Faibanks area river info needed

[379 Peterbilt]

Hi folks

In conducting research on rivers in the Fairbanks area, I have found alot of info. What I am having trouble with is finding rivers that would be suitable for my 12' Zodiac, for this years moose hunt. By that, I mean I would like to hunt fron a river that is neither a moving inland ocean nor a creek with only 2" of water that braids into 6 channels. I realize water levels are normaly lower in sept, and also can vary year to year.

Not lookin for anyones honey holes, rather just some rivers that are accessable from the road system that one could reasonably expect to navigate with a 12' Zodiac w/small outboard prop.

I should add that I am not concerned with crowds nor the lack of an "outback" experience. I just need some water. I will find the moose from there.

Thanks  
 :-)

[Sourdough]

Hate to burst your bubble, but props just don't work up here.  Zodiacs aren't much better.  I hate being so negative, but I feel I need to be honest.  Our rivers are swift, most are filled with glacial silt so you can't see the bottom.  You can be running along when suddenly a sand or gravel bar will appear reaching all the way across the river with only 3 to 4 inches of water.  You won't know it's there till you hit it.  That's why we all use jet pumps on our outboards.  We'll cross it and hardly know it's there.  With a Zodiac when you hit a gravel bar, you come down off step, you have now traveled upon the gravel bar a little ways, the current turns you around piviting you on your motor, the gravel and rocks under the water will tear the fabric loose at the  transome.  Now your gear inside the boat will get wet.  You'll be lucky if the keel is not punctured.  Anyway your prop will be shot, and now you will be in serious trouble.  The fast current will take you downstream fast, into sweepers or logjams.  If you somehow go into the water, you need to make it out fast.  In a matter of minutes your clothing will fill with silt, and no life jacket made will keep you afloat.

Now the Chena that runs thru Fairbanks is not glacial, it's clear water.  Some years it would be suitable for a Zodiac with a prop, if we get high water.  Most years no, it's just not deep enough.   You need a jet.  Zodiac's have that weak point, where the transome meets the boat.  It's too easy to tear out the transome on logs, sweepers, gravelbars, stumps, and rocks.

I grew up on the Cumberlan river in Tennessee, it's just a lazy flowing river, easy to float.  I was not prepared for the raging torrents we call rivers here when I first got here.  They scared me so bad it was years before I got a boat and ventured forth.  

The Little Salcha river just south of Fairbanks can also be run with a prop on years when we have high water, but not normally.  It's also a clear water river.  Stay out of the Tanana, and Wood rivers.  The Yukon would be more forgiving, but it's like a lake it's so far across.  

Come moose season, all out local rivers will be extreamely busy with airboat traffic.  Airboats are what the outfitters and a lot of locals use.  The rest of the locals use boats with jets.  The rivers become extreamly busy.

[379 Peterbilt]

Sourdough,

Once again, thanks for the help. I was pretty sure you would respond. Dont worry about "apearing" negative with you response. I would much rather hear the truth, and I trust what you have to say.

I guess I will play it by ear as far as water levels when/if venturing out. Also, good advise on the Tanana and all the other high silt/braided rivers. I want no part of that. I will focus more on the clear water rivers/streams.

Thanks
 :-)

[Daveinthebush]

From the one trip I took 350 miles down the Tanana and the Yukon, Sourdough is right on with his information.  Hitting a sandbar with a jet is no fun either...........

[Dand]

I haven't floated the interior rivers near Fairbanks but some of the rivers in the SW AK might allow you to make a float but you'd have to fly in.  12 foot seems a little small.  I'm trying to remember the size of the rafts I've used (I'm mostly a power boat guy) - 16 foot maybe - oars only.  In faster waters the standard non power raft might be better as you don't have that flat stern to take on water or weighted down with a motor.  I do know of some folks out here that use a motor to cross deep and flat stretches of river (or intervening lakes) but tip up the motor and row in the shallow rivers.   Some guys like the Cata Rafts, 2 inflatable pontoons attached to a rowing / motor frame. There are advantages and disadvantages to these boats too.

