BIG KU LOdGE - Fly Water Travel

NEW
PROGRAM
Overlooking one of Alaska’s best trophy trout beats, Big Ku Lodge offers small groups the ultimate hub from which to access the state’s finest
rainbow fisheries. Photo: Ken Morrish
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Katmai region able to access these
edesigned as a jet boat camp, Big
Where small groups
remarkable systems by jet boat, Big
Ku is the most strategic and reaenjoy exclusive use
Ku guests will have the distinct
sonably priced rainbow program in the
of Alaska’s most
advantage of reaching their elected
greater Katmai/Iliamna region.
strategically located
water irrespective of weather restraints
Located in the heart of the greater
rainbow camp
that hamper the region’s aircraft based
Katmai/Iliamna region, the Branham’s
operations. For those who never get
Big Ku Lodge is Alaska’s most unique
enough time on the water, early morning and late
and strategically located trophy rainbow camp. Perched
night unguided fishing on the home water is both
on a bluff overlooking the outlet of Lake Kukaklek, Big
encouraged and expected.
Ku guests enjoy easy walking access to one of the best
Accommodations are in simple duplex cabins
beats of trophy rainbow water in the world, as well as
with private baths. Meals are served in the main lodge
three additional systems all accessed by jet boat.
overlooking the lake and river. For rainbow enthusiasts
Limited to six anglers per week, Big Ku Lodge is
who cherish small facilities, long hours on the water,
an intimate, remote, no frills camp that offers small
quality swing and spey fishing opportunities, true
groups of serious anglers the ultimate hub from which
value, and independence from aircraft, this “diamond
to fish the Big and Little Ku, Battle and Moraine
in the rough” is as good as it gets.
systems. Currently the only lodge in the greater
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Season: June –
September
Fish Species:
Rainbow trout, Dolly
Varden, grayling, pike
Lodge Capacity:
6 anglers
Rate: $4,650 per
person per week
Full Details: See
www.flywatertravel.com
Richard Berlin plucks another rainbow out from behind the sockeyes. Photo: Ken Morrish
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Season: June – September
Fish Species: Rainbow
trout, Dolly Varden, pike,
char, grayling
Lodge Capacity:
14 anglers
Rate: $7,950 per person
for a 7 night/6 day package
Full Details: See
www.flywatertravel.com
some of Alaska’s most experienced
trategically located on a 120 acre
Where serious rainbow
and productive guides including
inholding within the heart of Kathunters return to
Mike McCune, Scott O’Donnell,
mai National Park’s finest trout waters,
find the best guides
and Dave Goodhart.
Royal Wolf Lodge is one of Alaska’s
and fishing program
Idyllically set overlooking a
finest fly-out operations. In terms of
in Alaska
private lake, Royal Wolf features
location, Royal Wolf is hard to beat.
charming, rustic cabins with baths. Fine meals are
Short flying times to the region’s premier watersheds,
served in the comfort of the main lodge. For the
including the Moraine, Funnel, Big Ku, Battle, Ameriserious rainbow enthusiast, Royal Wolf Lodge is
can and the Kvichak, are guaranteed, as is quality home
without question one of the state’s premier destiwater in the event of poor flying conditions.
nations. As spaces are limited, early bookings are
Widely recognized for their strategic fishing proencouraged.
gram, Royal Wolf Lodge is also a “repeat” location for
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No See Um has set the standard for high end fly-out lodges for nearly 30 years. Photo: Ken Morrish
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One of Alaska’s finest
comfortable setting. The lodge is
ou will have stories to tell when
fly-out lodges for
centrally heated and each bedroom
you come home from this trip.
trophy rainbows and
has an excellent view of the river. In
Fish cartwheeling away and stealing
sea bright salmon
addition to exceptional cuisine, the
into your backing, bears growling
lodge has 24-hour electricity, phone
in the bushes, and enough solitude
service, hot tub and a classic wood fire sauna.
streamside to let you savor all that’s important —
Anglers access all of the Iliamna region’s finest
the feel of tundra beneath your feet, the croaking of
trout waters with the help of experienced pilots,
ravens in the distance, and the ebony spots in the
professional guides, impeccably maintained floatrainbow’s eye.
planes, and countless jet boats stashed away on all
Nestled on a private bluff overlooking the Kvichak
the best systems. Come and experience firsthand the
River, No See Um Lodge has ranked among the finest
incredible angling and unsurpassed service that have
Alaskan fly-out operations for over 20 years. The guest
exceeded the expectations of discriminating fly fishers
houses have a total of six bedrooms, each equipped
the world over. Spaces are limited so early reservations
with twin beds and a private bathroom. A lounge with
are required.
