Fishing the Alaskan Interior

This small (8 guests max.) family-run fly-in lodge in the Alaskan interior is distinguished from other Alaska lodges by the remote, untouched river systems they can that fish. They’re the only lodge in Alaska that owns two helicopters for exclusive use by their guests. Located 80 miles west of Anchorage, surrounded by nothing but a valley of mountains, they fish streams rarely seen by other anglers.

Waterfall Resort is a large (52-acre), luxury all-inclusive resort on Prince of Wales Island on the edge of the Tongass National Forest. Fantastic fishing here, superb food, upscale accommodations; overall and a really nice place and fantastic value.

Angler’s Alibi is a “high-end” remote fishing camp that doesn’t feel like a typical rustic fishing camp. Tents that feel like a building (carpeted wood floors!), electric perimeter fence and fantastic food prepared by world-class chef. We especially like the low 2:1 guest-to-guide ratio. Their location on the tidewater section of the Alagnak River means great fishing right off the shoreline and the dock. With all this, extremely reasonable prices mean high value, and that’s why we awarded it our Editor’s Choice.

Luxurious accommodations, brand new 24ft boats and a 5-star (avg!) rating from dozens of past guests…Fireweed Lodge is a hidden gem located on the west coast of Prince of Wales Island. It’s so easy to recommend because we can’t be more certain that you’ll find it a fantastic value and that you’ll absolutely enjoy your fishing vacation here.

Operating under rare permits within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, this Cooper Landing-based freshwater and saltwater fishing operation offers accommodations at any of 4 different local inns, B&Bs and resorts. Owner and lead guide Mike Adams knows his stuff, and their avg. 5-star rating from over 120 past guests back that up. Save an average of USD$112.75 per person when you book through fishlodges.com

Alaska’s Bearclaw Lodge is in Bristol Bay and is a full-service, family-owned lodge in Alaska that offers the finest amenities for your trip. Despite being in the heart of the Alaska bush (with a spectacular backdrop of mountains), you can choose a main cabin or camp experience, and both are quite deluxe. The fishing goes without saying!

Alaska’s Anvik River Lodge claims to be “Alaska’s most remote lodge”, and while we can’t be certain of that, it is pretty darn remote, and the only fishing lodge on all 120 miles of Anvik River. It will be just you, the other guests and lots of wildlife (grizzlies, moose, wolves, otters, beavers, eagles, osprey, and of course a whole lot of fish!) It feels like your own private fishing reserve! Add to this a very comfortable lodge, and the fact that absolutely everything’s included (even an open bar and the flight from Anchorage) and you have an ideal fishing vacation.

Elfin Cove Resort is perfect for a larger group, with a recently renovated lodge nestled in be beautifully lush surroundings. The boats are big (30′ to 36′) and comfortable, with no more than 4 guests per boat, giving you lots of space. Captain Mike is also very experienced, and his team all provide exceptional service.

Yes Bay Lodge is the place to take your family. It’s a family-run operation, and the owners are some of the nicest, most caring people you’ll ever meet. The dining is fantastic, the accommodations top-notch, and the fishing is as plentiful as any other location in the Southeast (with very comfortable boats, too!).

Very comfortable, private cabins surrounding a lodge built by the owners. One owner is a professional chef, and the high-end meals reflect this. Very highly rated, and an outstanding location for salmon, grayling and trout fishing make this an exceptional, all-inclusive value.

Island Point Lodge is unique in that they focus on unguided fishing only—this saves you a lot of money if you don’t need (or want to pay for) a guide. Boats are provided for as long as you want, and given the prime location where there’s really no unproductive spot, we’d have to say that as long as you know what you’re doing, this is the place you’re going to haul in the most fish (yet feel totally relaxed a the end of the week since you can take your time and fish when you want).

Port Lions Lodge is a premier, full-service Kodiak Island lodge that offers comfortable accommodations, first-class family style dining, and breathtaking views of the stunning natural beauty of Kizhuyak Bay and the Kodiak Mountains.

These multi-day wilderness float fishing trips are for the hard-core anglers (of all experience levels) who demand world-class freshwater fly fishing with extraordinary attention to detail and some of the finest guides in the business. Fish on remote rivers (Arolik, Kanektok, Goodnews, Togiak, Alagnak, Moraine and more) at the peak of the salmon runs or during times when availability is highest for native species like the rainbow trout. You’ll also have increased time on the water (after all you couldn’t be any closer to the fishing as you’ll camp right on the river at the best available fishing holes) and cover more water, where jet boats and airplanes simply cannot go.