Have you found the book Alaska River Guide by Karen Jettmar?  Look for it on Amazon.  She has a lot of good info in that book - just double check her list of recommended maps.  On one river - can't remember which (Kisaralik??) -she listed some wrong maps that could mess up a float tripper who isn't careful.

Good luck.  And remember our waters are so cold they add another level of hazard to even the easiest float.  Some folks lose coordination in as little as 3-5 minutes of immersion. Wear a life vest of some sort. Sure saved my bacon once.

[Dand]

Eyesore,  I just thought of a couple of floats you might consider. I'm not sure of the current hunting or fishing regulations etc. but floating the Gulkana River either from Paxson Lake or Tangle Lakes used to be pretty popular.  And both ends are road accessible.  Grayling fishing and and rainbow fishing can be good.  This river has some tricky places but its usually not the nasty torrent some of the glacial rivers can be.  Your motor would be nice for crossing lakes. It would certainly get you into some pretty country.  I've fished the five miles of river draining out of Paxson Lake but never floated the river.   Something to look into.

[379 Peterbilt]

Dand

Thanks for the sugestions...
 

Gulkana River either from Paxson Lake or Tangle Lakes

I have looked into these waters as they do indeed appear atractive. One problem-That is in GMU 13. No moose hunting for nonres. Plus. I dont think the moose population is very healthy in that area.

I will continue to look at roadside accessable rivers, perhaps from the haul road, as well as Fairbanks area. Startin' to look somewhat bleak tho...

Again, thanks for the ideas & tips that you have offered.

[Dand]

Yeah figures on the GMU 13 moose.   I haven't been in that country much for a long time so I'm out of touch- sorry.  I suppose most of the easy access floats have been hunted real hard.  One other idea - maybe you've heard this one too, is Birch Creek north of Fairbanks. Back in my college days at Fairbanks I think that was a popular float.  No clue as to the moose opportunities.  Have you called the Fairbanks office of Fish and Game for float trip ideas? The have a great public info staff up there.

Also, I have to apologise on my comment regarding raft size.  Thinking hard I believe I used a 12 foot rowing raft on some of my float trips. The big difference was it was a double ender so there was less swamp hazard without a transom.

HTH - I've watched you working hard to find some opportunities so thought I'd try to help. Good luck - I'm sure you'll come up with something.

[379 Peterbilt]

Actually, I did'nt think of calling F&G outta Fairbanks. I will look into that. However, I have been in contact with a couple of biologists and have come to the conclusion that they are somewhat vauge in answering specifics.

As far as me being persistant with ongoing research here on the forum, I really do enjoy conducting it. It has become sort of a hobby for me. I only hope people dont get tired of seeing me post too much about it.

I originaly hoped to hunt in the Galena "area" as there is a spot down there that I have learned a bunch about. Previous kill spots in and around rutting areas that give up big moose. Multiple moose to the same party on the same hunt. I have GPS co-ords to boot, its just that I have become reluctant to go solo that far. Cost is also part of the eqaution. It kills me to forgo this trip, trust me.

My buds down here are not as interested in moose like I am. They seem to all want elk. Finding pards off the net can be risky too.

So, thats why I have been seeking rivers off the road system. A bit more safe for the solo guy. Regardless of the area I decide on, I am certain it will be an awesome hunt. 4 months. Can't wait

Thanks again all for the help !!
 :-)

[Dand]

Whew, I hope you find a compatible partner.  I wouldn't recommend a person do their first time Alaska float trip and moose hunt solo.  Terrible for me to say as I hunt solo a lot - but lately much less than I used to before I turned 50.  I've done a moose solo and thank goodness he died on the beach.  If any packing is involved, a one man operation can be really tough to pretty dangerous.

Yeah no doubt the ADFG biologists are vague.  They'll help as much as they can but remember they get hammered with questions to the point of insanity. You might try to get hold of the video they offer for skinning and butchering moose - its pretty good. They might have one about moose hunting. Don't know how to obtain them though.  There's one they have that nonresident hunters are required to watch before they can hunt in parts of Alaska.  It has some good points in it.

Keep plugging and I expect something will work out for you.  For certain you'll have quite an adventure.