LOCATION
Kvichak River - Bristol Bay, Alaska
SEASON
Early June through early October
CAPACITY
Maximum capacity of 16 anglers/guests per week
SPECIES
Rainbow trout, all five species of pacfic salmon, halibut, char, Dolly Varden, grayling and more
GENERAL INFORMATION
This full service fishing lodge is located in the heart of the Bristol Bay region on the banks of the world-famous Kvichak River. With annual salmon runs in the millions and rainbow trout in excess of thirty inches, anglers throughout the world see this area as the pinnacle of sport fishing.
LENGTH OF STAY
Standard package is a seven day / seven night package.
THE FISHING
As you travel down the crystal clear Kvichak (pronounced “kwee-JACK”) River from majestic Lake Iliamna, you will find The Alaska Sportsman's Lodge nestled high on the riverbank. This intimate, full service fishing lodge – one of the most famous fly fishing lodges in all of Alaska – is located in the heart of the Bristol Bay region, home not only to the world's richest commercial and sport salmon fisheries, but is also Alaska's only designated "Trophy Rainbow Trout" area. Here, snow-fed streams flow crystal-clear from the mountains across the rolling tundra to the sea, and the purity of this nutrient-rich environment allows fish to grow to enormous size. With annual salmon runs in the millions and rainbow trout in excess of thirty inches, anglers throughout the world see this specific area as home to the finest sport fishing in the entire region. Anglers fishing out of Alaska Sportsman’s Lodge will fish by both wading or drifting, utilizing either fly tackle or conventional gear. (There are streams that are designated as fly fishing-only areas and there are rivers that allow both fly fishing and the use of conventional gear). The type of fishing you do is your choice. Your guide is there to help you and to educate you about the rivers in the area and all of the different angling methods.
The location of this lodge is one of the strongest attributes of this operation, and A.S.L. was built on the Kvichak River for three very important reasons. First, the Kvichak River has the largest salmon run in the world, with literally millions of fish swimming right past the lodge every summer. Secondly, the Kvichak River has some of Alaska's largest rainbow trout and indeed some of the largest rainbows in the entire world. This is a known fact. The Kvichak will consistently produce rainbow trout in excess of 27" with fish over 30” caught on a regular basis. The population of these fish is very healthy, and the fish are protected by Alaska Department of Fish & Game regulations for catch and release only. Finally, the third reason the Kvichak River was the desired location to build Alaska’s Sportsman’s Lodge was because of the close proximity to other excellent fishing streams that can be quickly accessed by using the lodge’s floatplanes. The lodge is only a short flight away from some excellent fly fishing-only streams for rainbows, as well as some fantastic salmon streams.
By locating the lodge on a trophy river such as the Kvichak, you can be assured that you will have the opportunity to fish every day during your stay at the lodge. Most lodges in this area have a program that is structured so that you must fly-out every day because there is limited fishing where their lodge is located. It is very important to choose a lodge that is able to provide trophy fishing opportunities every day of the season, regardless of weather or adverse conditions. At the Alaska Sportsman’s Lodge, you get the best of both worlds. The fishing is excellent on the "home" river, and the location is very close to many “fly-out” rivers. Many times throughout the season, especially when targeting big rainbow trout, the Kvichak is the river of choice. But, throughout the Bristol Bay / Lake Iliamna area, there are other tremendous fishing opportunities and the lodge wants clients to have the chance to see and experience the flavor of this great area. With that in mind, the lodge has its own private float planes and pilots to take guests to different rivers throughout the area to fish for salmon, Arctic Char, and rainbow trout. The central location makes many of the remote streams very accessible; only a short flight away. Alaska Sportsman’s Lodge is also near Katmai National Park and Preserve and has permits to operate on "limited access" rivers. The benefit of choosing to visit the Alaska Sportsman's Lodge is that whether you decide to fly-out to fish a nearby stream or stay and experience the wonders that the home river offers, your fishing day will be filled with adventure and excitement. By the way: All daily fly-outs are included in the package price
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT OFFERED
Two DeHavilland Beavers on floats provide fishing access throughout the region. The lodge also utilizes a large fleet of aluminum boats equipped with Yamaha jet motors - some based at the lodge itself, and many others strategically scattered throughout the region on numerous rivers.
