What strikes most visitors to Alaska is the sheer scale of things (Sorry, Texas eat your heart out). The mountain ranges go on forever, appearing to be spilling over the edge of the Earth. The rivers and tributaries meander across prehistoric landscapes, colliding with giant glacier ice fields that mimic something from a science fiction movie . Moose, bears, dahl sheep, and other large mammals dominate the state's population, and meander without notice of civilization. Let's face it, it's hard to look past the enormity of Alaska. It drives home a brand of humility that is difficult to find in the human-centric world of smart phones and rush hour.
Occasionally (actually quite often), I thumb through our large gallery of Alaska photos from many different areas of the state. In those images, I find examples of the more subtle beauties of Alaska. A close up of the scales on a big Coho Salmon or a grizzly track impressed sharply into a river bank. It is quite amazing to encounter these tiny miracles and glimpses of infinity at the smallest micro scale. One moment you are soaking in the grandeur of an Alaska sunset, the next you are looking at the intricacy of bear scat. There is beauty at every scale in The Last Frontier.
The best lodges in Alaska have incredibly high return rates. In many cases, guests have the first right of refusal for returning the same time next year, which means there can be few openings for new anglers. Your best chance to get a high-demand date is to book 6-12 months in advance. You can contact lodges directly through the Fly Out Directory.
2. Choosing the right Type of Operation
There are many types of fishing and adventure offerings in Alaska. In fact, it's an outright wilderness of options out there. Each lodge/company is unique in their culture, fishing operations, and other services they offer. Trying to classify the variety is a task – one with a lot of gray area. With that said, this is our attempt to categorize the Alaska fishing trip types:
Fly Out Lodge ($$$) – The most exclusive and luxury way to see and fish Alaska. These operations fly to different remote rivers, lakes and ocean locations daily. A fly out lodge allows you to experience the wonderful variety of Alaska, in addition to accessing the most remote fisheries in North America. For many, just the views from the air and the daily flight experience are worth the price of admission. In addition to having the most versatile and mobile fishing options, in general, Fly Out lodges offer extraordinary accommodations and dining.
Fly-In or Wilderness Lodges ($$) – Naturally, these lodges are located in remote locations, always from the road system, and only accessibly by air - hence, the name fly-in lodge. These lodges can be located on a lake system, ocean bay, or river; and it is this homewater that is the foundation for their fishing programs. Wilderness lodges do not have a daily fly out routine, but sometimes fly out options may be available a la carte. The meals and accommodations vary with each operation, from borderline luxury to "homestyle" country cabin and cooking.
River Lodge ($ - $$) – Located on Alaska's road system, river lodges provide comfortable accommodations, and delicious meals at a great value. The Kenai River boasts many reputable river lodges in Alaska, offering the complete Alaska experience including bear viewing, flight seeing, fishing, glacier tours, and more. At Alaska's river lodges, an angler gets the opportunity to experience everything that a single fishery has to offer with an easy accommodations package that doesn't require complicated travel logistics.
Float Trips ($ - $$) – A classic Alaska adventure focusing on a genuine wilderness experience, self-reliance, and a world-class fishing adventure. Despite the roughing-it nature of a float trip, most outfitters provide accommodations that are surprisingly comfortable, and the food always tastes good after a long day on the river. This is a great option for those fishermen and women who are looking for quality in fishing without all the fluff. If adventure is your passion, a float trip may be the best fit and value for your vacation.
Guide Service ($) – Individuals with a reputation. That is how we define the "guide service" category. Their strength is in intimate knowledge of the fishery, personal attention, and outstanding customer service. In most cases, a guide service will be able to provide food and accommodations with partnering lodging.
Often times, lodges have discounted weeks that are traditionally difficult to book. These weeks can be a great deal if you act on them while they are available. And, you won't sacrifice much in your Alaska experience or world-class fishing. On occasion, lodges will offer up to a 50% off as a result of a last minute cancellation. AlaskaFlyOut.com will start posting to our "Specials Page" for the most up to date discounts and cancellation rates. Stay tuned.
