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Pro Staff for: |
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Fish with Quantum Performance Tuned rods & reels on Andy Couch's boat. |
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Fishtale guests frequently ask us for information about other Alaska fishing opportunities, places to stay, and things to do in our area, so we're providing this page to help you find some of the organizations and businesses that have treated us and our guests well.
Mat-Su King Salmon Derby
Big fish, Big prizes, Big Fun! The Mat-Su King Salmon Derby runs from May 20 - July 13. The fishing area includes all water of the Susitna River drainage, Little Susitna River, Knik River, and Eklutna Tailrace open to king salmon fishing. Click this link for free information about
entering, a list of prizes, and pictures of Derby winners with trophy king salmon. You may also call the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce for more information at:
Acord Guide Service
Greg Acord guides Little Susitna River salmon fishing trips similar to our own. When we get an extra large group or can't accommodate people who want to fish the Little Susitna our first referral is to Greg. Greg Acord knows how to catch fish and provides a fun trip with good service. He also guides Alaska big game hunts.
Chad Valentine's Denali Anglers
Chad guides out of the colorful town of Talkeetna en route from Anchorage to Denali National Park. Chad has a very pleasant personality and is fun to be around. He has guided on the Talkeetna and Susitna River Drainages for many years and knows when and where to find salmon, trout, and grayling in this beautiful part of Alaska.
iFishAlaska Guide Service
Pat Donelson guides Deshka River king and silver salmon fishing trips, but also works additional waters, including Little Susitna River. Pat has shown a willingness to customize trips to closely match the interests of his guests, provides quality fishing gear, and is considerate to work with. He is my first recommendation for fishermen looking for a Deshka fishing guide service similar to Fishtale, and we plan on using his guide service to help guide some of our larger groups this year. Toll free 1-866-376-0131.
Susitna Landing and Ron's Riverboat Service
Ron and Marilyn Wilson operate Susitna Landing Boat Launch, along with an RV park and campground, rent comfortable cabins, and sell gas, tackle, snacks, and espresso. Ron also runs his guide and riverboat service from this location. Ron's boat is decked out, covered, heated, smooth riding and fast. Ron guides all his trips on the Susitna River and its tributaries, so he is a tremendous well of knowledge about the Susitna River Drainage. Ron and Marilyn are friendly folks who treat people well -- and I have always found it pleasurable to work with them. Susitna Landing is also the departure point for many of the trips Fishtale River Guides runs to Susitna River tributary streams. To reach Susitna Landing turn West off the Parks Highway at mile 82.5 onto Susitna Landing Road. Proceed straight ahead for about a mile and you have arrived.
Deshka River Lodge
Run by Andy and Silvia Willis, Deshka River Lodge is a beautiful facility built along the river near where the Deshka River empties into the Susitna River. The Lodge caters to both guided and unguided fishing with excellent unguided fishing for king and silver salmon located right near and sometimes directly in front of their Alaska Fishing Lodge. In addition to boat access, float planes also fly in and taxi to one of the Lodge docks.
Alaska Salmon Fishing Guides - Rainbow River Expeditions
Norm Haynes of Rainbow River Expeditions runs Alaska salmon and trout fishing trips on Deshka River, Little Susitna River, and other Mat-Su Valley streams.
Alaska Hills Kenai Fishing Charters
Rich Hill runs a first class operation with well maintained quality gear, gives accurate reports on his fishing, and treats his guests with respect. If you are interested in fishing the Kenai River you should visit this website or call.
Alaskan Gamefisher
Captain Mel Erickson guides Alaska halibut and salmon fishing trips on upper Cook Inlet out of Deep Creek and salmon and trout fishing trips on the Kenai River. Mel's guests have caught halibut over 400 pounds and salmon over 80 pounds. Visit his Alaskan Gamefisher website to learn more about Mel's Kenai Peninsula fishing trips and fishing/lodging packages.
Bob's Piscatorial Pursuits
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska salmon, halibut, and trout fishing vacations. Also offering steelhead and salmon fishing on Washington's Olympic Peninsula from October through April.
3 Rivers Fly and Tackle
Stop in their Wasilla tackle shop or give 3 Rivers Fly & Tackle a call for all your Alaska fishing tackle needs.
Everlasting Slip Bobbers
Manufacturer and distributor of custom made floats or slip bobbers, ideal for salmon fishing.
