a
bush pilot's view
Bear
viewing, fly fishing, floatplane stories of the Alaskan frontier. Hughes has turned
air charter into the flying stories of a lifetime. Those who have flown with me
are welcome to visit and newcomers to ask directions. This is close to the most
beautiful place on earth. Homer, Alaska, Kachemak Bay and the Cook Inlet are
the fulfillment of your dream too. Our first book Invisible Ink, an
anthology of Alaskan writers is available this Summer. Floatplane Flying on
the Last Frontier will be out soon.
Welcome to Alaska, the last frontier! Welcome to the incredibly beautiful scenic flightseeing beyond the roadway and into the bush. Alaska is filled with adventure. Consider the richness of the native culture. Photograph the spectacular glaciers, volcanoes, fjords, the wildlife and crystal clear mountain lakes. Feel the energy of the tides, the weather and the land. Even the sky pays tribute to the "great country". The Borealis light the cold night sky to the north. Pastel reflections of sun and water paint the tall mountains, which surround us, as in a continuous sunrise. This is the land where Eagles soar.
Homer is an idyllic small costal city located at the mouth of the Cook Inlet. Homer owes it's prosperity to fishing, shipping, logging and it's natural ice free deep-water port. Kachemak Bay is sheltered by a four and a half mile alluvial spit and the snow covered Kenai Mountains. The harbor and sheltered coastline hosts some of the best boating in the north. The beaches witness the migration of shorebirds, a gathering of eagles, the passage of a pod of Orcas and rafts of Otters. The lower Cook Inlet is a vibrant and immensely rich ecosystem. Some call Homer the Halibut capital of the world. Homer is a fishing village, a college town, an art colony and a bustling frontier community at the "end of the road". In summer the town is alive with fishermen, tourists and campers, live theater and classics are credible. Homer is a discovery.
Homer has a fine airport, and adjoining it a fresh
water lagoon off the Cook Inlet designated for floatplane or
seaplane use. There are several floatplane operators on Beluga lake,
a helicopter service and two commuter carriers on the airport.
Hughes Floatplane Service discontinued service in the spring of 2003, referring its business to Gary Porter, Ken Day, Russ Smith, Bill DeCreeft, Jose DeCreeft and Jon Berryman Retirement comes hard but a new challenge of writing has emerged and I have a lot to say.
Dr. Clancy Hughes shares his love for Alaska, flying and the lore of the floatplane in his new book Floatplanes of the Cook Inlet. (If the publishers do not change the title again) I am still available to my passengers for recommendations for adventure, fishing or a visit if you wish.
Office
is at 1850 Jade Dr. Mail to PO Box 9, Homer, Alaska 99603. Telephone 907
235-4229
Brown
Bear: Photograph the big Kodiak or Brown Bear in the wild feeding on
Salmon.
Fishing:
Do a day trip to Lake Iliamna and it's rivers for Trout Salmon, and Arctic
Char.
Kachemak
Bay State Park: Hike the trails of the park with a drop off and or pickup at
Emerald Lake, Grewingk Glacier Lake or China Poot Lake or the Halibut Cove
Lagoon.
Flight
Seeing Tour: Enjoy the glaciers, villages, fjords, and ice
fields of Kachemak Bay.
Check out the options. Come fly with the outstanding part 135 air carriers of Beluga Lake. Experience the romance of the floatplane. Share in the stories and lore of the Cook Inlet with other high time professional pilots.
e-mail: chughes@hughesair.com, 907 235-4229. Make reservation now!
Bears of Katmai National Park | Price | Policy | fishing | Hiking | volcano | Flight Seeing | Links | Reservation Lodge
Brown Bear on
Naknek Lake at Brooks Camp in the Katmai National Park and Preserve.
Bear Fight or salmon
fishing? (Check this out!)
BIG BROWN BEARS! --- guaranteed!
