Com-bat fish-ing ˈkäm-bat ˈfi-shiŋ : Alaskan phrase: to stand elbow to-elbow with fellow anglers in the hunt for the state’s most sought-after fish.

While this kind of heart-pumping adrenaline rush is one way to fill the freezer — and have a blast in the process — combat fishing isn’t the only type of fishing experience you’ll find in Alaska. If you’ve had your fill of the crowds, Alaska’s Copper River Valley is the perfect destination. The river is located in an area of about 3.5 million acres, with mountains in every direction, several volcanic peaks and is the gateway to America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias. The opportunity to fish for, arguably, the most prized and best tasting salmon in the world is right outside the door of Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge. What makes the salmon from this river particularly tantalizing? Like a good steak, they have a slightly higher fat content, packing them with flavor. Take the taste-test for yourself with the full- or half-day Salmon Fishing by Raft trips traveling to the scenic tributaries of the Copper River. King salmon season in the Copper River is from mid-June to mid-July and the Copper River red salmon can be caught from June through August.

If you go:

You can book this adventure from the Tour Desk at Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge. The Salmon Fishing by Raft full day trips are eight to ten hours. Half-day trips are four to five hours. Prices start at $249 per person.

“Activity of the Week” is a weekly blog series that profiles adventures, destinations and tour operators from across Alaska.