Thanks Alaska Mothership

Why We Like It

Thanks Alaska offers some of the most unique steelhead fishing on the planet. Opportunities are plentiful for bright, spring-run wild fish ranging between 8 and 14 pounds and some that grow much larger (their record measured 42 inches long). The 17-million-acre Tongass National Forest offers hundreds of these wildly remote steelhead-bearing streams, and the Hawkeye II vessel provides quick and comfortable access to dozens of these waters along the Southeast Alaska’s legendary Inside Passage. You won’t see other anglers on the water here, which means no racing to the best runs. This is remote steelhead fishing at its finest. When not fishing steelhead, anglers kick back on the Hawkeye II to trade stories and dine—or they fish for halibut, salmon, lingcod and Pacific cod right off the stern.

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Season

March - May

Species

Dolly Varden, Halibut, Lingcod, Sea-Run Cutthroat, Steelhead

Accomodations

Double occupancy staterooms on the gorgeous 68-foot long mothership, the Hawkeye II

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The Thanks Alaska Mothership Experience

This all-inclusive offering may be the most unique and breathtaking trip in the country. Thanks Alaska guests stay aboard the 68-foot-long Hawkeye II, which offers three staterooms (each with two bunks), three bathrooms, a full kitchen and dining room, a top deck for activities, and a pilothouse for navigating the Inside Passage and its 1,000-plus islands. Each evening, the Hawkeye II anchors in an isolated bay surrounded by inspiring landscape that includes old growth forest, tidewater glaciers, sheer rock cliffs, towering mountain peaks, waterfalls, and hemlock, cedar, and 700-year-old Douglas firs. Each day the Hawkeye II launches skiffs that ferry guests to shore. Anglers can then cast to sea-run cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden along the beaches and/or hike upstream to find untouched steelhead in the pools and runs. Whether you’re on swinging flies to steelhead or simply kicking back on the boat—maybe playing cribbage or watching the scenery and wildlife pass by—lifetime memories will be made here.

Most Pacific Northwest steelhead rivers are busy these days. Very busy. That’s not the case here. In fact, some of Southeast Alaska’s steelhead streams may not see a fly cast over them in any given year. Consequently, Thanks Alaska guests have these streams to themselves, their only company being eagles, blacktail deer, and bears. Think back to the Roderick Haig-Brown days when fly fishers could test any steelhead river almost any time and have the whole thing to themselves. That’s still the case in modern-day Southeast Alaska, and that’s what Thanks Alaska and its 68-foot Hawkeye II provide. You won’t see hook scars on these fish and you won’t find any garbage or debris along the banks. It’s just you, your friends, and those mean metalheads.

Each day begins by launching skiffs off the Hawkeye II and making short runs to the mouths of Southeast’s most productive steelhead streams. You can cast for sea-run cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char along the beaches (these fish range between 1 and 3 or 4 pounds) or hike upstream as far as your legs and imagination take you, working the best holes for steelhead that average between 8 and 14 pounds. Single-hand rods work well in the narrow jungles these rivers flow through, whether used for swinging flies or drifting nymphs. Switch rods work well on the larger streams and in the estuaries.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a life on the water, cruising wherever your heart desires and dropping an anchor whenever you please, a trip with Thanks Alaska aboard the Hawkeye II is what you need. Trips begin in Petersburg, Alaska, a quaint fishing town known as “Little Norway.” Anglers share three bathrooms and three private staterooms with two bunks in each. The luxurious fiberglass Willard vessel also offers a full kitchen, a salon for lodging and dining, a top deck for activities, and a pilothouse for navigating the Inland Passage. No matter where you relax on the boat you’ll enjoy stunning views of Alaska’s rugged coastal landscape.

You don’t have to pick up a rod to have a great experience here. Whales, sea otters, sea lions, seals, eagles, sea ducks, bears, deer—wildlife and rugged scenery abound in southeast Alaska, with photo opportunities appearing around every turn. Skiff rides from the mothership are available, providing beachcombing at its very best. Relaxing on the Hawkeye II with a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other isn’t so bad either.