4. Find Reviews
User reviews are an excellent way to get genuine and honest information on a particular lodge or operation. Guest testimonials displayed on a company website are mostly handpicked, and usually a small sample size of the overall experience. Customer reviews are raw, showing the true quality of the product. Don't limit yourself to just looking at the rating or score, but read the comments, where the most valuable information can be found. Popular review sites that are linked through our directory are Trip Advisor and Yelp.
5. Consult an Alaska Expert
There are many guides, veteran anglers, and travel professionals that have first hand knowledge of different Alaska adventure and specific lodges. These folks have valuable 3rd-party information that you cannot find anywhere else. Whether you are planning your first trip to the Last Frontier, or you would like a 2nd opinion on a new adventure, there are resources out there to help. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Or, better yet, let someone else do it for you. Use an expert to help you cut through the clutter and marketing fodder that you see on the company websites. In most cases, that advice is free to you! You can Contact Fly Out for advice on planning a trip to Alaska at no cost. We're happy to provide unbiased and honest information on Alaska lodges and adventures.
Another great video shot and edited by Lee Kuepper of Alaska Angling Addiction. I love the tone of this video - reverence for the fish, the environment, and the experience.
We had the pleaser to spend a few evenings with Paul and Lee from Alaska's Angling Addiction, shooting some video for our newest film. These guys are first class, and they are extremely good at what they do. The two of them have great energy, and you can feel that when you're on the water with them. They have the right mindset about stewardship toward the Kenai fishery, and their values toward conservation are admirable. Both Paul and Lee are too humble to come out and say it, but when it comes to giant Kenai River Rainbows - they're the best. This is their story.
We had the pleasure of spending 4 days with Bret Gilleland and Mike Overcast at Tordrillo Mountain Lodge. We got a sample of the adventures they offer during the summer - let's just say we were blown away! Bret and Mike did not need to say much about why they feel a draw to Alaska. The reason was apparent in the stunning scenery and blow-your-mind activities. On the fun scale, Tordrillo was a 13 of 10. Incredible experience, and the essence of Alaska shines through in Episode 4 - Heli Love.
Filmed with Bristol Bay's Mission Lodge, Episode 3 showcases 3 guides working and playing in the Alaska bush. Justin, Zach, and Dan describe their connection to their job, the waters, and the incredible fish that they chase every season. Most folks who have worked or lived in AK can relate to their stories. Just like home, there always is "a draw that keeps bringing you back to this place". Episode 3 also features some incredible aerial landscape scenery, thanks to the pilots and crew at Mission Lodge.
The Tsaina Lodge sits in the mecca of salmon & trout fly-fishing. It is an untapped location with rivers, ponds and lakes within walking distance from the front door. However the best & most remote fishing is accessed by helicopter from the onsite heli pad. The lodge is also brand new as of March 2012 and voted Outside Magazine's 2012 1st Runner Up - "Best New Adventure Lodge."
Sweepstakes Grand prize for (2) at the Tsaina Lodge for the "All Valdez Adventure":
• 5 Nights, 3 Activity Days • $8000 Value
1-Day of Heli-Fishing Adventures 2-Days for Summer Adventures of Your Choice of river fishing for salmon or trout
See all the other fishing/non-fishing activities at tsaina.com
What's Included: * Transport To/From Valdez Airport * Luxury Hotel Accommodations * Guests have option to purchase food at a discounted price for all-inclusive stay ($100/day/person)
*Not Included: airfare, additional transportation needs, gratuities, beverages or food
Coho Salmon, Dolly Varden Char, and Rainbow Trout, until you can't take it any more. Even by Alaskan standards this is an extraordinary week. Reels break, rods get field repairs, and waders are on from coffee hour until nightfall. The Rainbows are "bulked up" to football proportions from a summer of salmon caviar. No one talks much about numbers of fish anymore after a few days. All the Salmon, Trout, and Char have blended together and become a haze. You want to do something like this at least once in your life! The camping and the cheer around the campfire is unforgettable. This is the most spectacular week of the season.