Pautzke Bait Company
Pautzke's Balls O' Fire salmon eggs simply produce the most bites of any commercial single salmon eggs I've ever fished. I've been fishing small jars of Pautzke Bait for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden char for over 35 years. I escpecially like using Balls O' Fire eggs when ice fishing, as the single eggs in a jar can be kept warm in a jacket pocket, and are much less messy than tryig to bait hooks with roe in colder weather -- and even more important, they catch fish! In 2006 I started using Pautzke's new Fire Cure for curing the salmon roe bait that we fish on on our guided salmon fishing charters with excellent results. Fire Cure comes in 4 colors and cures salmon roe eggs quickly and consistently. Learn more about these and other Pautzke fishing bait and scent products by visiting their website. If you like fishing the best bait and scents available, ask for Pautzke's products at your local tackle shop or store, or you may also order products directly from the Pautzke Bait Company website.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game website features lots of information on fishing and hunting in Alaska including fishing seasons and regulations, hunting seasons and regulations, fishing reports, biological information, online license sales, and much more.
Chinook Shows
Chinook Shows presents the annual Wasilla Outdoorsman Show in late March or early April at the Wasilla Sports Complex in conjunction with the Mat-Su Home Show. Owner Tony Russ, has put together a quality show for outdoor products and businesses from around the state of Alaska. After presenting a seminar on How to Catch a prize winning Mat-Su King Salmon Derby Fish at the 2006 show, Fishtale River Guides has purchased a booth at the 2007 show and owner, Andy Couch, wlll present a seminar titled, How to Cure Salmon Eggs and Catch Salmon with Them. We hope to see you at the Show which runs April 13, 14, and 15. Call 907-376-6474 for show details.
Alaska on the Fly
Alaska On The Fly is a website directory to fly fishing in the state of Alaska.
United States Geological Survey
The USGS Alaska water resources page lists current stream flows for a large number of rivers in the state. This page provides an easy way to check current stream conditions without driving to the river.
Fisherman's Express Alaskan Seafoods
Fisherman's Express sells fresh Alaskan seafood and are located in Anchorage.
888-926-3474 (toll free)
10th and M Seafoods
10th and M is located in Anchorage and will cut, vacuum pack, freeze, smoke, can and/or ship your salmon. They also sell Alaskan seafood. Toll free 1-800-770-2722
Moose Calling and Alaska Hunting Information
Alaska Remote Guide Service
Wayne Kubat pilots a small airplane to remote areas of Alaska, has guided big game hunts, and is a moose calling expert. Visit his website to learn about or purchase his two instructional moose calling videos and the fiberglass calls he uses to attract big bull moose during the early fall hunting seasons in Alaska. Many hunters have learned how to call moose from Wayne¹s videos and have successfully called moose using his Bull Magnet Calls in Canada and several of the Northern United States.
Alaska Forge - fomerly Matanuska Blacksmithing
Alaska Forge hammers out artistic ironwork and blacksmith projects North of Anchorage near Palmer, Alaska. Mark Couch, my brother and his wife, Cheryl, run this business that produces rustic cabinet pulls and knobs, in bear track, Alaska ram's head, flower, and leaf patterns. Mark Couch does custom wrought iron work, displays his products at several Alaska home and Christmas shows, and has put in considerable time as a horse shoer where he first started working with the tools of the ironworking trade as he custom fitted shoes for horses with hoof problems or special needs. Visit the Alaska Forge website to learn and see some of the artistic ironwork products Mark Couch makes and sells. You can also e-mail Mark to discuss custom balcksmithing work or ironworking projects.
Alaska Adventures - things to do
Nova - Alaska Adventure Travel Company
Nova guides whitewater rafting and wilderness travel tours. Several of our guests have taken and recommended Nova's raft trips down the scenic Matanuska River Vallley - some of which start within sight of the Matanuska Glacier.
Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours
Go ice fishing, hike glaciers, visit peaks, see Northern lights and wildlife on your own Alaskan guided ATV and snowmobile tour. Ride with the experts at Alaska Backcountry Aventure Tours.
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
The source for information about the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, dogs, mushers, and dog mushing history. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters and Museum is located near Wasilla off of Knik-Goose Bay Road.