Flights from Seattle to Petersburg run twice daily. Thanks Alaska picks up guests at the airport for direct shuttle to the mothership.

2025 Steelhead Package Price is $38,500 USD for the boat (up to 6 anglers) for a 7 day trip. Recommend 7 day Steelhead itinerary below:

Flights to Petersburg, AK. Airport code: PSG

(When we say “Out Fishing”, it means we spend some time on shore in freshwater and are cruising to other spots, that also involve possible halibut fishing, whale watching, glacier tours, pot fishing and generally good old SE AK fun)

Day 1: Arrival to PSG (TA picks you up at the airport and gets you settled on board. Chance to walk the docks/town/shops, couple nice local places for lunch/dinner. Coffee, apps, beer/wine, on board the Hawkeye. Safety talk and boat run-through with the crew)

Day 2: Early departure for fishing spot, usually on shore fishing by 1-2 pm)

Day 3: Out Fishing

Day 4: Out Fishing

Day 5: Out Fishing

Day 6: Out Fishing (usually a good day for a Glacier tour, as they are close to town and make for a good 1/2 day). Back to Petersburg early evening. Get guests up to their Hotel and dinner is self serve. There are a couple good spots next to the local lodging.

Day 7: Clients on their own for breakfast/lunch. If a local hotel does not provide a shuttle, we will assist in the airport transfer.

The Nitty Gritty

Your Southeast Alaska Steelhead Adventure is one of the last of its kind. Our arrangement with the Forest Service allows access to over 10,000 square miles of streams, rivers, and beaches. In conjunction with our Halibut Charter permit (6 anglers) and the Hawkeye’s pot-hauling equipment, there is no shortage of daily activities. The most important being together in Nature.

You will be touring aboard the Hawkeye II, a 1976 Willard Yacht. With exquisite teak details, (3) double occupancy staterooms, (3) bathrooms w/showers, a large salon, a fully equipped galley, and outfitted with equipment that makes it the perfect boat for touring SE Alaska.

What’s included

The Hawkeye II with USCG certified captain, steward/mate, and chef.
(2) skiffs for use: (1) prop (1) jet for accessing hiking, beaches, glaciers, rivers, and more.
All meals with a private chef, featuring local Alaskan food, beer/wine with dinner.
Rain Gear, Xtra-tuff boots (most sizes available)
Saltwater fishing gear, shrimp/crab pots, bait, and hauling gear.
PFDs, life raft, AED, First Aid kit, handheld VHF radios
Fuel for the skiffs and yacht
Transportation to/from the airport to the harbor, and/or local lodging

What’s NOT included

Airfare to/from Petersburg, AK (PSG)
Any additional in-town accommodations before/after charter
Fishing / Hunting licenses (available at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=license.main)
Hard Liquor (We can make accommodations for you in advance)
Vacuum packing/shipping of seafood/game
Gratuity for the crew (Industry suggested range of 10-15% of trip total)

Bookings are confirmed with a 50% deposit, made no later than seven days after booking a trip. Balance must be received no later than 90 days prior to the first day of the trip. Notification of cancellation must be received 90 days prior to the first day of the trip in order to receive partial or full credit for an alternate date. All payments are final and nonrefundable, with the exception of a medical or family emergency, deemed reasonable at Midcurrent’s discretion.

Booking a trip or making a deposit represents that the client accepts all terms and conditions. Midcurrent’s terms are in addition to any terms and conditions of each individual lodge that Midcurrent represents. Please read those terms carefully—lodge terms, which may differ from Midcurrent’s terms, supersede any agreements between Midcurrent and a client.

Get in touch today to start planning your next fly fishing adventure!

You’ve got fly-fishing travel in your blood. We make high-adventure happen.