Come
Fly with us! Lift off from Beluga
Lake, through the misty morning sunrise, fly over Kachemak Bay and the Kenai
Mountains. Cross the Cook Inlet past Mt. Augustine, a spectacular volcano
rising like a snow covered cone from the pastel waters of Kamishak Bay.--- We
thread our way up the McNeil River, over the pristine emerald lakes of the
Aleutian Range and into the lake country of the Alaskan Peninsula. Minutes
later we touch down on Naknek Lake and whisper up onto the beach at Brooks Camp
where a Mother and her cubs may meet us on the shoreline.
I personally
guide the visitors to the falls and the secure viewing platform. I give something of a narrative on the geology and
ecology of the area. A late afternoon return to Homer may explore new
scenes, interesting volcanic formations or wild life along the rivers. We take
care of the reservations.
FOR SERIOUS Rainbow Fly-fishing
You might consider a flight from Homer to the
east Lake Iliamna area and the Copper River. One of Iliamna's most famous fly fishing
streams, The Copper River yields large rainbow trout, char, grayling, and
sockeye salmon. The season opens June 8th following a spring closing for
spawning trout. The area is restricted to fly fishing only, catch and release,
single hook, no barbs. The Copper is possibly the best of Iliamna's fabulous
trout streams.
The river is not fished as heavily as in the
past due to limited access to the lower river. Native lands limit access to the
lower lakes. I've got a couple of good approaches to the stream from above.
The Copper River is clear and pristine, swiftly
flowing from the mountains east of Iliamna some 20 miles to empty into
Intricate Bay on Lake Iliamna. The fly fishing conditions are near perfect with
wide banks and wadable gravel bed. Wear your neoprene's with good shoes. The
big rainbow migrate in from Lake Iliamna spring and fall.
Schedule this day trip with a flight past the
volcanoes; Augustine and Iliamna. You will descend down the length of this
pristine wilderness mountain valley for a memorable day of fly fishing. We
provide lunch.
You will need proper equipment for this
destination; Head net, hat, gloves, glasses, insect repellent, short rain
jacket, and vest.
We leave at 8 am from Beluga Lake in Homer, "Take off for adventure"
to one of numerous wild trout and salmon streams in the Lake Iliamna system.
Salmon
Char and Rainbow Spin or fly
Check out the new edition of Alaska Fishing by René Limeres & Gunnar Pedersen; Foghorn Press. See bookstore, last page under links. Reserve your seats now! More Fishing
Hiking trails are well maintained
by State Parks. Early morning drop off and late evening pick up affords a
wonderful adventure. This is close to the best, with the beautiful Kenai
Mountains, glaciers and emerald lakes along the way. Enjoy the flora and fauna
of the Kachemak State Park. Camp out or make it a day trip. Trail maps
are available at the lodge. Black bears are not a problem in the park. Use
caution with food however.
Three passenger seats, or #550, so limit your
pack. A good target is #30. This trip is usually available on short notice.
Shuttle flights can accommodate any number of passengers. Same price.
Make it a day trip with an early morning drop
off and an evening pickup. Minimal gear includes warm coat, hiking boots, rain
jacket, water, food, and camera of course. Over niters should be prepared for
rain.
Hike between China Poot Lake/Peak and the State dock on Halibut Lagoon (1.25 hr) Grewingk Lake or on to Emerald Lake (10 hr). Reserve your seats now!
New, a guided trip up onto the glacier. Short flight to the glacier lake. Kayak to the glacier. Hike out over the saddle for a water taxi ride home. All day. This is for the moderately fit. Contact Jordan Hess at 907 235-0755. Includes lodging. Very nice.
This one really gets
missed in the shuffle. "The ring of fire." There is a Volcanology
center planed on the Cook Inlet. The blue lagoon on the north side of Augustine
is an ideal landing spot, well protected and safe. Amateur volcanologist?
Adventure a hot trip (a figure of speech) to the lagoon on Augustine Island.
Rising in snow covered grandeur; Augustine Volcano is alive and smoking in the
middle of the Cook Inlet. Enjoy a Champagne lunch on the beach, a guided tour,
and a fly around of this magnificent landmark.