full complimentary bar and woodstove enhance the
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Season: June – September
Fish Species: Rainbow
trout, char, grayling, and
five species of salmon
Lodge Capacity:
12 anglers
Rate: $7,650 per person
for a 7 night/6 day package
Full Details: See
www.flywatertravel.com
Season: June – September
Fish Species: Rainbow
trout, char, grayling, pike
and salmon
Lodge Capacity: 12 anglers
Rate: $7,200 per person
for a 7 night/6 day package
Full Details: See www.
flywatertravel.com
The ultimate reward; a massive Kvichak rainbow. Photo: Royal Coachman Lodge
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Refuge, guaranteeing access to
ocated in the heart of the WoodA classic fly-out lodge
some of the best king and silver
Tikchik Park on the banks of
with a tremendous range
salmon fly water available in souththe Nushagak’s main tributary, the
and access to every
western Alaska.
Nuyakuk River, Royal Coachman
significant species
Private cabins for each pair of
Lodge offers access to exceptional
guests feature comfortable furniture and bathrooms
home waters as well as fly-out fishing to some of
with showers. The main lodge is tastefully furnished,
Alaska’s most scenic and least crowded trout and
with living room and dining room overlooking the
salmon waters.
Nuyakuk River. This beautifully situated, intimate
Royal Coachman features full time professional
lodge caters to twelve guests per week, ensuring
guides, two floatplanes, exceptional cuisine, friendly
complete flexibility in the fishing program and a high
staff, and great fishing. The lodge also holds several
level of personalized service throughout your stay.
exclusive permits in the Togiak National Wildlife
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Max Morrish learning the craft under the watchful eye of lodge owner Justin Johns. Photo: Ken Morrish
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An intimate, family run
escribing a place as unique
small streams for hearty rainbows,
operation,
perfect
for
and special as Fishing Bear
abundant artic char and large surfathers
and
sons
or
groups
Lodge is anything but easy. At its
face oriented grayling. In addition
wanting to step into
core this modest and endearing famto these smaller “under the radar”
the
Alaskan
Wilderness
ily run lodge offers its guests just the
systems, guests can enjoy late night
with both feet
right amount of “roughing it” and
trophy rainbow sessions on the
an opportunity to experience a remarkable diversity
renowned Agulapak. For dry fly enthusiasts, lovers
of true wilderness fly fishing.
of solitude and exceptional scenery, or families in
Backing up against the surreal spires of the
search of a memorable wilderness adventure and a
Wind River Range in the heart of southwest Alaska’s
rewarding introduction to the wonders of wilderness
1.6 million acres Wood-Tikchik State Park, Fishing
fly fishing, this is a place you will want to visit more
Bear employs jet boats to fish a host of seldom seen
than once.
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Season: June – early
October
Fish Species: Rainbow
trout, char, grayling,
pike, sockeye salmon
Lodge Capacity:
8 anglers
Rate: $3,600 per person
for a 6 night/6 day
package
Full Details: See
www.flywatertravel.com
Season: June – September
Fish Species: Rainbow
trout, five species of
salmon, char, grayling
Lodge Capacity: 22 anglers
Rate: $5,000 per person
for a 7 night/6 day package
Full Details: See www.
flywatertravel.com
Fly Water client Pete Laskier and guide Whitney Gould with another first week king. Photo: Ken Morrish
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he Alaska West camp offers
Alaska West is a large, luxuriThe ultimate base camp
for anglers seeking
anglers the best of the Kanekous tent camp set in the heart of
bright
salmon,
leopard
tok River — legendary mainstem
the lower Kanektok’s finest water.
rainbows,
and
spey
casting
fishing for sea-bright kings, chum,
Guests sleep in pairs in comfortinstruction
and silvers, and willow-lined side
able, wall tents with carpeted floors,
channels teeming with wild leopard bows, char, and
quality mattresses, heat and lighting. Hot showers,
grayling.
a large dining tent, a recreation tent, and a drying
The Kanektok is by all standards a remarkably
tent complete the scene. Anglers fish two per guide
diverse fishery, perfectly suited to both single hand
and move about the system in 18-foot jet boats.
