| Experience
the thrill of a lifetime watching grizzly bears catch salmon in the
Glendale River of Knight Inlet These coastal grizzlies,
also called brown or Kodiak bears in Alaska, are up to 400 lbs
heavier than their interior relatives because of the abundant
salmon. |
 |
|
| Fall is when
the bears need to pile on fat for winter hibernation. Bald eagles
are the first to spot salmon as they make their way up the inlet.
Grizzlies are drawn to the river by the smell of fish, they come
over the mountain passes and swim the inlets following their noses
to Glendale Cove. |
 |
|
|
By the end of
August the salmon are running at the river mouth. The bears are
chasing the fish around in the low tide pools .... Lots of fun.
Watch grizzlies at the river mouth flats on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiukdQsiisw . Often our viewing
skiff is right in the river. Eagles dive down to snatch
salmon, charging bears chase fish up onto a gravel bar. |
 |
|
Every bear
has its own preferred fishing technique. Some like to stand in a
riffle and pounce when an unsuspecting salmon goes by. Other bears
run around trying to corner salmon against the bank.
 |
 |
|
|
The big bears
hog the hot spots, growling off any newcomers. There is plenty of
fish, but grizzly bears get annoyed when another bear approaches.
Bears fight,
but they have evolved ways not to get hurt, like this couple dancing
the salsa:
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| Other
bears use less energy, they snorkel along at a leisurely pace,
snatching up remains of fish that other bears have partly eaten. |
 |
|
| Bald eagles
are everywhere, waiting for their chance to swoop down on fish
scrapes. Bring lots of film. Be ready for action! |
 |
|
Tide Rip
Tours offers the only day trips by
water taxi from Telegraph Cove to see the grizzlies in Knight
Inlet.
|
Pink salmon adults on the spawning grounds.
|
|
| Enjoy a
great lunch amidst the splendid scenery of Knight Inlet. No, the
cubs to the right can have their fish.... we will bring our own
lunch. Tours depart 7am, return 4pm.
2011 News Flash: The Department of
Fisheries helicopter flight over Knight Inlet on August 29 reported
low numbers in the Glendale system, so far only 36,000 pink salmon
have returned. Next flight on Sept 6 reported 63,000 pink
salmon spread though-out the Glendale system, about 25% of the brood
year count. The bears are scattered along the whole river, not
necessarily where we can get to. |
 |
|
| *Check
Frequently Asked Questions...
Please, we do
not take pregnant women nor people with back or neck problems. We
operate many miles from a hospital and medical care. |
$299
pp. August 16 to Oct 1 
