Frequently Asked Questions

Depends.  Not if you are returning to somewhere outside the United States.  For anyone staying within the US, you can keep as much as you want.  Fish will be packaged, frozen, and packed into insulated fish boxes weighing about 50 lbs.  Alaska Airlines will charge you $100 for EACH box if you are traveling out of Alaska.  Contact Alaska Airlines for current baggage fees.

Great!  Most fish taxidermists these days are making fiberglass replicas.  We will take lots of photos and measurements of your trophy fish so your taxidermist can make an accurate replica.  However, Sheefish are not a species of fish that most taxidermists are familiar with, and they will not likely have a Sheefish mold to work from.  Ask your taxidermist before your trip so you know if we need to save the fish whole to be used as a mold.  

That's probably not likely. Either you'll lack some essential items, or you'll end up spending a fortune on extra baggage or shipping. My gear packages include everything you need for a successful Arctic fishing trip. Do you have a power auger with an 18" extension that can handle the conditions? A cargo sled to transport all your gear? An insulated ice shack complete with a heater and fuel? Even if you already own these items and use them often, have you ever had to ship them to the Arctic and rely on them to perform once there? Trust me, save yourself the hassle and expense. That money is better spent on shipping your catch back home.

Absolutely! Many people cherish their favorite fishing rod or special lure, and I totally understand wanting to catch a trophy fish with your own gear. However, I provide everything you need, including St. Croix rods and mostly Dr. Spoon tackle, so there's no need to bring your own fishing equipment. I even supply traditional Niksik jigging sticks so you can experience fishing the way it’s been done for thousands of years.

Children of all ages are welcome on our fishing trips, but we recommend children be at least 5 years old to fully enjoy the experience.  If the temperatures are going to be cold, you will need to have the proper gear to keep your kids warm.  Quality boots to keep their toes warm are hard to find in kid's sizes.  This is the Arctic, and frostbite is no joke.  Quality winter gear is a must. 

We require 30-day notice for cancellations in order to receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 30 days of the trip will result in a 50% refund of the deposit.  However, date changes and postponements have no penalty, and no extra fees or rate changes will be applied to your invoice if your trip needs to be altered.  Weather and Ice Conditions cannot be controlled, and we will do our best to keep you informed about those variables.    Trips have been rescheduled for the following year due to poor ice conditions.  

By April, there is still plenty of light until 10:00pm or even later.  Sunrise is around 8:00am.  Sheefish can be active at any time of the day, and it's not uncommon to be out fishing until 10:00pm if they were not very active earlier.

Temperatures vary in the Spring and there are times it has been -20°F, and there are times it has been +35°F.  In April, the Average High Temperatures range from 15° to 30°F and the Average Lows are 0° to 17°F.

There are a few points of interest in Kotzebue that are on the to do list.  National Park Service and Heritage Museum, and the Sulianich Art Center must see venues.  If you time your trip right, you can have front row seats to the Kobuk 440 Dogsled Race, and/or the Archie Ferguson/ Willie Goodwin Memorial Snowmachine Race.  

Bring sunglasses!  Snow blindness is very real and with the long hours of daylight on the bright snowy surface, it is not uncommon for someone without sunglasses to experience headaches or even temporary blindness from the extended bright exposure.