Fishing on the McNeil RiverThe McNeil starts at McNeil Lake in the St Cyr Range, which is located about 30 miles north east of Quiet Lake. The trip begins in moose pond country, an area with plenty of wildlife, great fishing, a panoramic view of the mountains and ideal hiking. We will encounter many moose, depending on how quietly we travel, it could be five or twenty-five.

At the end of the Moss Lake the river enters a busy 5 kms long grade II canyon, with sharp corners and beautiful walls. Below the canyon the McNeil flows into the Nisutlin River, it doubles in size and slows down to a gentle pace until you enter the Nisutlin Canyon. There, you are in for 10 kms of continuous grade III+ whitewater. This section is great fun; clear water, well defined chutes and wave trains and big eddies where you can pull over to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Below the Nisutlin Canyon the river is fast moving but without the busy action of the upper section. The valley widens and you float through one of the highest moose populations in the Yukon.

The McNeil is a fly-in trip. We drive to Quiet Lake located on the South Canol Road and then use a float plane to get to the put-in. The take-out is located at the Nisutlin River Campground on the South Canol.