are highly active along the shoreline. Be bear aware, carry bear spray. Today, our guide has bear spray and a firearm for our safety.
Hardy Shore Lunch on Big River Lake
Drew expertly filleted our catch, bagging everything for us while we watched in awe. It was mesmerizing to see how skillfully he worked, each cut precise and efficient. For lunch, he fired up a small butane stove and cooked fresh, diced pieces from one filet, seasoning them with a few carefully chosen spices — a family secret. The flavor was beyond words, the tender fish melting in our mouths. It was easy to see why wild-caught sockeye is so prized for its vibrant red flesh and rich taste.
While we waited for the plane to return, no bears appeared, but conversation flowed freely. We felt lucky to share this experience with two fellow anglers who shared our same passion for fishing, making the day even more memorable.
Double Glacier Flyover
The DeHavilland arrives with the afternoon group. Sadly, we have to return to base. We repeat the process from this morning getting loaded except we have filets now! The takeoff is smooth as we head towards the double glacier.
The scenery on the return flight was absolutely breathtaking. Flying over Double Glacier, which feeds the south fork of Big River Lake, we were treated to spectacular aerial views. Peering down into the green mountain valley, we could see remnants of snow and ice that had resisted the spring thaw. The glacier’s colors shifted with the light — from deep glacial blue to brilliant white — creating a mesmerizing mosaic beneath us.
We also caught a bird’s-eye view of Mount Mastedon on the return leg, adding to the sense of scale and majesty. The flight over Cook Inlet itself was uneventful, though striking; from above, we could see the mouth of the Kenai River and the king salmon boats spread out below, plying the waters.
Fresh salmon filets — heaven!
The sockeye filets were a stunning, vibrant red, with a rich, unforgettable flavor. Since we hadn’t planned on sockeye fishing, we didn’t bring a cooler or make arrangements to transport the fish home. Drew recommended Tanner’s in Soldotna, a local fish processing shop.
After returning to our cabin next door, we drove into town to have the filets professionally prepared. Tanner’s vacuum-packed and flash-froze our fish, ready for shipment. They offered FedEx shipping, and for about $200 for a 50-pound box, our filets were safely on their way home. Considering the quality and convenience, it was absolutely worth the price — knowing our sockeye would arrive in perfect condition made the adventure even sweeter.
Where we stayed in Soldotna
We stayed in the perfect cabin, just steps from High Adventure Air on Longmere Lake. The Alaska Lakefront Getaway is ideal for a couple seeking quiet, comfort, and a central location on the Kenai Peninsula. Each evening, we sat on the veranda, watching floatplanes take off and land while listening to the haunting calls of the loons.
Kayaking on the lake added another layer of serenity to our stay, and the cabin even offers a freezer for your fresh-caught fish — incredibly convenient after a day on the water. We would highly recommend this cabin to anyone looking to combine fishing adventures with peaceful lakeside relaxation on the Kenai.
Final Thoughts: A Sky-High Adventure & Excellent Sockeye Fishing at Wolverine Creek
This thrill-packed sockeye fishing adventure exceeded all our expectations. It’s an experience we’ll remember for years to come, and we’re so glad we added it to our Alaska road trip itinerary. If you’re seeking a well-organized, fly-in fishing adventure, High Adventure Air delivers an action-filled day of sockeye fishing and bear-viewing that’s unforgettable for everyone. Our next adventure will be Arctic grayling on the Chena River and fishing for Kenai rainbows.
Have you ever fished on the Kenai—or anywhere in Alaska? We’d love to hear your story! Share your experience in the comments below.
