For an unparalleled fly out fishing experience, it has to be the legendary Bristol Bay Lodge, utterly surrounded by pristine wilderness located in the heart of North America’s largest state park.
Three hundred and fifty miles southwest of Anchorage and strategically placed in unspoiled and untouched surroundings lay Bristol Bay Lodge and its vast watershed. In the heart of the watershed lies Wood-TikChik State Park, containing 14 major lakes and their connecting river systems. Guests staying at this private, luxurious hideaway have access to much of this pristine Alaskan fishery and can expect to catch a great abundance and variety of fish. The Togiak rivers are among the most productive in Alaska, where you can expect to catch five species of Salmon, plus Rainbow Trout, Grayling and Arctic Char. Our guests also have the opportunity to fish two of Alaska's most renowned rivers, the Agulowak and the Agulopak. These rivers provide the most productive fishing for spotted Alaskan Rainbows, Grayling, Char, and Dolly Varden. They are also host to the single largest Sockeye Salmon run anywhere in the world, with an average of several million fish returning throughout the system each year.
If that is not enough, after spending an evening at the lodge you will depart for one of two fishing destinations that will later involve an overnight experience at one of two outpost camps. Northwest of the lodge is Birch Creek Camp. Directly west of the lodge is Rainbo Camp, located on the tidewater/confluence of two exceptional rivers. Additionally, just a short boat ride from the Bristol Bay Lodge's front door is the world-famous Agulowak River. Each day's fishing is scheduled the evening before and the destination board is posted showing your pilot, guides, destination, species available, time of departure and your fishing companions for the day. This allows you time to discuss with guides, so that you can fine-tune tackle, flies and preparations for the following day’s adventure.
Much of Alaska’s best fishing water is accessible only by floatplane. Guests are either flown to their various fishing destination in legendary DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes (which are comfortable and reliable, earning the nickname “workhorses of the North?”), or spotted throughout the region on remote rivers and streams are a dozen of our riverboats, outfitted with jet units for easy accessibility to the most productive fishing spots. In addition, at the main lodge another six boats are kept for angling on the local rivers. Being able to access such productive fishing by boat is also a safeguard against the inevitable days of un-flyable weather, during which many other lodges cannot fish, therefore if you are looking for a holiday to catch more species than you can handle, this is definitely the destination for you.
FISHING METHODS
Freshwater Fly Fishing, Spinning
SPECIES TO CATCH
King / Chinook Salmon
Season: 14 June to 19 July
Peak: 21 June to 12 July
Weight: 10lb to 60lb
Average Weight: 20lb
|
Chum Salmon
Season: 14 June to 26 July
Peak: 21 June to 19 July
Weight: 5lb to 16lb
Average Weight: 10lb
|
Sockeye / Red Salmon
Season: 21 June to July 26
Peak: 4 July to 18 July
Weight: 4lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 8lb
|
Pink Salmon
Season: 12 July to 8 August
Peak: 19 July to 5 August
Weight: 2lb to 6lb
Average Weight: 4lb |
Coho / Silver Salmon
Season: 8 August to 12 Sept
Peak: 15 August to 12 Sept
Weight: 6lb to 20lb
Average Weight: 12lb |
Dolly Varden
Season: 18 July to 12 Sept
Peak: 25 July to 12 Sept
Weight: 1lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 1.5lb |
Rainbow Trout
Season: 14 June to 12 Sept
Peak: 21 July to 12 Sept
Weight: 1lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 1.5lb
|
Arctic Char
Season: 14 June to 12 Sept
Peak: 14 June to 4 July
Peak: 8 August to 8 Sept
Weight: 1lb to 20lb
Average Weight: 1.5lb |
Arctic Grayling
Season: 14 June to 6 Sept
Peak: 28 June to 2 August
Weight: 1lb to 3lb
Average Weight: 1.5lb
|
Note: these figures are complied with catch reports over 5 years, however they can be effected by adverse weather.
TOUR INCLUDES
All flights (WT), all meals, all drinks (Bristol Bay Lodge), lodging, fully guided daily flyout fishing excursions, and transportation between Dillingham and the lodge.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
All transfers between Anchorage airport and Hilton Hotel, local tips
OPTIONS
British Airways flight upgrades available.
VISA
Alaska operates a Visa waver programme (VWP); you are required before travel to complete an Electronic System Travel Authorisation (ESTA) online, which is compulsory for all USA Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) travellers before boarding an air or sea carrier to the USA. For full information and to apply online visit our ESTA information page.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
No vaccinations currently required
PLEASE NOTE
All details of visa and medical requirements are correct at time of press however please check these requirements for changes.
DEPARTURE TAX
There is no additional airport departure tax when leaving Alaska
FLIGHT ROUTE AND FLIGHT TIMES
UK - Seattle (approx 9 hrs) Seattle - Anchorage (approx 3 hrs) Anchorage - Dillingham (approx 1 hr)
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
(WT/E) 2 checked in items 23 kg (C/B/F) 3 checked in items 23 kg. Airlines permit each passenger to check in one piece of sporting luggage i.e. a rod holdall, but must not exceed 23 kg.
TRANSFER TIME
Dillingham to Lake Aleknagik 40 minutes by road. Lake Aleknagik to Bristol Bay Lodge 40 minutes by large covered boats.
WILDLIFE
Moose, caribou, and brown bear can be seen throughout the summer months. Common small game and furbearers include beaver, muskrat, otter, fox, wolverine, mink, and porcupine. (Daily departures)
BEAR WATCHING
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) can frequently be seen in many of the areas. The term “brown bear” is commonly used to refer to the members of this species found in coastal areas where salmon is the primary food source and all other inland “brown bear” are referred to as “grizzlies.” Technically they are the same species.
