Questions & Answers
How do I get there and what will I need when I arrive?
Access to the Innoko National Wildlife Refuge during the spring/summer/fall is by small float planes or by boat.  There are several air taxis and boat operators (pdf) who operate in the Innoko Refuge. In the winter, access can be by snowmobile, dog sled or ski plane. Weather can change quickly so be prepared for rain and cold temperatures.
What are the types of fish on the refuge?
Fish (pdf) found on the Innoko Refuge include chinook, coho and chum salmon as well as Dolly Varden, grayling, burbot, northern pike, least cisco, and several species of whitefish including sheefish.
How can I do a float trip on the refuge?
There are outfitters in Anchorage who will rent inflatable boats and transport them to McGrath where you can hire an air taxi (pdf) who has a commercial permit to fly you into the Refuge.
Are there any public use cabins?
The Innoko Refuge does not have any cabins that are available for the general public. The only cabins on the refuge are privately-owned subsistence cabins or cabins for governmental operations.
What are the hunting laws and regulations on the Innoko Refuge?
The Innoko Refuge does not have any refuge specific hunting regulations; rather it follows all state hunting regulations and federal subsistence regulations . Hunters are subject to general refuge regulations, like the one that prohibits motorized items (such as chainsaws, generators and ATVs) in the wilderness area . An exception to this rule permits the use of motor boats, planes and snowmobiles.
Where do I find good habitat for moose hunting?
Although they may be found throughout the refuge, typically moose are found along the river corridors or wetlands adjacent to river corridors.
Who can take me to the Innoko Refuge to hunt?
The refuge keeps a list of permitted commercial operators (pdf) including air taxis, boat operators and hunting guides.
How many Moose, Bear and wolves are there on the Innoko Refuge?
Based on survey data and general observations othe the last 10 years, we estimate that there are approximately 4,000 moose (survey data), 500 bear (observations), and 180 wolves (observations) on the refuge.
How do these numbers compare historically?
Moose numbers seem to be fairly stable from past surveys. Historically, moose expanded onto the refuge in the early 1900's so they are a relatively new species. There have been very few bear surveys done on the refuge so it is hard to determine what the population fluctuations have been. We are also lacking survey information for wolves to determine their population dynamics on the Innoko Refuge.
Where can I get information about the northern unit (Kaiyuh Flats) of the Innoko National Wildlife Refuge?
Located southwest of Galena, the northern unit of the Innoko Refuge encompasses approximately 751,000 acres and is situated adjacent to the Yukon River on the Kaiyuh Flats. The primary users of the northern unit are the residents of Galena, Koyukuk, Nulato and Kaltag. To facilitate these users, the Service manages the area from the headquarters of the Koyukuk Refuge in Galena rather than the Innoko Refuge in McGrath, so 140 air miles to the southeast. Galena is much more accessible, both by water and air, to those using the northern unit of the Innoko Refuge than is McGrath. Contact the Koyukuk Refuge Manager via the e-mail or at
1-800-656-1231.
Last updated: July 8, 2008
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