ALASKA

Alaska offers some of the most exciting freshwater fishing in the world. Its immense wilderness, spectacular scenery and extraordinary runs of Pacific salmon have made it one of the great destinations for travelling anglers.

All five species of Pacific salmon return to Alaska's rivers each summer: king (Chinook), sockeye, chum, pink and silver (coho) salmon. The timing of these runs varies between river systems, providing a succession of fishing opportunities throughout the season.

King salmon are the largest of the Pacific salmon and are renowned for their strength and size. Sockeye and chum provide excellent sport, while silver salmon are particularly popular with fly fishermen for their aggressive takes and acrobatic fighting qualities.

Alongside the salmon, Alaska offers exceptional fishing for wild rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and Arctic char. In certain rivers, large rainbow trout feed heavily on salmon eggs and other food associated with the annual migration, providing some remarkable fishing opportunities.

The wildlife is another great attraction. Brown bears, moose, bald eagles and other animals are frequently encountered, and the opportunity to fish amongst such spectacular wilderness is an unforgettable part of the experience.

Go Fishing Worldwide offers a selection of established fishing lodges in Bristol Bay and on the Kenai Peninsula, with programmes tailored to the preferred species, time of year and interests of each guest.

Bristol Bay

Bristol Bay, in southwestern Alaska, is one of the world's great salmon-producing regions. Its extensive network of rivers and lakes supports enormous runs of wild Pacific salmon, together with outstanding populations of rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and Arctic char.

The region is particularly well suited to lodge-based fishing holidays, with boats and floatplanes providing access to a remarkable variety of rivers. The ability to explore different waters according to the conditions and salmon runs is one of the principal attractions.

Tikchik Narrows Lodge

Tikchik Narrows Lodge enjoys a spectacular location on a narrow peninsula overlooking the waters of Bristol Bay's lake country, with distant views towards the Kilbuck Mountains.

The lodge is particularly renowned for its extensive fly-out fishing programme. Floatplanes allow anglers to explore a wide selection of remote rivers, streams and lakes, with each day's fishing planned around the conditions, the salmon runs and the interests of individual guests.

The fishing is wonderfully varied, with opportunities for all five species of Pacific salmon, together with rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and Arctic char. Depending on the time of year, guests may spend their days fishing for powerful salmon, sight fishing for trout or exploring remote streams in extraordinary wilderness surroundings.

Tikchik Narrows has a well-established guiding operation, with a high ratio of guides to guests and an emphasis on personal service.

Accommodation is provided in comfortable guest cabins with private bathrooms and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The main lodge features a spacious lounge with a stone fireplace and an attractive dining room overlooking the lake.

Excellent meals, attentive hospitality and a sauna complete the experience, making Tikchik Narrows a particularly appealing choice for those seeking a high-quality Alaskan wilderness fishing holiday.

Suggested Package: 2 nights' accommodation in Anchorage on a room-only basis, internal flights, 7 nights' full-board accommodation and 6 days' guided fishing, including daily floatplane excursions.

Katmai Lodge

Katmai Lodge is situated on a bluff overlooking the beautiful Alagnak River, one of Bristol Bay's celebrated salmon fisheries.

The Alagnak is a wonderfully productive river, with runs of all five species of Pacific salmon and excellent fishing for wild rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and Arctic char. Its varied channels, gravel bars, pools and runs provide opportunities for a wide range of fishing techniques.

One of Katmai Lodge's principal attractions is its direct access to the river. Guests can explore extensive stretches of the Alagnak using the lodge's purpose-built river boats, with additional fly-out fishing available to selected waters elsewhere in the region.

The fishing changes throughout the season as the different salmon species arrive, while the rainbow trout fishing can be particularly rewarding as fish take advantage of the annual salmon migration.

The lodge offers comfortable accommodation in separate guest cabins, each with private bathroom facilities and space to relax after a day on the river.

The main lodge provides welcoming communal areas and a dining room where guests can enjoy good meals and discuss the day's fishing.

With its combination of productive home water, experienced guides and access to the wider Bristol Bay region, Katmai Lodge is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a varied Alaskan fishing holiday.

Suggested Package: 2 nights' accommodation in Anchorage on a room-only basis, internal flights, 7 nights' full-board accommodation and 6 days' guided fishing.

