Alaska Fishing and Wildlife Viewing Excursions
Alaska "The Great Land"
There is a reason the State motto is "The Last Frontier." Being the largest State in the Union provides many places to explore. Alaska is known the world over for its abundant fishing opportunities and wild scenic land.
We explore the Katmai National Park, which is known for its plentiful wildlife, intense weather, dramatic geologic processes, and remoteness.
The Katmai Wilderness is a dynamic and challenging land of spectacular scenic beauty which encompasses 3.4 million acres on the Alaska Peninsula, stretching from the Bristol Bay lowlands to the volcanic heartland of the Aleutian Range to the coastline of the Pacific Ocean.
This vast landscape also contains many pristine large lakes and rivers. Multi-lake watersheds extend from the heart of rugged mountains to expansive tundra. A productive sockeye salmon run draws more than 2,000 brown bears to feast in Katmai’s streams and rivers, an amazing place to experience the vast expanse that is "Alaska - The Great Land".
We offer a variety of options suited to your interests. Whether fishing for some of the world's largest fresh-water rainbow trout, or any one of the five species of salmon, or if you just want an opportunity to immerse yourself in the amazing scenery and roaming wildlife around you, this place is truly an unforgettable experience!
Activities:
Fly Fishing - Remote Day Fly-outs - Bear viewing - Hiking - Kayaking - Sight-seeing - Photo Safari - And much more can be included in your personally designed itinerary to Alaska.
We team-up with JOHNSON'S OUTDOORS, which has been hosting fishing groups and outdoor activities around the world since 1984. Since 2006, Johnson's Outdoors has been managing their Alaska lodges with top-notch guides and staff for all activities with equipment and accommodations that provide warm hospitality, great food, and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
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We offer two different options of experience:
- Naknek River Lodge (cozy riverfront cabins - max 30 clients)
- Katmai Trophy Lodge (cabins or private rooms in the lodge - max 16 clients)
- Both lodges offer similar activities: Fishing - Sightseeing - Wildlife Viewing - Many other outdoor activities.
Each location has its own unique character and staff that will provide personal attention to help you have a great experience.
We are glad to help you in planning your Alaska itinerary.
CLICK HERE TO FOR FISHING - OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
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Primarily fishing the Naknek River, that Fish Alaska Magazine has called the “Best trophy rainbow fishing in the State of Alaska”.
And we might add, and one of the best in the world.
Alaska - Naknek River Camp
Alaska - Naknek River Camp
Uniquely located on the Naknek River near the mouth of Naknek lake, Naknek River Camp is one of the very few lodging operations that are located inside of the world-famous Katmai National Park. With both boat and float plane access to all of the remote beaches, streams, waterfalls and rivers mouths, Naknek River Camp offers abundant opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.
Naknek River Camp provides a great hub for fishing some of the most productive waters in the world for trophy Rainbow Trout and abundant salmon, or for just enjoying outdoor activities surrounded by amazing landscapes and wildlife.
Naknek River Camp offers private riverfront heated cabins with bathroom and shower, dining building, group meeting building with tables, wi-fi, ice machine, a general place to hang out and share your day's adventure with others.
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Katmai Trophy Lodge
Katmai Trophy Lodge
Nestled in the heart of Bristol Bay, located near the world-famous Katmai National Park Alaska, Katmai Trophy Lodge is a classic riverfront log lodge offering a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.
The two-story glass windows provide stunning views of the beautiful Naknek River, immersing you in the serene Alaskan wilderness.
Whether chasing giant trophy trout or opportunities to see Alaska wildlife in a pristine environment, Katmai Trophy Lodge (KTL) offers great access to your next Alaska adventure.
The lodge has a great culinary experience as a professional chef prepares delectable dinners, featuring Alaskan favorites such as salmon, halibut, Alaskan clams, and reindeer. Each dinner is crafted to satisfy your appetite after a day of adventure.
In the evenings, relax and unwind in the comfortable great room, where you can tie flies, swap fish stories, or share your outdoor adventure with fellow guests.
Alternatively, retreat to your private room or cabin, equipped with full-time electricity, a mini-fridge, individually controlled heat, log furniture, and a private bathroom with a shower.
