Alaska Fishing Guides

Ketchikan, Alaska is a prime destination for Halibut fishing. Located on the southern coast of the state, the waters around Ketchikan are home to some of the largest Halibut in the world, and Captain William and his 28' Hewes Craft fishing vessel are ready to take you to find one! As you board the boat, Captain William will give you a quick briefing and then it's time to hit the water. He knows all the best spots in the area and will take you to the most productive fishing grounds. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, Captain William will provide everything you need for a successful day of fishing, including top-of-the-line fishing equipment and bait. Halibut are bottom-dwelling fish, so you'll be using heavy tackle and bait to target them. Captain William will show you the proper techniques for catching these bottomfeeders and will provide expert guidance throughout the trip. The thrill of reeling in a massive Halibut is unmatched, and you'll have the chance to catch fish weighing up to two hundred pounds! As you fish, you'll be surrounded by stunning scenery. Ketchikan is located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, and the area is teeming with wildlife. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, seals, and even whales as you fish! At the end of the day, Captain William will clean and fillet your catch, so you can take it home to enjoy a delicious meal. A charter fishing trip with Captain William is the ultimate outdoor adventure and a great way to experience the beauty and bounty of Ketchikan, Alaska. In addition, Captain William is able to vacuum-pack and freeze your fish if you want to ship it home. Just ask! Read More

This is the perfect trip for anglers looking to experience the true, remote, and rugged Alaskan Wilderness in its pristine beauty! Fly out to a beautiful lake or stream for this fabulous 8-hour trip where you'll be targeting some Pike, with opportunities to catch Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling and Lake Trout. These lakes are located high in the Talkeetna Mountains, providing wonderful views and abundant wildlife. Dave will take you out to the best spot depending on water conditions and where the fish are biting! This is a fully guided adventure. Your trip includes an experienced guide, all fishing gear (but feel free to bring your own), wade boots, and round-trip 45 minute fly-outs. Just make sure to bring your chest waders, snacks/lunch, and a fishing license. If you're looking to make a multi-day trip, cabin rentals are available upon request. Tight Lines! Read More

For those seeking the ultimate Alaska wilderness fishing adventure, we have the float trips. For these, we fly into the remote headwaters of some of the most productive salmon and trout rivers on the planet, in southwest Alaska (see Where We Fish link), hundreds of miles from real civilization, for exciting multiday float/fish/camp safaris down crystal-blue rivers filled with fish. Using SOTAR (State of the Art Raft) inflatable drift boats, we float silently through lonely alpine valleys, canyons, rolling tundra, and forested lowlands−sanctuaries of solitude, where man’s world is but a dream. Amazingly productive sight fishing for salmon, rainbow trout, charr and grayling is yours to enjoy at a leisurely pace as you serenely drift along, taking time to stop and fish secret holes, or stretch legs with a short hike to take pictures, view wildlife, pick berries or just admire the magnificent surroundings. The trips are done with small groups (4-6 average, 8 people max), led by the best river guides in the business (guide to client ratio of 1:2 usually on these trips), who will assist you any way they can to ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment. You will make camp along the river each evening at a great fishing spot, allowing for maximum time to enjoy your sport (unlike at the fishing lodges where your day ends at the dinner call.) Meals on these trips are hearty and wholesome and include superb, grilled fish lunches and dinners, fresh from Alaska’s cold, clean waters. Floating silently in rafts through the heart of these wild rivers allows for a much more intimate experience of Alaska’s fabled backcountry than is possible staying in a lodge or permanent tent camp. Wildlife encounters−bears, moose, caribou, wolves and countless waterfowl− along these remote rivers are extraordinary, so be sure to bring a good camera and moderate telephoto lens. As you will be getting in and out of the rafts and wading and casting in moderate to swift flowing waters, you should be in good physical condition. The season for these float fishing expeditions runs from mid-June to