and spey rod anglers and offers one of Alaska’s best
For those interested in getting a great taste of all
opportunities to target both king salmon and fresh
that Alaska has to offer without footing the bill for a
silvers with the fly. High catch rates, easy wading,
fly-out lodge, Alaska West is a proven crowd-pleaser
and open backcasts are the norm.
that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
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Season: June – mid-October
Fish Species: Rainbow trout,
char, grayling, halibut, five
species of salmon
Lodge Capacity: 16 anglers
Rate: $7,895 per person for
a 7 night/6 day package
Full Details: See
www.flywatertravel.com
Heading in after a day of coastal silver fishing. Photo: Rapids Camp Lodge
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viewing, clam digging, beachcombing
apids Camp Lodge is an easy to
The best equipped
and halibut fishing.
reach full service fly-out lodge
and most versatile
The lodge features eight comfortwith excellent home waters and one of
fly-out lodge
able double occupancy rooms with
the most diverse and exciting fishing
in the state
private baths, a friendly wine and
programs in Alaska. Seasoned hardbeer bar, two gourmet chefs, workout room, state
core fly anglers appreciate the wide range of water
of the art tackle and waders. With two Beavers and
the lodge frequents. This includes staples like the
a turbine Otter, handsome jet boats for the home
Moraine, Battle Creek, Contact Creek, Headwaters
water, and a saltwater boat located in the unparalCreek and the American River. Other prolific “under
leled Geographic Harbor, Rapids Camp has endless
the radar” rainbow fisheries mandate the use of a
options for all who visit. Whether you are after
wheel plane and sturdy walking legs. Additionally
silvers or kings, massive rainbows on the spey rod,
Rapids Camp Lodge is one of the few destinations
or a crack at wilderness rainbows that rarely see
equipped and willing to handle a wide range of
a fly, this is an operation that will keep you
eco-activities including flight seeing of the regions
coming back.
many glaciers and volcanoes, bear and wildlife
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Rafting an Alaskan wilderness river represents the ultimate in value and adventure. Photos: Ken Morrish
A leopard bow from the northern flows of the Kisaralik. Photo: Ken Morrish
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here is little doubt that a wilderness float trip represents one of greatest and most memorable adventures in the
world. At Fly Water Travel we are proud to work with three of Alaska’s premier outfitters including Beyond
Boundaries, Frontier River Guides and Ouzel Expeditions. Some of our favorite trips are outlined below.
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This 100 mile float through the wilds of the Togiak
Wildlife Refuge has become a standard by which other
float trips are measured. With exceptional guides, access to all five species of Pacific salmon, Dolly Varden,
grayling, and gorgeous “leopard bows,” this seven day
trip keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Rate: $4,590-$4,675 per person for a 6 night/7
day package
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For the serious rainbow hunter keen on a true wilderness adventure, few systems compare with American
Creek in the heart of the Katmai region. After landing
in an alpine lake, the expedition will float through
miles of productive pocket water, a steep canyon
with rapids, and then on into intricate braids, and
the long slicks of the lower river. The entire 36 miles
of river is home to numerous rainbows in the 18-24
inch class with fish in the 30 inch class taken each
season. Add to that lots of big dollies and bears and
you start to get the idea of what a trip down American
Creek is all about.
Rate: $4,150-$4,550 per person per week
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Transecting a wide range of ecosystems with several
portages, this float is a true wilderness adventure with
exceptional salmon runs as well as rainbow trout, Dolly
Varden, arctic char and arctic grayling. The upper
reaches of the river are exceedingly scenic and the fishing tends to improve each and every day with the last
forty miles consistently exceeding expectations.
Rate: $4,675 per person for a 7 night/8 day package
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For folks who want to get the entire Alaskan wilderness experience condensed into a five day float trip,
Lake Creek is our top pick. With a stunning backdrop
of Denali, wildlife, rapids and hearty populations of
rainbows and Pacific salmon, Lake Creek delivers.
