Icy Strait Fishing & Bear Watching with NatVenture Tours - Juneau

Icy Strait Fishing & Bear Watching with NatVenture Tours

Juneaumoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

4–8 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be comfortable spending extended time on a boat and able to handle moderate physical effort when reeling fish.

Overview

NatVenture Tours offers private fishing and bear watching adventures in Icy Strait, Gustavus, Alaska. Experience thrilling salmon fishing combined with close encounters of coastal black bears in one of Alaska’s wildest coastal settings.

Details

Located in the remote waters of Icy Strait, just across from Glacier Bay National Park, Gustavus, Alaska offers an exceptionally raw outdoor experience through NatVenture Tours LLC. Specializing in private half-day and full-day fishing combined with bear watching excursions, NatVenture invites adventurers to engage directly with the region’s vibrant ecosystem. Icy Strait is renowned for its salmon-rich channels and the opportunity to witness Alaska’s coastal black bears in their natural environment. These tours provide a rare combination of angling excitement and wildlife observation, shaped by Alaska’s rugged wilderness.

The fishing trips target salmon species that power the local food chain, while the boat motors through dense kelp beds and rocky outcrops that define Icy Strait’s complex coastal geography. Guests often reel in large King and Coho salmon, with expert guides helping land trophy-sized fish. Beyond the catch, the tour focuses on spotting coastal black bears on the shoreline, especially where salmon runs prompt bear congregations. These experiences happen under changing Alaskan skies, adding a dynamic natural dimension to every outing.

NatVenture Tours serves as an essential gateway to Gustavus’s outdoor offerings by combining personalized service with deep local knowledge. Whether you select the half-day or private full-day option, the tours provide intimate access and outstanding views of one of Alaska’s less trafficked wild frontiers. This dual fishing and bear watching adventure strikes a balance—action-packed yet thoughtful—ideal for photographers, anglers, and nature lovers who want the full breadth of Icy Strait’s wilderness on a single trip.

Situated just a short ferry ride from Glacier Bay National Park, Gustavus supports a growing community that respects the land and the wildlife thriving here. NatVenture guides maintain a respectful distance during bear viewing, ensuring guests witness these animals without disrupting their natural routines. This approach, combined with skillful fishing instruction, makes the company a standout in Alaska’s outdoor trip landscape.

For visitors seeking a bold, authentic Alaskan sea-and-shore adventure, NatVenture Tours offers a practical and immersive way to engage with the coastal wild. From the thrill of rod-striking salmon to the sight of bears patrolling salmon streams, each journey here delivers a vivid slice of untamed Alaska.

Adventure Tips

Dress in Waterproof Layers

Alaska’s coastal climate can shift quickly; prepare with breathable, waterproof gear to stay comfortable on the water.

Bring a Camera with a Zoom Lens

Opt for a lens with at least 200mm zoom to capture bears from a safe distance without disturbing them.

Prepare for Motion on the Water

If prone to seasickness, bring patches or medication; the choppy strait waters can cause discomfort.

Listen to Your Guide’s Safety Briefings

Guides prioritize wildlife safety and fishing regulations—following their advice ensures a safe, respectful trip.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Point Adolphus for whale sightings
  • Remote tidal flats favored by shorebirds

Wildlife

  • Coastal black bears
  • Bald eagles

History

Icy Strait has long been a rich fishing ground for the Tlingit people, integral to their culture and subsistence.

Conservation

NatVenture prioritizes low-impact wildlife viewing and sustainable fishing practices that protect this critical marine habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
Early morning
Late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • From the boat near bear feeding areas
  • Along rocky shoreline
  • Open water with mountain backdrop

What to Photograph

Bears feeding on salmon
Salmon jumping streams
Seascapes with northern forests

Recommended Gear

Waterproof Jacket

Essential

Protects against spray, rain, and wind common in Icy Strait.

spring|summer|fall specific

Polarized Sunglasses

Essential

Reduces glare on water surfaces to improve fishing and wildlife viewing.

summer specific

Camera with Zoom Lens

For capturing details of wildlife, especially bears, from a safe distance.

Sturdy Non-Slip Footwear

Essential

Ensures stable footing on wet boat surfaces.