mid-September. What We Provide: All necessary camping and rafting equipment (except your personal gear and fishing equipment), meals, guides, transportation from and back to point of departure in southwest Alaska (Aniak, Bethel or Dillingham). Accommodations: Deluxe tent camps along the river Not Included: You must bring your own personal gear and fishing equipment (we will send you a detailed list of our gear recommendations upon booking). You are responsible for flight arrangements from Anchorage to and from southwest Alaska (we will tell you the specific point of departure to book your flight to). Also not included are hotel and meal costs incurred by extended layovers due to weather or other factors beyond our control, fishing licenses, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities. Tour Length & Price: 7 days/6 nights, $4200/person, all-inclusive from POD. Sample Float Trip Itinerary: Arrive in Anchorage late afternoon or early evening the day before start of expedition; check into hotel, then meet with guides that evening to go over gear and any last minute instructions. Day 1: Depart Anchorage for Southwest Alaska early AM. Weather permitting, fly out to headwaters in late morning or early afternoon. Depending on time, either set up camp and spend leisurely late afternoon-evening fishing around camp or launch rafts and begin float fishing adventure. Day 1-6: Float, fish and camp, making your way down river, setting up final camp on evening of the 6th day. Day 7: Spend morning fishing around camp, while guides break down gear and prepare for pickup. Pick up and return to point of departure in early afternoon. Catch early evening flight back to Anchorage, then red-eye back home or spend night in Anchorage hotel with return to home the following morning. Read More

Katmai Trophy Lodge is located on the banks of the famed Naknek River, perfectly situated on the edge of tide water, giving us quick access to both ocean- fresh salmon and the trophy rainbow trout fishing that the Naknek is famous for. This is a full-service fishing lodge in the heart of Bristol Bay just two miles outside the boundary of the world- renowned Katmai National Park. You may have heard that the Bristol Bay watershed is home to the largest runs of salmon in the world. A lesser known fact is that it is also Alaska’s only designated “Trophy Rainbow Trout” area. The river system starts in the snow-capped mountains of Katmai National Park flowing down through our beautiful chain of lakes, through rolling tundra hills, ending with the Naknek flowing into the Bering Sea. This unspoiled nutrient rich environment enables the fish to grow to incredible size. With salmon runs that number in the millions, Trout and Char that grow well over 30”, and some of the best bear viewing in the world, this trip is a true outdoor enthusiast's paradise! Bristol Bay is home to some of the largest runs of salmon in the world; You'll get to target the giant Rainbow Trout, Char and the rare and beautiful Grayling that inhabit these fertile waters. The fishing portion of your trip will be spent on the water with your guide, which is why the guides at Katmai Trophy Lodge take great pride in providing their guests with some of the best fishing guides in Bristol Bay. All of their guides are expert fly fishermen in their own right, able to instruct you in the latest techniques, provide you with the best in tackle and flies and help you succeed in having the best fishing experience possible. Their boats and fishing gear are customized to give you the greatest chance for success and feature products from Orvis, Simms, StealthCraft and Koffler Boats, Scott and Temple Fork Fly Rods and Hatch fly reels. They consider the famous Brooks River and Falls a must-see attraction, which is why they have included a trip to Brooks in every one of the standard packages. The Brooks River offers world class trout fishing in a small stream setting, and a tremendous sockeye salmon run that feeds an entire ecosystem, including a few dozen of the world’s largest bears. So make sure to bring your camera! The guides at Katmai partner with Branch River Air and their meticulously maintained fleet of float planes to offer fly out packages to the other famous Bristol Bay destinations like the American, Alagnak, Nushagak, Moraine, Ugashik and Kulik as well as many of the small gems hidden around the more remote sections of southwest Alaska. **Tour Length & Price:** 7 day "Standard" package - $4,995 per person It includes 7 nights lodging and meals and 6 days of guided fishing, including 1 day of guided fishing/bear viewing on the famous Brooks River. 7 day "Best of Bristol Bay" package -$6,595 per person This package adds 3 guided float plane fly-outs (weather dependent) to our standard package. 