Kodiak Big Timber offers world-class fishing for halibut, lingcod, all five species of salmon, rockfish, and more are available just minutes away. Elk, Sitka Blacktail Deer, Foxes, and the world-famous Kodiak Brown Bears make their home here with us on Raspberry Island. Hunters, fishermen, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts can quickly immerse themselves in nature. Our on-suite cabins offer breathtaking views plus all the comforts of home! Our staff prides itself on our service and professionalism. We want our clients to feel welcomed as part of the Big Timber Family while they are here. Note: Under new management. Veteran Operated

Wilderness Place Lodge prides itself in offering the highest level of customer service and hospitality. Their river is a postcard-perfect, clear-water tributary offering fantastic fishing for all salmon species, rainbow trout and arctic grayling. Their modern cabins provide the utmost comfort, and the meals are top-notch. Overall, excellent value here.

Kodiak Island Resort is a remote, world-class sportfishing lodge on the western side of Kodiak Island, adjacent to world famous Katmai National Park. Small groups (max 8 guests) allow them flexibility to facilitate each guest’s personal needs and requests. Outstanding fishing, magnificent scenery, abundant wildlife and four-star service, plus they pride themselves in treating guests like family. Save an average of USD$174.80 per person when you book through fishlodges.com.

In a remote location on The Nushagak River in Bristol Bay, Alaska. The Nushagak River is home to one of the the largest King Salmon runs anywhere in Alaska. River King Outfitters provides mind blowing, uncrowded, world class fishing on traditional tackle & on the fly.

Only open for a few weeks during the prime time of the bountiful Salmon runs, this fishing camp is all about the fish. Lots of strong, energetic king, chum and sockeye salmon in almost unimaginable numbers.

Glacier Bay Eagles Nest Lodge is one of the best lodges on the site to go if you are serious about catching massive halibut. It’s just outside Gustavus, Alaska, which is known for having the world’s best halibut fishing. Giant halibut over 400 pounds have been caught, and halibut from 100-300 pounds are caught on a regular basis. Their boats average a 100lbs.+ fish per boat per day. If you want to catch all five species of salmon and/or gigantic halibut, this is the place for you.

McDougall Lodge is located on a mile long slough, where the Lake Creek waters runs into and meets the glacier waters of the Yentna River in front of the lodge. Thousands of all 5 species of Salmon come into the clean Lake Creek waters directly in front of the lodge to clean their gills. This is one of the best salmon fisheries in Alaska, though there’s also plentiful graylings and rainbow trout. Vacations are all-inclusive with flights from Anchorage included.

Completely off the grid and rustic, Driftwood Wilderness Lodge offers an incredibly remote, yet all-inclusive experience without having to travel that far (Kodiak Island is relatively easy to get to). There’s a fantastic saltwater fishery, with catch limits greater than elsewhere in Alaska. Owner Nick Blanco built the lodge by hand himself, and his enthusiasm for the healing power of the wilderness is apparent, as is his knowledge of where to find abundant fish to fill your freezer. Extremely reasonably priced, and a fantastic value for what you get. Save an average of USD$99 per person when you book through fishlodges.com.

The newly-remodeled Lodge at Otter Cove offers first-class lodging experience with a heart of hospitality. Owner Joe Chmeleck has over 35 years in the hospitality business and is a certified trained chef (so the meals are absolutely first-class). All-inclusive packages include the choice of one adventure per day: full-day fishing, hiking, or kayaking (bear watching is also available). Fishing is provided through a local charter operator partner provide experienced captains with 40+ years of local knowledge.

The cabins at St. Theresa’s Lakeside Resort are known for their rustic but luxurious quality. They are fully furnished, large, comfortable, and clean, and minutes away from all the great salmon, halibut, and trout fishing one could dream of. The resort is located upon 25 acres of the beautiful lake shore, with views of nature that exceed the scenic surroundings of other Soldotna lodging choices.