Come and experience the best of Alaskan hospitality at our riverfront log lodge, where every detail is designed to make your stay memorable.
KTL has both boat and float plane access to all of the remote beaches, streams, waterfalls and river mouths that offer abundant opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.
The lodge provides a great location for fishing some of the most productive waters in the world for trophy Ranbow Trout and abundant salmon, enjoying outdoor activities, or just hanging out on the large lodge deck, surrounded by amazing landscapes and wildlife.
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Activities - Naknek River Camp & Katmai Trophy Lodge
Fishing Adventures
Wildlife Viewing & and Other Activities
Fishing Adventures
Primary fish species present
Rainbow Trout - Dolly Varden Trout (Arctic Char) - Grayling - Sockeye Salmon (Reds) - Chinook Salmon (Kings) - Silver Salmon (Cohos) – Pinks (Humpies)
Where: Upper Naknek River and various tributaries - Naknek Lake and nearby streams - Remote fly-out streams.
Fishing Season: June - September
Early Season – June & July
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. Minnow imitations are also deadly in small to medium sizes.
Late Season – August & September
The rainbows will still take salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean, but by far the biggest food source is salmon eggs.
Salmon egg imitation (beads) sizes: Sockeye 6mm, silvers 8mm, and kings are 10mm. Sometimes, oversize imitations are more effective. Mottled beads in orange, dark roe and pinks in sizes 6mm – 12mm. Short shank hooks #8 and #10 and toothpicks (or the clear plastic pegs) to pin the egg bead above the hook.
Leeches are also very effective, articulated and bunny strip versions (without eggs) in black, olive, purple and flesh colors. Sculpin patterns are also very effective. Late in the season, flesh flies might be needed.
Gear
Wildlife Viewing & and Other Activities
Fishing Adventures
Gear:
All necessary flies and lures - rod and reel are provided by NRC (or you can bring your own if preferred)
Waders and wading boots are available but are limited in size (recommend bringing your own - NO FELT SOLES ALLOWED)
If bringing your own gear:
8 weight fly rod with floating line for main river Rainbows. Shooting line or zip line for sockeye. A sink tip line is also effective for streamers.
5 or 6 weight fly rods with floating line for small streams. Small streamers like wooly bugger and minnow patterns, dry flies, and mice.
(Conventional fishing gear can also be used, spin, bait cast)
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Wildlife Viewing & and Other Activities
Wildlife Viewing & and Other Activities
Wildlife Viewing & and Other Activities
Both Naknek River Camp & Katmai Trophy Lodge are conveniently located for access to the world-famous Katmai National Park and offers unique opportunities to photograph some of the largest bears in the world, as well as other wildlife that may be present.
Both Lodges have boat and float plane access to all of the remote beaches, streams, waterfalls and river mouths that offer abundant opportunities to see Alaska wildlife.
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ITS NOT JUST FISHING - SAMPLE OF OTHER ACTIVITIES
- Visit the famous Brooks Falls. a "must" for all Alaska visitors.
Home to the storied “fat bears” made famous by the Brooks Falls live Cam.
A trip to the falls to see and photograph these amazing bears feeding on migrating Sockeye Salmon is a unique experience that can be mesmerizing.
- Hike in to photograph one of the many small waterfalls that entice the bears too shy to visit the busy Brooks River Falls.
- Get on Naknek Lake and experience remote parts of Katmai National Park that few park visitors ever get a chance to see.
- Boat to the stunning Bay of Islands and see the rocky islands, pristine beaches and remote creek mouths.
- Visit remote beaches along the 45-mile long Naknek Lake where the only other tracks might be from a wolf, bear or possibly even a rare wolverine.
- A photo safari can be combined with any of our other activities.
WE CAN CUSTOM BUILD AN ITINERARY WITH VARIOUS ACTIIVITIES DEPENDING ON YOUR INTERESTS
All these options are included in NRC & KTL standard packages and include a U.S.C.G. Licensed captain and experience guide to show you around Katmai National Park.
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Standard package is Saturday to Saturday, with activities Sunday through Friday. If a shorter trip is all that fits your schedule, we can customize a shorter trip.