7 day “Unlimited” Package - $6,995 per person. Includes 6 days of guided fishing anyplace your heart desires (weather dependent). River, fly-outs, day raft trips? We’ve got you coved. Minimum of 2 people needed to book this package. This package includes guided fishing anywhere you and your fishing partner(s) choose each day with the only limitation being to keep the float plane flight under 45 minutes one way. **Lodging:** This classic riverfront log lodge features two stories of glass looking out on the beautiful Naknek River. Dinner is prepared by a professional chef featuring Alaskan favorites like salmon, halibut, Alaskan clams and reindeer. Evenings can be spent tying flies and swapping fish stories in the comfortable great room or in your private room or cabin. The rooms feature amenities like full time electricity, a mini-fridge, individually controlled heat, log furniture and a private bathroom with shower. **Daily Routine:** Each evening at dinner your guides will discuss the fishing options available for the next day. You will then choose the option that sounds the best to you and, weather permitting, they will make it happen. One of the most challenging parts of your trip might very well be trying to decide whether to fly out to one of the many rivers across Bristol Bay or stay closer to home to chase giant rainbows, catch another limit of salmon, jet boat up one of the Naknek tributaries, or jump on one of our larger boats to explore Naknek Lake and the many small streams that feed into it or boat over to Brooks Falls. For those of you that believe in the old adage that variety is the spice of life, Katmai Trophy Lodge is the perfect destination. If you so choose, you can target a different fish on a new river with a different technique every day. Here is what your schedule will look like: Breakfast at 7am Fishing at 8am Lunch on the water around noon Dinner at 6:30pm Quiet time after 10pm **What's Included:** Pick up and drop off at King Salmon Airport US Coast Guard and ADF&G licensed guides Breakfast and Dinner at the main lodge Grilled or packed shore lunch All necessary flies and lures All terminal fishing gear, rods and reels Cleaning and Vacuum packing of salmon for flying home Linens, comforter, private bathroom with hot/cold water. Daily maid service Waders and wading boots are available but are limited in size. **Not Included:** Flights to and from King Salmon Fishing on Saturday Alcohol Taxes ($161 USD) Fishing License and King Stamp Tips for staff and guides Fish Box or Cooler (insulated fish boxes can be purchased at the lodge for $20) **What to Bring:** At Katmai Trophy Lodge they will do their best to provide everything you need, but they also recognize that catching a fish on your own rod with your own fly is a truly special experience. Throughout the Summer the selection of flies and lines do change but here is a list of essentials that are always going to be good to bring along: Breathable Waders with non felt sole wading boots. You will fish from boats quite a bit but waders are going to be required to fish most days in order to be the most effective. A good Wading Jacket or Rain Jacket. It rains most days in Bristol Bay and a good jacket will make those rainy days just as pleasant as the sunny days. Layers. Most days your guides start off with a fleece jacket or a puff coat and if it is June, July, or August they might take a couple layers off, but it is always better to be able to take a layer off than to need an extra layer and not have it. A Backpack to bring along everyday to keep your fly boxes and extra layers in or even to shed that rain jacket when the sun peaks out. **If You Bring Your Own Fly Rod and Equipment:** 5 or 6 weights for small streams and fly outs. They typically rig them with an indicator to nymph with or just a standard 9 ft leader and a small streamer or mouse. The Flies they use vary as the seasons change but they like to use traditional nymphs as well as dry flies for most of the summer until the eggs start flowing and then they replace the dry flies with Beads. The beads they use are in 6, 8, and 10mm sizes and they usually will stay in the more natural colors. With lighter rods they do like to throw streamers and mice. Medium size streamers with stinger hooks and cone or bead heads are very useful because they will sink with a floating line. 7 or 8 weights for the Naknek river or Larger rivers. You will fish these on the main river with Floating line or a 250 or 300 grain sink tip and streamers or floating line and indicator. Flies for the main river include a lot of streamers with love jointed and stinger hook streamers because these rainbows love to tail nip, but the Naknek river in a 1 hook river to remember to trim your front hook. Flies like Sex dungeons, string leeches, and dolly lamas are all must haves. 