Air taxis can deliver you to roadless areas in search of big fish in peaceful surroundings. (ANTHONY J. ROUTE / Special to the Daily News)

Hop a plane and escape crowds
Trip packages are as varied as Alaska's fishing opportunities

By ANTHONY J. ROUTE
Daily News correspondent

Whether it be searching for gold or standing atop one of Alaska’s highest peaks, most people agree that the biggest, and often most memorable and enjoyable, part of an adventure is getting there. Typically this isn’t achieved by design. It just happens.

Enduring the claustrophobia of a soggy, wind-buffeted tent for a couple of days prior to attaining a summit becomes the rich fodder for later stories.

And busting mosquito infested brush in sweat-soaked waders for a couple of hours always makes a 12-inch trout a lot larger than it really is.

While these endurances make the entire memory of the adventure that much richer and sweeter, there are parts of them that are seldom, even in hindsight, looked upon with fondness.

Traffic is one of them. While it can certainly be an adventure, it’s not the adventure most people are looking for. Even grand scenery sometimes seems not worth looking at when it’s situated above the tailpipe and bumper of a slow-moving vehicle.

The alternate route to the few roads that lead to fishing spots out of town is through the air. Air taxis not only take you to fishy locations without the traffic, they deliver you to the wonderful roadless areas of Alaska that you can’t get to regardless of the amount of slow-moving vehicles you’re willing to endure, and they do it in style.

Fly-out fishing trips begin with a grand tour rather than an arduous journey.

Even jaded, long-time Alaskans find it difficult to quell their excitement when the floats lift from the water and they wait for their fishing Shangrila to come into view from aloft.

The time to get a plane seat, like everything else during the busy summer season, is now. This is particularly true if you’re planning to include a passel of out-of-town guests.

The season’s first big rush, near the end of May, receives a double whammy.

People are naturally anxious to get on the water after a long winter and the season opens with Alaska’s most sought after fish – king salmon. If you’re contemplating an early fly-out for kings, book your trip immediately.

King salmon are, of course, not the only fish worth hopping on a plane for.

From ice-out trout to September’s late returning silver salmon, there’s a season’s worth of reasons to step on to the floats of a plane with your rod in hand.

The trip packages available are as varied as the seasonal potpourri of fishing opportunities. Air charters often promote in-season specials, but figure on spending about $200 for a long day of unguided fishing. This price may or may not include such things as fishing gear, boats, lunch, refreshments, fishing license, and hotel transfers. Usually for about $100 more per person you can have a fishing guide stay with you as opposed to just being dropped off on your own.

If spending a night or two in the bush suits your fancy you can do that too.

Prices climb accordingly, but a diligent shopper can find three-night stays at a lake or streamside cabin for around $500 per person or opt for something as high $1,400, for a four-night stay on a luxurious houseboat.

The key is to be a good consumer. Give your fingers a workout while perusing the phone listings of air charters and ask lots of questions. You’ll find that the aim of these companies is to please you. Tell them what kind of fishing adventure interests you and listen to what they have to offer.