Bring your camera, windbreaker and sunglasses. This is a fashion event. To be photographed against the backdrop of Homer's own Fuji-san.
Reserve your seats now! More information Augustine Volcano
A Few Suggested Destinations (subject to
availability):
Bears at Katmai National Park
Flightseeing Kachemak Bay
Glaciers and or Fjord
South Shore of Kachemak Bay
Pick up or drop off Lake Hood, Anchorage Regal Hotel Dock Charter
Picnic Augustine Volcano
Fly-Fishing east Lake Iliamna area
Fly Fishing Upper Russian Lake
Fly Fishing Chinitna Bay
Fly Fishing Moraine Creek
Lake
Iliamna Lodge Lodging with Brad Roach www.chilaska.com
Other nearby Hunting or Fishing by arrangement. (charter
rates)
Air Charter
Take off for Adventure! Reserve your seats now! Limited availability
What about the Iditarod? Call now! Plan a flight into McGrath and a bunk or lodge bed. Be
part of the race. Volunteer your time to work with the race officials and help
with the dogs. Weather permitting we may fly to further checkpoints. Paved
landing strips only. Safety first
The Katmai coast is a
late July early August bear viewing alternative to Brooks Falls. Pictured here
is a family intent on team fishing. Don't forget your fly rod. The Silvers and
Rainbow of late summer are a bonus in many of the streams.
Gary Porter 235-7919
Ken
& Chris Day 235-6993
Russ
Smith 235-6066
Jose
DeCreeft 235-7482
Bill
& Barbara DeCreeft 235-8924
Jon & Jill Berryman 235-8256
Guarantee: Depending on operator, Brown Bear may be
guaranteed for bear viewing flights.
Safety:
The number one priority is safety. There may be minimum physical and experience
requirements for a flight. Please pay particular attention to the safety
briefing at the beginning of the flight. Federal Law requires compliance with
all pilot instructions.
Confidentiality:
All passenger lists and inquires are strictly confidential. We do
not share lists, divulge passenger names or push e-mail.
If
your pilot is reluctant on account of weather, Trust his judgment. A day
spent on the ground because of weather is not counted against your life.
Come fly with us! Take off from Beluga Lake. Cross Smoky Bay. Whisper past pristine mountain Lakes. Ascend glaciers. Photograph the Harding Ice Fields. Descend over waterfalls to the Kenai Fjords and the Pacific. See native fishing villages and in the distance, Kodiak, the Barren Islands, and active volcanoes. Don't forget your camera! We are your time machine into the past and beyond the Alaskan frontier. Explore the history, geology and ecology of Kachemak Bay. Experience the excitement and romance of the floatplane. Reserve your seats now!
My Floatplane book and subsequent publications, will be available on this page. They will also be available at Amazon and Barns & Noble as well as a few book stores. This summer an anthology of Homer writers, including two stories from my book, will be available in Homer under the title Invisible Ink This too will be on Amazon.
When you
arrive in Homer call us at 235-4229 Diane or I will answer, if not please leave
a message. We don't want to miss you. I am not just trying to sell you my book,
but of course there is that. Seriously, we would love to talk.
There are a
hundred things to do in Homer in the summer. Ask about options. Don't sit in
your room. The beauty is breathtaking. The guest is inclined to sit and
stare. And you need to get out and do things. Experience Alaska. Have a story
to tell.
We promise to maintain your privacy! All passenger lists are
confidential, as is your e-mail address!
We welcome other outdoor adventure related links.
Please make inquiry by e-mail. The above icon is available to that end COH
Listed below
are some links to Alaska you might find useful in scouting out your next
adventure. The map is particularly helpful.
Katmai National
Park More information about bears. This
is where we go to see the big brown bear.
Lands End Resort Hotel End of
the spit, upscale, full service hotel, very nautical, right on the water with
view of glaciers. Home of the challenging Lands End /-Homer Yacht Club
Sailing Regatta.