9 weights for salmon. If you are fishing for Kings they rig these up with 350 grain or heavy sink tips and big bright flies. If you are targeting Silvers or Chums then they run a floating line and bright flies as well. For Sockeye they nymph them with bottom bouncing rigs with either shooting line or floating line. Intruder style flies are the go to for them when targeting all of the salmon except sockeye. Pink, orange, chartreuse with weighted eyes and a stinger hook, and bright dolly lamas with the heaviest cone heads. When targeting Sockeye they use large nymphs with strong hooks, as these fish will bend hooks no problem. Pheasant tails, wooly buggers, egg flies, and all of the classic Salmon and Steelhead nymphs all work great. Spey rods; They love the 2 hand game at KTL and they like to run 7 or 8 weight spey rods for trout with a skagit head and a sink tip and sculpin or leech style flies almost all summer and fall. They also will run 8 or 9 weight spey rods for Kings with skagit heads and bright intruder flies. Read More

Ketchikan, Alaska is a picturesque fishing town located on the southern coast of the state. It is known for its abundant Salmon population and offers some of the best Salmon fishing in the world. Captain William and his 32' Crozier Craft fishing vessel are ready to take you on an unforgettable fishing adventure. As you board the boat, Captain William will give you a quick briefing—then it's time to hit the water. He knows all the best spots in the area and will take you to the most productive fishing grounds. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, Captain William will provide everything you need for a successful day of fishing, including top-of-the-line fishing equipment, lures, and bait. As you cast your line, you'll be surrounded by stunning scenery of southeastern Alaska. Ketchikan is located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, and the area is teeming with wildlife. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, seals, and even whales as you fish for Salmon! Captain William will provide expert guidance and instruction throughout the trip, teaching you the best techniques for catching salmon. You'll have the opportunity to catch a variety of salmon species, including King (Chinook), Silver (Coho), and Pink Salmon. All of these species are delicious pan fried, grilled, or even fresh as sushi! Captain William and his expert guides Kevin and Landon go above and beyond to make sure everything is taken care of on the day of your trip. Beyond providing all the expert experience and guidance, they will also supply: all fishing gear, tackle and bait, Bottled Water & Sodas, Rain ponchos & rain gear, all Required USCG approved safety gear, and delivery of your catch the fishing processor! Their boats come fully loaded with fuel, an enclosed cabin with heater, and full standing bathroom as well. Captain William and his team can also arrange the shipping for your catch after it has been processed. They use overnight shipping via FedEx, cost is typically around 2.50$/lb of filet plus boxing and shipping. The fish are waiting—get out there and set some hooks! Read More

Katmai Trophy Lodge is located on the banks of the famed Naknek River, perfectly situated on the edge of tide water, giving us quick access to both ocean- fresh salmon and the trophy rainbow trout fishing that the Naknek is famous for. This is a full-service fishing lodge in the heart of Bristol Bay just two miles outside the boundary of the world- renowned Katmai National Park. You may have heard that the Bristol Bay watershed is home to the largest runs of salmon in the world. A lesser known fact is that it is also Alaska’s only designated “Trophy Rainbow Trout” area. The river system starts in the snow-capped mountains of Katmai National Park flowing down through our beautiful chain of lakes, through rolling tundra hills, ending with the Naknek flowing into the Bering Sea. This unspoiled nutrient rich environment enables the fish to grow to incredible size. With salmon runs that number in the millions, Trout and Char that grow well over 30”, and some of the best bear viewing in the world, this trip is a true outdoor enthusiast's paradise! Bristol Bay is home to some of the largest runs of salmon in the world; You'll get to target the giant Rainbow Trout, Char and the rare and beautiful Grayling that inhabit these fertile waters. The fishing portion of your trip will be spent on the water with your guide, which is why the guides at Katmai Trophy Lodge take great pride in