Lifetime Adventures
Lifetime Adventures provide active adventures including wilderness bicycling, river rafting, kayaking, and camping tours. They operate from 2 locations close to Anchorage in the Eklutna Lake State Recreation Site and from Eagle River Campground. 800-952-8624 (toll free)
Alaska State Fair
The Alaska State Fair runs from late August through Labor Day Weekend in the Matanuska Susitna Valley near Palmer. Check out this website to learn more about events, featured entertainment, athletic competitions, and agricultural exhibits.
Alaskan Bicycle Adventures
This past season some of our fishing guests came to Alaska to pedal a multi-day bicycling tour. Alaska Bicycle Adventures is the real deal with several tours to choose from, quality bicycles, support vans, and trailers. They run several different tours in Alaska and Northern Canada. 800-770-7242 (toll free)
The Musk Ox Farm
View and photograph this unique animal of the last great Ice Age. Located 10 minutes from downtown Palmer in the Matanuska Valley.
The Reindeer Farm
Located near scenic Palmer, Alaska, the reindeer farm offers a variety of enjoyable Alaskan activities, including reindeer tours, a gift shop, horse rides, and nearby hiking trails.
Lodging - places to stay
Agate Inn
Hosts Harvey and Sandy Bowers provide a variety of lodging options including bed and breakfast, vacation suites, and a separate cottage. They go out of their way to accommodate fishermen with a grill so you can savor fresh salmon the day you catch it, a freezer for storing the remainder of your catch, and coin operated laundry. Agate Inn's website features numerous places to see and things to do in the Matanuaka-Susitna Valley.
Alaskan View Motel
This beautiful new facility on the Parks Highway hill coming into Wasilla has a spectacular view and is super easy to find. Host Gary Neth loves to fish and has knowledge of other fishing options available.
Alaska Garden Gate B and B
Alaska Garden Gate B & B is conviently located between Palmer and Wasilla, 35 minutes North of Anchorage, and 3 1/2 hours South of Denali National Park. Drive time to Fishtale's summer fishing locations from the bed and breakfast is approximately 50 minutes, and less than 10 minutes to winter ice fishing. Better guest rooms feature the best amenites and comforts like fireplaces and jacuzzis. Spectacular glacier and mountain views, bountiful breakfasts, fish freezing, laundry service, private bathrooms are all available, and owner, Karen Harris, is a top notch hostess!
Alaska Gold Rush B & B Inn and Cabins
Alaska Gold Rush have a variety of lodging options located between Palmer and Wasilla near the headwaters of Little Susitna River at Hatcher Pass. They also have lots of good links of things to do in the Mat-Su Valley area. Highly recommended by guests who have stayed here in the past. 1-877-745-5312 (toll free)
Rose Ridge B&B
Located at the base of Hatcher Pass State Recreation Area on 5 wooded acres 7 miles from Palmer in Matanuska-Susitna Valley. The spacious private suites sleep 4 people comfortably (2 queen beds, private bath). Choose a hearty breakfast or something "on the go." Freezer space is available for fish. At David and Diane Rose's Rose Ridge you'll feel at home after a day of Alaska fishing or adventuring. 877-827-7673 (toll free)
Pt. MacKenzie General Store and Cafe - Rental Cabins
Two nice cabins located only 15 minutes drive from Little Susitna River Public Use Facility Campground and Boat Launch where we start our guided salmon fishing trips. A cabin costs $59 per night with showers at the store. Cabins have clean bedding and electricity. Meals can be purchased at the Cafe, and the general store sells groceries, ice, gas, fishing tackle and fishing licenses.
Alaska Birch Cottages
A new lodging choice is located near Finger Lake between Palmer and Wasilla and about an hour¹s drive from Anchorage International Airport. Each of the six cottages has its own kitchen, bathroom, washer and dryer, and cable TV. I highly recommend Bill and Jacqui Johansen as considerate hosts, and their feature packed cottages are centrally located for accessing a number of Mat-Su Valley attractions, events, and activities.
Gigglewood Lakeside Inn
Classy accommodations located about 10 miles from Susitna Landing on Caswell Lake makes this an ideal location for people looking for a place to stay when fishing Susitna River tributary streams out of Susitna Landing. Larry and Linda Cline hosts. 800-574-2555
Fishtale guests have always enjoyed the hospitality at the Big Lake Motel. This is a small place that has treated our guests well and is located on Big Lake.
Located on Lake Lucille in downtown Wasilla, the Best Western is a larger facility with a health club, sauna, Jacuzzi, and meeting rooms. They also feature first class dining.