Alaska Air Carriers
Association
Chilaska fishing Lodge
Lake Iliamna---Brad Roche Do not miss this one. By
far the prettiest location on Lake Iliamna, the rooms are rustic but up to the
standards of a high end hotel and the meals Barbara prepares are fit for a
king. Brad is a qualified fishing guide. First class equipment is provided.
Brad will transport you in relative comfort up the Iliamna River in a fast jet
boat for clear stream fishing, Arctic Char, Rainbow, Salmon depending on dates.
But that is not all. There is Kayaking, River Rafting, Mountain Biking and even
occasional bear-viewing. The prices are reasonable and the access is good by
air only. This wilderness lodge is easily the prize find for this summer and
what's more this winter when the doldrums set in they have the same kind of
thing in Chili where it is summer all over again.
United Airlines This summer direct flights from Denver, Chicago, San Francisco, as well as Seattle.
ERA Aviation (Anchorage-Homer) only scheduled air connection to Homer
Lufthansa Stuttgart to Anchorage summer only, it may be a related charter.
For
the best of local hospitality in a private setting or for other bookings and
activities:
Homer Floatplane Lodge. Nancy
& Ron Neiman
Welcome Friends B&B Our friends and neighbors
Also booking for a chain of Homer B&Bs.
Homers Finest. Pam & Earl
Breckenridge
Nuka Passage Cabin and Kayak Sat Phone: 011-8816-3144-1117. Leave a message at 907 224-4796 and indicate
time you plan to call so they can turn the sat phone on. Don't miss this one.
True wilderness Alaska. On Petrof Glacier Lake, near the fjords for beautiful
beach and fine kayaking. Owners Jeff and Angela Erickson will show you a truly
youthful Alaskan experience.
Good prices for finest fly fishing gear.
Great service by phone. I have always been pleased.
Great little cabin,
just up the road from us, above Homer. Deck, nice view, good hosts. Call Kim or
Gordon Terpening at 907 235-4083
Recommended reading
for Alaska and the Cook Inlet from Clancy Hughes at Hughes Floatplane Service.
Purchase your books from this website and enjoy the Amazon.com discount while
supporting Alaska flying adventures.
Alaska Fishing by René Limeres & Gunnar Pedersen; Foghorn Press To order: Alaska Fishing
Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska by Jean Bodeau; Greatland Graphics To order: Katmai
Coming into the Country by John McPhee To order: McPhee
Alaska by James A. Michener To order: Michener's Alaska
Fly-Fishing Alaska's Wild Rivers by Dan Heiner To order: Fly Fishing
Fishing Alaska ~ VHS, Alaska,
Fishing Alaska ~VHS, Buck McNeely
Kenai
Peninsula Alaska Geographic
Alaska
Peninsula Alaska Geographic
Kenai
Pathways ANHA (hiking trails)
Iditarod
The Great Race To Nome Bill Sherwonit photos by Jeff Schultz
Iditarod
Country Exploring the route Tricia Brown & Jeff Schultz
Winterdance
Gary Paulsen (humorous)
Iditarod Dreams
Deedee Jonrowe
Brown
Bears of Brooks River Ronald Squib and Tamara Olson
Grizzly
Michio Hoshino
Alaska's
Wildlife Treasures National Geographic
Alaska's
Wildlife Tom Walker
Alaska
Wildlife Viewing Guide Annabel M. Lund & Michelle Sydeman
Alaska's
Bears Pocket Guide Bill Sherwonit
Portrait
of Alaska's Wildlife Tom Walker
The
Wolf: Ecology and Behavior L. David Mech
Moose
Michio Hoshino
Guide
to Marine Mammals of Alaska UAF/Alaska
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President
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If you have any questions about an order you've placed, please don't hesitate
to contact us.
Hughesair, P.O. Box #9, Homer, Alaska,
99603-0009 Clancy and Diane Hughes
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