providing their guests with some of the best fishing guides in Bristol Bay. All of their guides are expert fly fishermen in their own right, able to instruct you in the latest techniques, provide you with the best in tackle and flies and help you succeed in having the best fishing experience possible. Their boats and fishing gear are customized to give you the greatest chance for success and feature products from Orvis, Simms, StealthCraft and Koffler Boats, Scott and Temple Fork Fly Rods and Hatch fly reels. They consider the famous Brooks River and Falls a must-see attraction, which is why they have included a trip to Brooks in every one of the standard packages. The Brooks River offers world class trout fishing in a small stream setting, and a tremendous sockeye salmon run that feeds an entire ecosystem, including a few dozen of the world’s largest bears. So make sure to bring your camera! The guides at Katmai partner with Branch River Air and their meticulously maintained fleet of float planes to offer fly out packages to the other famous Bristol Bay destinations like the American, Alagnak, Nushagak, Moraine, Ugashik and Kulik as well as many of the small gems hidden around the more remote sections of southwest Alaska. **Tour Length & Price:** 7 day "Standard" package - $4,995 per person It includes 7 nights lodging and meals and 6 days of guided fishing, including 1 day of guided fishing/bear viewing on the famous Brooks River. 7 day "Best of Bristol Bay" package -$6,595 per person This package adds 3 guided float plane fly-outs (weather dependent) to our standard package. 7 day “Unlimited” Package - $6,995 per person. Includes 6 days of guided fishing anyplace your heart desires (weather dependent). River, fly-outs, day raft trips? We’ve got you coved. Minimum of 2 people needed to book this package. This package includes guided fishing anywhere you and your fishing partner(s) choose each day with the only limitation being to keep the float plane flight under 45 minutes one way. **Lodging:** This classic riverfront log lodge features two stories of glass looking out on the beautiful Naknek River. Dinner is prepared by a professional chef featuring Alaskan favorites like salmon, halibut, Alaskan clams and reindeer. Evenings can be spent tying flies and swapping fish stories in the comfortable great room or in your private room or cabin. The rooms feature amenities like full time electricity, a mini-fridge, individually controlled heat, log furniture and a private bathroom with shower. **Daily Routine:** Each evening at dinner your guides will discuss the fishing options available for the next day. You will then choose the option that sounds the best to you and, weather permitting, they will make it happen. One of the most challenging parts of your trip might very well be trying to decide whether to fly out to one of the many rivers across Bristol Bay or stay closer to home to chase giant rainbows, catch another limit of salmon, jet boat up one of the Naknek tributaries, or jump on one of our larger boats to explore Naknek Lake and the many small streams that feed into it or boat over to Brooks Falls. For those of you that believe in the old adage that variety is the spice of life, Katmai Trophy Lodge is the perfect destination. If you so choose, you can target a different fish on a new river with a different technique every day. Here is what your schedule will look like: Breakfast at 7am Fishing at 8am Lunch on the water around noon Dinner at 6:30pm Quiet time after 10pm **What's Included:** Pick up and drop off at King Salmon Airport US Coast Guard and ADF&G licensed guides Breakfast and Dinner at the main lodge Grilled or packed shore lunch All necessary flies and lures All terminal fishing gear, rods and reels Cleaning and Vacuum packing of salmon for flying home Linens, comforter, private bathroom with hot/cold water. Daily maid service Waders and wading boots are available but are limited in size. **Not Included:** Flights to and from King Salmon Fishing on Saturday Alcohol Taxes ($161 USD) Fishing License and King Stamp Tips for staff and guides Fish Box or Cooler (insulated fish boxes can be purchased at the lodge for $20) **What to Bring:** At Katmai Trophy Lodge they will do their best to provide everything you need, but they also recognize that catching a fish on your own rod with your own fly is a truly special experience. Throughout the Summer the selection of flies and lines do change but here is a list of essentials that are always going to be good to bring along: Breathable Waders with non felt sole wading boots. You will fish from boats quite a bit but waders are going to be required to fish most days in order to be the most effective. A