Salmon Haus
A bed and breakfast located in the Soldotna area on the Kenai Peninsula. Hosts Bill and Lou Wirin are knowledgeable of the local area and its attractions and run a nice bed & breakfast on the Kenai River. They can arrange fishing trips for you and also have good fishing for red salmon in late July right off their boat dock. Check out their website if you are planning on staying in the Soldotna area or give them a call.
Alaska RV Parks and Campgrounds
Mat-Su RV Park and Campground
Located at mile 90.8 on the Parks Highway this RV park is less than 10 miles from Susitna Landing, our departure point for many of our Susitna River tributary salmon fishing trips. The park has a general store, laundromat, showers, fishing tackle shop, serves as a weigh station for the Mat-Su King Salmon Derby, and is recommended by Fishtale guests. Hosts Roger and Connie Dunn.
Riverside Camper Park
Located at mile 57.7 Parks Highway in Houston Alaska, alongside the Little Susitna River, this RV Park has 60 full hookup sites, showers and laundry, ice, sodas, and snacks, and a post office, grocery store, and service station nearby. There is shore fishing for salmon available at the park with guided charters and riverboat drop off fishing further down the river and on other local rivers. Hosts Kenny and Sheila Mortensen.
Mountain View RV Park
Mountain View RV Park is located off the Old Glenn Highway beneath the Chugach Mountains near Palmer, Alaska. This is a quiet location that features full hookups, hot showers, laundry, and a covered picnic area with a fire pit. The park is close to the Reindeer Farm, Knik River, and Knik Glacier, with good salmon fishing also available at Jim Creek. Dee Starr is a wonderful hostess.
Motorhome and Car Rentals
Great Alaskan Holidays
Fishtale guests have been impressed with motorhome rentals from this company that provides all the necessities with each rental. Located in Anchorage. There is a state campground at Little Susitna River which costs $10 per night.
888-225-2752
A B C Motorhome Rentals
Highly recommended by Fishtale guests -- also rents trucks, vans, and cars. Located in Anchorage
Clippership Motorhome Rentals
Provides extras with rentals including airport pickup. Located in Anchorage.
Classy Car Rentals
Located in the Mat-Su Valley in the town of Wasilla.
Avis Rent-A-Car
Provides free pickup from downtown Anchorage hotels.
Thrifty Car Rental
Located in Anchorage.
Alaska Travel, Visitors Guides, Vacation Planning
Matanuska-Susinta Convention and Visitors Bureau or Mat-Su CVB
Mat-Su CVB's website provides an extensive list of activities, adventures, things to see, and places to stay in the 23,000 square mile Matanuska - Susitna Valley or Mat-Su as it is know by locals. The friendly folks at Mat Su CVB will work hard to answer your Alaska travel questions. Ask for their free full color Explorer's Guide Yahoo Mat-Su!
Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce
From Fishtale's fishing location on the Little Susitna River, Wasilla is the easiest accessible town with a large variety of merchants, services, places to eat, and places to stay - check the listings on their website. Although a small town, Wasilla is the hub of commerce in the Matanuska Susitna Valley with a Sears, WalMart, Fred Meyer, Carr's grocery store, and 4 shopping malls. The Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce also runs the 5 week Mat-Su King Salmon Derby. If you like fishing derbies click this link!
Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce
Learn about things to see and do in and around this small Alaska town ringed by beautiful mountains and the sprawling Knik Glacier. Palmer has farming roots and several local farms grow famous Matanuska Valley vegetables nearby. You may want to visit the Musk Ox Farm, the Reindeer Farm, or Palmer's golf course - one of the first Alaska courses to open each season. In late August and early September Palmer hosts the Alaska State Fair. Fishtale River Guides owner and guide, Andy Couch, lives outside of Palmer.
Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau or ACVB
Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau is one of the largest sources of visitor information in Alaska. Including things to do and see not only in Anchorage, but several additional towns, cities, and regions as well. They provide a free color visitors guide upon request.
800-478-1255 (toll free)
Juneau Web
Juneau Web provides a clearinghouse of information about Alaska's capital, Southeast Alaska, and a directory of services to all of Alaska.
Alcan Seek
Alcan Seek is a web search engine for Alaska and Canada.
Explore North
Explore North provides information and links for people interested in traveling to Alaska and Northern Canada.
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