Meet Your Host: Mike Loughran

“An outdoorsman from New York, I have been fishing and creating content for the past 10 years with a focus on fly fishing for salmon, steelhead and trout. Being a former elementary gym teacher I have a passion for teaching people of all ages how to live a fun, active life outdoors! I always look forward to connecting with people who enjoy chasing adventure and sitting around at the end of the day to unwind and share a few fishing tales. Can’t wait to get on the water with all of you soon!”

Experience the fishing trip of a lifetime on Alaska’s legendary Talachulitna (“Tal”) River with host Mike Loughran and Tal-Adventures Lodge. From August 3rd to 10th, 2025, this exclusive hosted adventure takes you deep into the Alaskan wilderness, where world-class fishing, breathtaking scenery, and top-tier hospitality await. With a special discounted rate of $7,500 (normally $8,800), anglers will enjoy a seamless, all-inclusive journey that begins with a scenic flight from Anchorage—via helicopter or floatplane—straight into the heart of remote, untamed Alaska.

Throughout the week, you’ll explore the Tal River by float, jet boat, and helicopter, accessing pristine, fish-filled waters teeming with rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, and silver salmon. The trip kicks off with an exciting helicopter drop-off upriver, followed by multiple days of floating and camping along the remote stretches of the Tal. Midweek, anglers return to the comfort of the lodge, where jet boats provide access to even more prime fishing waters. Each day promises adventure, whether casting from a drift boat, wading into crystal-clear runs, or soaking in the stunning Alaskan backcountry.

With lodging, meals, fishing gear, guided excursions, and shuttle service from Anchorage included, this is an incredible opportunity to experience Alaska at its finest. A few cold beers and snacks are provided, but guests are welcome to bring their favorite spirits to enjoy around the evening campfire. Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to fly fishing, this trip offers the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and world-class fishing in one of the most spectacular settings on Earth.

Don’t miss your chance to join this unforgettable hosted experience!

Sunday, August 3

  • Land in Anchorage and take the complimentary shuttle to the lodge (helicopter or fixed wing and float plane)
  • Arrive at the lodge in the afternoon, and transfer to heli that will shuttle you to the river

Monday, August 4 – Tuesday, August 5

  • Fish & float the river – all meals will be prepared and provided

Wednesday, August 6

  • Float the last stretch of river, ending back at the lodge

Thursday, August 7 – Friday, August 8

  • Enjoy your stay at the Tal-Adventures Lodge
  • Jet boat out for the day to remote waters

Saturday, August 10

  • Fish in the morning
  • Depart in the afternoon back to Anchorage

Tal-Adventures Lodge is a masterpiece of native log architecture, showcasing a grand stone fireplace and opulent furnishings, while its expansive picture windows and open deck offer stunning views of snow-capped mountains. Guests can choose between deluxe private cabins or standard chalet cabins for their accommodation needs.

Indulge in deluxe private cabins, providing unparalleled accommodation. Choose from three spacious units, each featuring one double bed and two twins. Enjoy the convenience of full bathrooms and daily maid service, all while soaking in the spectacular mountain views through the picture windows.

Additionally, two standard chalet cabins await, offering large picture windows, comfortable twin-size beds, and cozy wood-burning stoves. Each cabin accommodates up to four people, with a maximum capacity of 8 guests. Adjacent to these cabins is the bathhouse, boasting two spacious bathrooms equipped with sinks, showers, and flushing toilets. These facilities feature hot and cold running water and electricity.

Fishing on the Talachulitna River offers an unparalleled angling experience, combining remote wilderness, crystal-clear waters, and abundant fish populations. This freestone river is home to trophy-sized rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, and Silver Salmon, making it a dream destination for any fly fisherman.

King salmon (Chinook) run earlier in the summer, but by August, anglers can expect silver (coho), sockeye, pink, and chum salmon in full force. Silvers (coho) are a major highlight during this time, offering explosive topwater action and fierce fights that will test any angler’s skills. Meanwhile, the resident rainbow trout gorge themselves on salmon eggs and flesh, growing to impressive sizes and putting up thrilling battles on a fly rod.

This adventure provides access to some of the most remote, untouched waters in Alaska, where anglers will fish via drift boats, wading, jet boats, and even helicopters.

The trip begins with a helicopter drop-off upriver, where anglers will spend several days floating through pristine backcountry, camping along the way, and casting into riffles, deep runs, and structure-filled pools. Once back at Tal-Adventures Lodge, the fishing continues with jet boat excursions to hidden sloughs and side channels, where aggressive trout and salmon await.

The Tal’s gin-clear water allows for exciting sight fishing, and the diversity of techniques—swinging flies, stripping streamers, nymphing, or skating mouse patterns—ensures there’s never a dull moment. Whether you’re looking to hook into a hard-fighting coho or fool a massive leopard-spotted rainbow, this trip delivers world-class fishing in one of the most breathtaking settings imaginable.

Tal-Adventures Lodge (2) is a mere 40 minute flight from Anchorage (1), ensuring that you’ll kickstart your Alaskan experience without delay!

LEGEND

(1) Anchorage, Alaska

(2) Tal-Adventures Lodge


Like our other trips in Alaska, weather and temperature are ever-changing. A proper layering system is vital for comfortability. If you need help packing a mindful layering system, ask our team of adventure consultants that are well-versed in all season fishing. Come to Alaska with the right state of mind, expect the worst, and hope for the best!

A more comprehensive gear list will be provided upon booking.

Rods

  • Versatile Setup: 6 wt. and 8 wt. are recommended. Don’t forget, we’re giving away a free 8wt Rod & Reel Combo to anyone who books!
  • (If you prefer Spey) Spey & Switch Rods: 6-8 wt. can be useful, especially early and late in the season.

Reels

  • Well-made reel with at least 100 yards of backing.

Waders & Boots

  • Waders: Chest-high, breathable waders
  • Boots: Rubber-soled wading boots (No studs or cleats to prevent damage to boats and aircraft)
    • Felt-soled boots are no longer legal for fishing in Alaska’s fresh waters.

TRIP INCLUDES

  • FREE 8wt Rod & Reel Combo
  • Heli/plane shuttle to/from the lodge from Anchorage
  • 3 Nights Camp on the Tal-River
  • 3 Nights Lodging at Tal-Adventures Lodge
  • 6 Days guided fishing with professional guides
  • Fish processing and packaging (vacuum seal & freeze)
  • Wood-fired sauna
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Access to multiple waters

DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Fishing license and King Salmon tag
  • Fishing gear
  • Party supplies (Anchorage has liquor stores and dispensaries)
  • Snacks (for the boat, your candy cravings, etc.)
  • Airfare to/from Anchorage
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities for staff/guides

ADVENTURE AWAITS

If you’re interested in talking to a consultant or booking this adventure, please complete this form.