good Wading Jacket or Rain Jacket. It rains most days in Bristol Bay and a good jacket will make those rainy days just as pleasant as the sunny days. Layers. Most days your guides start off with a fleece jacket or a puff coat and if it is June, July, or August they might take a couple layers off, but it is always better to be able to take a layer off than to need an extra layer and not have it. A Backpack to bring along everyday to keep your fly boxes and extra layers in or even to shed that rain jacket when the sun peaks out. **If You Bring Your Own Fly Rod and Equipment:** 5 or 6 weights for small streams and fly outs. They typically rig them with an indicator to nymph with or just a standard 9 ft leader and a small streamer or mouse. The Flies they use vary as the seasons change but they like to use traditional nymphs as well as dry flies for most of the summer until the eggs start flowing and then they replace the dry flies with Beads. The beads they use are in 6, 8, and 10mm sizes and they usually will stay in the more natural colors. With lighter rods they do like to throw streamers and mice. Medium size streamers with stinger hooks and cone or bead heads are very useful because they will sink with a floating line. 7 or 8 weights for the Naknek river or Larger rivers. You will fish these on the main river with Floating line or a 250 or 300 grain sink tip and streamers or floating line and indicator. Flies for the main river include a lot of streamers with love jointed and stinger hook streamers because these rainbows love to tail nip, but the Naknek river in a 1 hook river to remember to trim your front hook. Flies like Sex dungeons, string leeches, and dolly lamas are all must haves. 9 weights for salmon. If you are fishing for Kings they rig these up with 350 grain or heavy sink tips and big bright flies. If you are targeting Silvers or Chums then they run a floating line and bright flies as well. For Sockeye they nymph them with bottom bouncing rigs with either shooting line or floating line. Intruder style flies are the go to for them when targeting all of the salmon except sockeye. Pink, orange, chartreuse with weighted eyes and a stinger hook, and bright dolly lamas with the heaviest cone heads. When targeting Sockeye they use large nymphs with strong hooks, as these fish will bend hooks no problem. Pheasant tails, wooly buggers, egg flies, and all of the classic Salmon and Steelhead nymphs all work great. Spey rods; They love the 2 hand game at KTL and they like to run 7 or 8 weight spey rods for trout with a skagit head and a sink tip and sculpin or leech style flies almost all summer and fall. They also will run 8 or 9 weight spey rods for Kings with skagit heads and bright intruder flies. Read More

Join Reubin for a memorable, action-packed fly fishing experience on Alaska’s beautiful Kenai Peninsula! Enjoy the peace and quiet while drifting down the river and casting lines. Reubin's trips take place in Soldotna, Alaska, the home of the famous Kenai River and world record King Salmon. The Kenai Peninsula and surrounding areas offer freshwater and saltwater sport fishing opportunities for both the novice fisherman and the lifetime angler! On this full-day trip, Reubin will drift you up and down the Kenai River as you enjoy the scenery and fly fish for Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Pink Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, and Steelhead. Whether it's your first time holding a fly rod or you have all the casting techniques down, Reubin will give you plenty of expert tips to help get one on the line! You'll be fishing aboard a 20' Willie Predator drift boat that can take up to 4 guests. Its 50 HP Yamaha motor will have no problem maneuvering you to where the fish are biting! This lightweight vessel comes equipped with GPS, Fishfinder and a Live Bait Well. Reubin will provide all rods, reels, and tackle. All you need to bring is an Alaska fishing license, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and any food or drinks you might want out on the water. Reubin loves Alaska and hopes to help you enjoy this special place. You’ll find his professional, down-home hospitality and his warm reception hard to surpass.Book your trip today and get ready to catch some serious Salmon! Read More