Goodnews River Lodge

Goodnews River Lodge is situated in a wonderfully remote corner of southwestern Alaska, on the banks of the Goodnews River, close to the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge.

Accessible by charter aircraft, the lodge offers an exceptional wilderness fishing experience on one of Alaska's most productive salmon rivers. The Goodnews consists of three main branches, flowing from the Ahklun Mountains towards the Bering Sea, with an extensive network of pools, channels, gravel bars and smaller tributaries.

One of the great attractions is the remarkable variety of fishing available. All five species of Pacific salmon enter the river during the summer, with king salmon arriving early in the season, followed by sockeye, chum and pink salmon, and excellent runs of silver salmon later in the summer.

The river is also renowned for its beautiful wild rainbow trout, many displaying the distinctive markings of Alaska's so-called leopard rainbows. These fish provide wonderful sport, particularly as they feed in association with the salmon runs. Dolly Varden and Arctic grayling offer further opportunities, making it possible to enjoy several different species during a single day.

Goodnews River Lodge is the only full-service fishing lodge on the river system, and the fishing pressure is consequently very light. Experienced guides use jet boats to explore the three branches, with plenty of opportunities to wade productive runs and smaller streams. Guiding is arranged on the basis of two anglers per guide, allowing considerable flexibility to concentrate on particular species or styles of fishing.

Accommodation is provided in comfortable, purpose-built tented cabins, each with private bathroom facilities, heating and a veranda overlooking the surrounding wilderness. The main camp includes a dining room, comfortable communal facilities and a drying room for fishing equipment.

Despite its isolated location, the lodge is well organised, with excellent meals and friendly hospitality. The emphasis is very much on the fishing, with long days exploring a remarkable river system and the opportunity to encounter bears, moose, bald eagles and other Alaskan wildlife.

Suggested Package: 2 nights' accommodation in Anchorage on a room-only basis, return charter flights to Goodnews Bay, 7 nights' full-board accommodation and 6 days' guided fishing.

The Kenai Peninsula

South of Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula offers a different Alaskan experience, combining excellent salmon fishing with spectacular mountain scenery, glaciers, forests and coastal waters.

The famous Kenai River supports runs of king, sockeye, pink and silver salmon, as well as populations of rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. The region also provides opportunities for saltwater fishing, wildlife excursions and sightseeing, making it particularly appealing to couples and groups with varied interests.

Anglers Lodge

Anglers Lodge enjoys a peaceful setting on the banks of the middle Kenai River, surrounded by woodland and beautiful Alaskan scenery.

The lodge provides a comfortable base from which to explore the fishing of the Kenai Peninsula, with guided excursions targeting the different salmon species according to the season and prevailing regulations.

The Kenai River is particularly famous for its salmon fishing, while its rainbow trout and Dolly Varden also provide excellent sport. Depending on the time of year, guests can enjoy a varied programme combining river fishing with excursions to other waters in the region.

Saltwater fishing for halibut and other species can also be incorporated, offering a very different experience from the freshwater fishing.

Accommodation is provided in spacious guest cabins with private bathrooms, while the main lodge offers a welcoming dining area and comfortable communal facilities.

Meals are included, with breakfast at the lodge, lunches arranged around the day's activities and relaxed evening dining.

Anglers Lodge is also particularly suitable for non-fishing companions. The Kenai Peninsula offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, glacier excursions, sightseeing and other outdoor activities, allowing guests to combine fishing with a broader Alaskan holiday.

Suggested Package: 1 night's accommodation in Anchorage on a room-only basis, transfers, 7 nights' full-board accommodation and 6 days' guided fishing.

Planning Your Alaskan Fishing Holiday

The best time to visit Alaska depends largely on the species you wish to target and the particular river system.

King salmon generally feature earlier in the season, while sockeye, pink, chum and silver salmon provide opportunities at different times throughout the summer and early autumn. Rainbow trout fishing can also be outstanding later in the season, particularly where trout are feeding in association with spawning salmon.

With considerable variation between rivers, choosing the right lodge and dates is especially important. Fishing seasons, methods and retention regulations are carefully managed and can change from year to year.

Go Fishing Worldwide would be delighted to advise on the most suitable programme, whether your priority is salmon fishing, large wild rainbow trout, remote fly-out adventures or a combination of fishing, wildlife and sightseeing.

Please contact us to discuss a tailor-made fishing holiday to Alaska.