Chilkoot River bear-viewing can be a rewarding experience for responsible bear viewers.
Please review the Chilkoot Checklist below
Please avoid bear-viewing in the early morning as this is an important time for bears to forage.
Maintain a safe-distance from bears, preferably 50 - 100 yards. Our research has shown that bears capture more than twice as many fish when people are greater than 100 meters away.
It is very important that anglers do not attract bears near people. Use the fish cleaning table at the lake and throw fish entrails far out into the river, or dispose of them off the Lutak bridge.
Avoid stopping, parking or walking in the designated Bear Crossing
Here’s a checklist to help you monitor your effect on Chilkoot habitat and wildlife.
WILDLIFE WATCHERS: Do not approach, follow or feed bears.
View bears, eagles and other wildlife from a distance, preferably from the road or from you vehicle.
ANGLERS: Stop fishing if a bear is near you. Reel in your line and wait until the bear is gone.
Clean fish in the river and put the remains in swiftly moving water.
Secure your fish as soon as possible, preferably in a cooler in your car.
Avoid disturbing fish spawning areas.
EVERYONE:
Help keep river banks clean and intact.
Use restrooms and bear-proof trash cans at the lake.
IMPORTANT ALASKAN LAWS
It is illegal to harass wildlife (5 AAC 92.080)
It is illegal to feed bears (5 AAC 92.230)
It is illegal to intentionally or negligently attract bears with food or garbage (5 AAC 92.410)