A deluxe 7-day trip to the best trophy rainbow river in Alaska is now available for under $7000 per person! Come experience the smolt migrations in June, the huge runs of salmon in July, the acrobatic silvers in August and the incredible trophy rainbow fishing in September. No longer will a trip to Alaska have to be ‘once in a lifetime’, because, according to Jim, a onetime shot of Alaska just isn’t going to get it done. No, for the true big fish junkie, once in a lifetime just isn’t enough. That is why the crew at Naknek River Camp has gone the extra mile to make Alaska affordable. If you're wondering why Jim gets away with listing this trip for half of most Alaska lodging/fishing trips, ret assured there is no catch; Jim keeps costs down by maintaining a family-run camp. His wife is head of housekeeping, the chef and a full time licensed guide. His older son, an avid fisherman and 4 time Michigan State Casting Champion, is Jim's right hand man around camp. His daughter has also been the Michigan State Casting Champion. She is the official camp photographer and the desert chef. And his youngest son is just starting his career as a fishing guide. His specialty is netting big salmon. Here are the several exciting species of fish you can expect to target depending on the time of year: **Early Season Fishing – June & July:** Smolting Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp. The rainbows concentrate on salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean. The best offerings include large rabbit strip and marabou leeches in black, olive and dark brown. NOT egg sucking leeches. Minnow imitations are also deadly in small to medium sizes. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In June, July and early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. Recommended Tackle: an 8 ½ to 10 foot fly rod for a 5-6 weight line. The WF floater is the most popular choice, although sink-tips (130 grain to 200 grain) will work as well. 3x to 5x tippets. Grayling at Idavain: This fishing starts out with a 1 mile hike to the better fishing grounds. Grayling are best fished with light tackle. I would use a 4 or 5 weight fly rod with a floating line. #12 and #14 adams, caddis and stoneflies (dry), small beadhead nymphs, leeches, woolybuggers and deer hair mice will all work here. Kings: These begin showing up mid-June, building throughout the month. Most of the fishing is down in the lower Naknek, where tide is important and the water is deep. Treble hooks are legal. By late July, they will begin moving into the rapids to prepare for spawning. Single Hook Only. Recommended Tackle: We have a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning, revolving spool and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, I would recommend a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. Sockeye: Chrome sockeye begin their trip from the ocean around June 20th. This migration continues until late July (timing varies, of course, depending on weather). Until the spawn in mid- August, sockeye will hold in slow pools and side channels. They are usually turning red by early August. Recommended Tackle: A 6-8 weight fly rod in 9’ to 11’ lengths with a Climax Zip Line is by far the best choice. A floating line with either a strike indicator or a few split shot will also work well. **Late Season Fishing – August & September:** Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp and in the rapids. The rainbows will still take salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean, but by far the biggest food source is salmon eggs. Sockeye eggs are 6mm, silvers and pinks are 8mm and kings are 10mm. Sometimes, oversize imitations work better. I like trout beads mottled beads in orange, dark roe and pinks in sizes 6mm – 12mm. Don’t forget #8 and #10 short shank hooks and toothpicks (or the clear plastic pegs). For leeches, I like articulated and bunny strip versions without eggs in front in black, olive, purple and flesh colors. Wool head sculpin also work well. Late in the season, flesh flies might be needed. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. By mid to late August, the sockeye spawning kicks in and 6mm – 8mm plastic beads are king. Margot Creek: This is some of the best arctic char/ dolly varden fishing around, along with a decent population of rainbows. The stream is full of sockeye spawning by mid August, so beads are at great bet here, with or without a fly following behind. All the same patterns listed for Brooks work well here as well. If the water is discolored, 10 and 12mm beads are deadly. The rest of the time, 6mm and 8mm work best. Silvers: By early August, silvers should be running into the Naknek on each high tide. Bright marabou streamers in purples and pinks and other bright colors, spinners in sizes 3-5 in pink, orange, chartreuse, and silver all work very well at times, as do wiggle warts in the same colors. Lots of local guides prefer jigs in 1/8 and 1/16 ounce in pink and purple, fished with or without an indicator. When they get spooky, however, nothing compares to a shooting line, a very small split shot or 2 and a small marabou