THE LODGING
Sitting on the riverbank overlooking the world-famous Kvichak River, Alaska Sportsman's Lodge consists of a 3,500 square-foot, solid cedar, chalet-style main lodge, three duplex cabins for guests, the "Iliamna” guest cabin, and a wood burning sauna. The lodge can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests per night, and all the cabins have hot and cold running water and 24-hour-a-day electrical service from the generator plant. The main lodge has a hardwood-floored dining room, a comfortable living room with a fireplace, couches and rockers, a wet bar, fly tying area, a tackle/guides room, a loft with a reading area and map room, and a laundry room. The main lodge is spacious enough for all of the guests to stretch out and relax, yet it is intimate enough to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow guests and guides.
The guest cabins were designed for comfort and all have breathtaking views of the Kvichak River. Each double-occupancy room is complete with a private bathroom, shower, and two very comfortable full beds with linens and comforters. Each day your room will be cleaned by staff members. The entire lodge is connected by a boardwalk that runs from the floating dock up to the main lodge.
The Iliamna cabin can comfortably sleep four guests and is perfect for small groups or families. This cabin has its own living room, loft with a reading area, a kitchenette, and a private bath.
RATES & DETAILS
2009
Fishing Packages (double occupancy)
Sunday to Sunday (7 days of fishing / 7 nights lodging)
$8,175 per person.
Sunday to Friday (4 1/2 days of fishing / 5 nights lodging)
$6,175 per person.
Friday to Sunday (2 1/2 days fishing / 2 nights lodging)
$3,300 per person.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Airfare between Anchorage and the Lodge on a lodge chartered flight, all daily fly-outs in the Lodge aircraft, unlimited guided fishing time with US Coast Guard and Alaska Dept. Fish & Game licensed guides, all necessary fishing gear, rods, and reels, and a fully stocked fly tying bench, meals, beverages, beer, and wine, professional vacuum sealing and preparation of salmon for shipment home, shipment of your salmon back to Anchorage, double occupancy cabin room with two comfortable beds, linens, comforter, private bath with hot and cold running water, daily maid service for your cabin, and fishing license and Salmon stamp.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Alcoholic beverages other than beer and wine (hard liquor is not included and you need to bring your own if you want it!), lodge and staff gratuities, airfare to Anchorage, and hotel and meal costs in Anchorage.
DEPOSIT INFORMATION
A 50% deposit (per angler) of the total package cost for each trip is due to Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures (YDFA) within 10 days of booking to secure the reservation. Guides and dates cannot be held or reserved without a deposit. YDFA reserves the right to charge a handling fee of $100 per person for date changes after the initial reservation has been made. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
HOW TO GET THERE
Your trip starts upon arrival in Anchorage, Alaska. Several major airlines serve Alaska from the lower 48 with connections direct to Anchorage. It is recommended that guests overnight in Anchorage the day before your trip begins and connect with the lodge the following morning.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Photo identification for airlines and Alaskan fishing license (available at lodge.) You can also purchase your fishing license on-line prior to your trip by visiting the following website: http://www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/license/
NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES
For non-anglers, the lodge offers a variety of activities including scenic flights, wildlife viewing, boat tours, and seasonal bird hunting. The lodge staff is fantastic about accommodating non-anglers and family members.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Alaska Sportsman’s Lodge is nestled on the bank of the Kvichak (kwee-Jack) River four miles downstream from Lake Iliamna, and 250 miles southwest of Anchorage. The Kvichak is the only connection between Bristol Bay and Lake Iliamna. Thus, each year millions of salmon that are returning to the Iliamna drainage to spawn must swim right past the lodge. The largest salmon run in the world is out the front door of the lodge cabins! With all of the salmon in this watershed, the native Rainbow Trout and Arctic Grayling grow to unbelievable size.
Lake Iliamna is Alaska’s largest lake. It is 90 miles long, 30 miles wide, and up to 1,000 feet deep. The lake has 34 snow fed tributaries that provide for excellent spawning grounds for the salmon. Lake Iliamna and the Kvichak River also have a population of fresh water seals. The lake is drained to the Southwest by the Kvichak River, which connects the lake to Bristol Bay. Any Salmon that return to the Lake Iliamna/Lake Clark drainage must use the Kvichak to get there.
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