Bright and spacious oceanfront guest rooms featuring private balconies overlooking the famous Mt. Edgecumbe volcano. Fantastic meals, a cozy bar and sauna round out the five-star accommodations. High-end, 30-foot walkaround boats and top quality gear. Friendly, experienced guides round out the offering. Add to that super-easy access from Sitka. This is not a remote fishing vacation, but if you don’t mind a more “urban” feel to your trip, there is excellent value here.

At the Alagnak Lodge you will enjoy an adventure that is all about you. This is a wilderness fishing lodge on tidal waters where the genetically pure salmon arrive on the incoming tides. We provide everything you need so you can make wonderful lifelong memories. Our mission is to deliver to you the wonderful experience you seek at a great value. You will have a lot of control over how you spend your days.

Kodiak Wilderness Adventures features probably the most comfortable lodge on Kodiak Island, and all the amazing fishing that Kodiak Island is known for, including some truly gargantuan halibut. But their best feature may in fact be their custom-built 38′ sport fishing boat “Amy Lorese”. Given that you’ll be spending 80%+ of your fishing vacation on Kodiak Island on the water, this is something to definitely consider.

Naukati Bay Adventures is small but perfect for a larger group where you could have the whole place to yourself with a fairly high-end, 4-bedroom, 3 bath private lodge for your group. The service you’ll get is impeccable. The owners put a focus on a level of personalized service that you won’t find elsewhere in the Southeast. Fishing close to the reefs and kelp beds allows fishing shallow and with light tackle, bringing the fish fighting experience to the next level.

Jake’s Nushagak Salmon Camp is all about the fish. Not only are they right on the world-famous Nushagak river, but their whole operation revolves around catching huge numbers of huge King and Silver salmon. Comfortable tents, hearty meals, and that’s about it…except for very knowledgable guides and and an “it’s YOUR trip” philosophy. With 19 hours of daylight in the summer, you really won’t find any place where you can catch more.

The Kenai Riverside Fishing Lodge is situated right on the banks of the Upper Kenai River. Newly renovated, it offers 8 cabins with rustic Alaskan pioneer charm, but modern comforts (heat, electricity, private baths). They specialize in offering very flexible activities—from hardcore, day-long salmon and halibut fishing to other recreational activities like hiking, sightseeing and rafting, or any combination. They also include return transportation from Anchorage in their prices, making the value of their fishing packages quite good.

Situated on one of the most iconic sections of the Alagnak river known as the “Upper Braids”, Alaska Trophy Adventures Lodge is another really remote lodge that provides a whole lot of luxury, and great prices translating into considerable value. The property consists of 160 acres of prime river frontage, so it’s guaranteed to be uncrowded. They are only accessible via bush plane, and have their own landing strip.

Green Rocks Lodge is one of few options for unguided fishing in Southeast Alaska. They’re in a terminal fishery, which means their bag limit is 2 King salmon over 28 inches and 2 halibut (no size restriction) per day. They fish in protected, shallow waters (40-90 ft.) and their prices are quite reasonable. Overall, if your primary goal is to take home a lot of fish and don’t require a guide, there’s great value here.

Lots of flexibility in trip packages Halibut; Kings: Sockeye; Trophy Rainbows no pre built packages your vacation you choose the species!! and accommodations is what sets Salmon Catcher Lodge apart (not to mention a 5-star rating TripAdvisor rating from well over 100 past guests). They must be doing something right! This is a drive-in lodge, with easy access from Anchorage or Kenai.

Kenai River Recon offers expertly guided fishing trips on Alaska’s famous Kenai and Kasilof rivers for salmon and rainbow trout fishing. Its easy drive-in access make it a good a good entry point to Alaska fishing before venturing into wilder areas like Bristol Bay or Kodiak. Although meals aren’t included, the accommodations are very comfortable, the gear is new and top-notch, and the 5.0 average rating is no doubt primarily due to guide Sean Smart’s friendliness and experience.

This is pretty much a quintessential fishing lodge, a very remote lodge in the heart of Alaska bush country on the Holitna River. The lodge has hosted fishing trips for such notable figures as George Bush Sr., Chuck Yeager and Dave Dravecky. The Holitna river system is said to contains more species of fishthan almost any other system in Alaska (and Alaskan Adventures holds five world line records for Northern Pike & Sheefish).

In addition to a more traditional lodge experience (but perhaps still incomparable, as it’s deluxe in every way despite being exceptionally remote), Fishhound Expeditions offers something fairly unique: multi-day, fly-in, float expeditions into wild Alaska.