Jonathan Murphy
My friends and I recently used Papa Bear Adventures as the outfit for our fishing trip on the Arolik River. We had an amazing trip, and we’re hoping to do it again in the next couple of years!
John McCall
We have been particularly impressed by the new owners of Papa Bear. We have been well treated by Papa Bear and we have enjoyed the finest trout and salmon fishing that any of us have ever seen. We have consistently caught trophy rainbows, dolly varden, silvers, and kings in pure wilderness. For a pure wilderness experience, great fishing, and really fine people who make your trip possible, Papa Bear can’t be beat.
Doug Scott
I cannot stress the importance of going with the best outfit out of Bethel. Your team of professionals is 100% by the book and safety is the number one goal. The equipment used was in excellent condition and having locations of each camp is a once a year spot and not stacking hunters on top of each other. Back at base camp, the accommodations are excellent with a great breakfast and a perfect setup to get ready to head into the bush and also to break down your meat and antlers. Having tables and an area to package and wrap was a big help. I am looking forward to seeing you all again next year with a new friend who is fulfilling his lifetime dream of DIY moose in Alaska! Thank you all for providing your amazing operation and helping hunters from all over fulfill our dreams.
Charles Schroeder
Having booked 12 trips over the past 14 years on three different rivers — Kanektok; Kisaralik; Kwethluk — there are countless things that make Papa Bear a great choice, but from my perspective the most important one is RELIABILITY!
We always count on a safe, timely and effective fly out from Bethel and return to the lodge. Because of the incredible variability of weather, we are totally dependent upon the quality and condition of the equipment we rent; hence, it must be 100% functional and high quality. We have never been disappointed when it comes to these critical aspects of our trip. In addition, accommodations in the lodge are first-rate, and the staff always help with last-minute items you made need to get in Bethel.
In terms of the river float fishing experience it is truly remarkable. Over the years we have seen every North American animal imaginable including wolverines, wolves and big bears. We have also caught more fish than we ever expected.
Aaron and his crew are topnotch, and they do everything possible to insure that every client has an opportunity to have a safe and memorable wilderness experience. As someone who has done high-altitude mountaineering, I have relied on a number of outfitters and none have come close to the personal attention and overall quality of the experience offered by the Papa Bear crew.
Greg Mathis
With other outfitters sometimes it looks like a junkyard around their place, (Papa Bear) are just professional. They’ve taken it to the next level. Sometimes we bring our own tents because we’re looking at a weight issue, but on the trip we’re taking this year I’m going to rent the tents from them. They’ve got you covered. If you put together your equipment list, they’ve always got you covered.
There’s really good communication. That really helps when you’re going to be on a river for eight-to-ten days and there’s no going back. You’ve got to make sure you’ve got everything there you’re going to need for that eight to ten days — it’s important.