Rate: $3,525-$4,350 per person per week
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Season: June – mid-October
Fish Species: Rainbow trout,
five species of salmon, Dolly
Varden, grayling
Lodge Capacity: 14 guests
Rate: $5,300 per person for a
4 night/5 day package (includes
approximately three days of
elected guided fly-out activities)
Full Details: See
www.flywatertravel.com
Tordrillo Mountain Lodge utilizes choppers to float and fish remote, seldom seen waterways. Photo: Tordrillo Mountain Lodge
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or years we have been on the
wake boarding, foil boarding,
Alaska’s premier multi-sport
lookout for a quality, multistand up paddling, bear viewing
lodge with remote helicopter
sport adventure lodge in Alaska’s
and flight seeing in the greater
fishing, hiking, skiing
southwestern interior. Our criteria
Denali/Tordrillo region.
and rafting — perfect for
were straightforward — quality
The 5,600 sq. ft. lodge
couples and families
wilderness fishing for trout and
features double occupancy rooms
salmon, as well as exceptional guided activities for
with private baths, exceptional meals, an impressive
non-anglers. This past season we finally found it!
wine list, and a full bar. After the day’s adventures,
Located on a scenic point overlooking Judd Lake
unwind in the lodge’s oversized wood fire hot tub
and the headwater of the fabled Talachulitna River, Torand lakefront sauna or treat yourself to a professional
drillo Mountain Lodge has everything we hoped for and
massage. Widely recognized as one of North America’s
more. Anglers enjoy ultra remote, guided heli-fishing
premier winter heli-skiing operations, Tordrillo’s
(walk and wade or inflatable kayak floats) for rainbow
acclaimed “Kings and Corn Adventure Trip” combines
trout, Dolly Varden, grayling and salmon, while nonspring heli-skiing with ultra productive, small stream
anglers can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, guided heli-hiking
fly-out fishing for king salmon. Early reservations
and heli-rafting adventures. Additional activities include
required.
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Season:
June – September
Fish Species: Five species
of salmon, Dolly Varden,
halibut and rockfish
Lodge Capacity:
14 guests
Rate: $5,050 per person
for a 5 night/5 1/2 day
package
Full Details: See
www.flywatertravel.com
Baranof owner and master outdoorsman Mike Trotter leading Max Morrish to one of his secret spots. Photo: Ken Morrish
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The ultimate venue for
eneath the jagged granite
anglers of all skill levels can walk
friends, families and
peaks, the cold blue ice
and wade remote wilderness
couples to experience the
fields, the natural hot springs,
streams teeming with salmon and
vast and varied wonders
and the thundering waterfall that
Dolly Varden, fish for halibut,
of southeast Alaska
spills into the salmon filled sea,
bottom fish and Pacific salmon,
there is a lodge that is unique
sea kayak, whale watch, bear
among those that we represent. More than a place
view or soak in the natural hot springs which first
to simply visit, southeast Alaska’s Baranof Wildermade Warm Springs Bay famous. With food and
ness Lodge offers an unparalleled base for connecthospitality to match the grandeur and bounty of
ing to one of the world’s most diverse and vibrant
the region, Baranof Wilderness Lodge is a gem that
ecosystems.
families, couples, and serious anglers alike will find
From the comfort of their waterfront lodge,
profoundly moving and pleasurable.
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Season: June – September
Fish Species: Rainbow
trout, sockeye salmon
Lodge Capacity: 6 anglers
Rate: $4,400 per person for
a 7 night/6 day package
Full Details: See
www.flywatertravel.com
The Copper is widely considered one of Alaska’s most beautiful and productive systems. Photo: Ken Morrish
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June and July are known for
nce in a great while,
An intimate cozy lodge
producing some of Alaska’s
you walk into a lodge
on the banks of Alaska’s
finest dry fly fishing. August
and feel as though you have
most beautiful river
yields high catch-rates for
mysteriously arrived home.
rainbows gorging on eggs. In September, large and
Copper River Lodge is one of those places. The staff
bright rainbows move up into the system from Lake
is all smiles, the couches are cozy, and there’s a cabinIliamna to provide one of the ultimate freshwater
in-the-woods feeling that you hope will never fade.
challenges.
To cap it all off, the lodge sits beside a river of such
Each day two anglers set out with an experienced
beauty and intrigue that you will never tire of its
guide via jet boat for the day’s fishing. In addition
shifting moods and hidden rewards. The Copper,
to fishing the home water of the Copper, guests can
hallowed as Alaska’s most beautiful river, is a friendly
also set out on a large jet boat to explore the nearby
forest stream with rugged rock outcroppings, countGibraltar River. And while other lodges fly far and
less classic riffles, large wild rainbows, and deep aqua
wide to reach the fabled Copper, their guests return
pools stacked with scarlet salmon.
early and leave the entire river to Copper River Lodge
Fly-outs are not required at Copper River Lodge,
anglers for the evening hours.
so every day is a fishing day, regardless of the weather.
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