Bristol Bay Sportfishing Lodge

 The lodge is situated on the shore of Lake Iliamna, the largest lake in Alaska and the third largest in the United States. The main lodge overlooks the lake and consists of both the dining table and areas to relax, even including a pool table. Guest accommodation consists of two newly made chalet’s, each with a pair of queen sized beds in each along with en suite bathrooms. There are 3 additional older cabins, all equally spacious, also en suite and with large double beds.

 Each evening the options as to where and what to fish for will be laid out to the groups, typically two pairs of anglers and guides departing to a particular river system each day. Flights might range from 15-45 mins to most of the locations with the two floatplanes being the main transport workhorses.

As with any lodge involving fly-out trips poor weather can create delays however there are several excellent locations within easy reach of the trucks and towed boats so you will never be stranded without the opportunity for good fishing. Jerry Jacques the lodge owner is the principal pilot who has logged a vast number of Alaskan flying hours alongside 5 years’ service flying in Afghanistan. He is meticulous in both his flight planning and safety.

Chinook (King) Salmon

The biggest of the Pacific salmon, they got their name by default. They are the ultimate freshwater challenge and once you have hooked a fresh from the sea silver king salmon on a fly rod it will recalibrate the way you play fish.

Coho (Silver) Salmon

The main run in Bristol Bay starts in August and runs strong throughout September. They average 10-12 lbs and arrive into the Bristol Bay drainage silver bright. They are both aggressive, chasing down surface flies and a fantastic fighting fish, especially so on a fly-rod.

Chum (Dog), and Sockeye (Red) Salmon

Chum are willing to slam almost any fly offered like a speeding freight train and can strip every single inch of backing off your reel and send you leaping for the boat in a single bound. They are faster than the speediest large arbor pick up and unable to accept the concept of QUIT... what more could an adventurous angler wish for?

Sockeye pound for pound are one of the hardest fighting and the most aerial of the five pacific salmon. The run in the Bristol Bay accounts for just under 50% of the world’s total run. Though at times coaxing a red to eat presents a formidable challenge, once hooked these acrobats prove it time after time. They are also the most sought after salmon to eat and the numbers mean that taking fish to both eat at the lodge or to take home, smoked or frozen is a treat many take advantage of.

During the peak of the Sockeye run bears make good use of this incredibly abundant food source. It is very common to see them on the river bank and whilst guides respect the bears they, the bears, are typically far more interested in fishing than you are! For non-fishers there is the option to go on a dedicated trip to Brooks Falls, world renown for the spectacular bear viewing however the lodge is happy to arrange any different number of trips from kayaking, hill walking and specifically nature and bear photography trips alongside and or independently from the fishing groups.

Guests require to take the Air Iliamna Flight from the local air terminals side on the opposite side of the runway from Ted Steven International airport. Most hotels operate a taxi service which will take you there directly. Flight time to Iliamna is approx. 1 hr and from there you will be collected and driven a short 7 miles to the lodge.

Although it is possible to depart for your international flight the day of departure it is important to leave 4-5 hours from your arrival time back into Anchorage to offset any potential weather delays which are relatively commonplace in Alaska.