streamer (like a woolybugger or PM Wiggler) in black, purple, pink, olive and cream, fished on 2x-3x fluoro. The best rods are 9 ½-10 ½ for a 7wt or 8wt. Line. I would want to have a shooting line, a floater and, possibly, a 200 to 300 grain sinking tip. For spinning, a 7 ½ med light rod, a reel with a smooth drag and 8 – 12 pound test line is best. Pinks: Every even year is a pink year on the Naknek, which means that 2012 will likely bring another strong run starting in July and continuing into mid-August. They are extremely aggressive, hitting all of the flies and lures listed for silvers, and then some. Small silver spoons and spinners work very well also. They are in the 3 to 6 pound range, and so can be a lot of fun on a little lighter tackle. Light spinning rods with 8 pound line or fly rods in the 5-7 weight range are perfect. Same lines as silvers. Kings: Early in August, the kings begin moving to their spawning areas, either up the feeder streams or in the rapids of the main stream. King season closes at the end of July, but many will be hooked throughout most of August. They must be immediately released, of course. Most of the spawning area is single hook only. Large streamers, small marabou streamers and large eggs all work well. Sockeye: Reds are thick in August and most of September. They are either spawning, or holding in slower seams waiting to spawn. The river and creek mouths around Naknek Lake will also be full of them. **Lodging:** The lodging for this trip includes hard sided cabins, real mattresses, a porch to enjoy the sunset and a hot shower at the end of the day. Also equipped with a nice kitchen to cook in, a dining room to enjoy great meals in, and a toilet in every cabin. Naknek River Camp also has a few conveniences that neither one of us expected to have in the Alaskan bush, including phone service for both us and our guests. There is road access to the towns of King Salmon and Naknek, offering medical services, a general store, groceries and even fishing and hunting supplies. **What's Included:** A private riverfront cabin, all food and meals in your own comfortable dining room, and transportation to and from the King Salmon Airport. The cabins include towels, pillows and linens. Just bring your PJ’s, your toothbrush, your fishing gear and your sense of adventure. Jim will supply everything else. **What to Bring:** Jim has a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, he would recommend: June & July: a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. August & September: a 7-9 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting and a 9 ½ for a 9 or 10 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ either a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line, a floating line with a strike indicator, or a Climax Zip line (or other suitable shooting line). Other equipment needed or recommended: Split shot in sizes b, bb and 3/0. Cone sinkers in 1/64th, 1/32nd, 1/16th, tapered leaders in 0x and 3x, fluorocarbon tippet in 2x – 5x, strike indicators in both 1 inch foam and yarn style, #12 black barrel swivels, forceps, nippers, floatant, brown or amber polarized sunglasses with strap, hat with brim, rain jacket, chest waders, wading belt, some like a wading staff, fleece pants, fleece sweater(s), wool socks, windproof fleece fingerless gloves, headnet, insect repellant, sun screen. REMINDER- felt soles are illegal in all of Alaska! Please make sure you have rubber soled wading boots. Read More

Our King Salmon Season kicks off with our early run on May 15th and will last all the way until the end of July. We fish from both Drift Boats and Power Boats and tailor our Fully Guided King Salmon Fishing Trips to the run timing and size. One day we could be fishing on the Kasilof River, and the next you’ll find us chasing them on the Kenai River. Our trips remain flexible so that we are able to provide our clients with the highest chance of success. Our team of guides are very proficient in both Fly Fishing and Conventional Fishing techniques. We offer Fly Fishing trips with a technique known as “Spey Fishing” using a two handed rod. When fishing with conventional gear for Kings, we use a variety of techniques based on the river levels and run timing, but a vast majority of that type of fishing will be done completely from the boat. We offer both half day (4 hours) and full day (8 hours) Guided Trips for King Salmon and all trips are “all-inclusive”, meaning we provide everything you need to fish with except for your licenses and stamps. After your trip, if you plan to keep fish, we will filet and prepare your catch for transport to the processor so that it can be packed and prepared to ship back home. Read More