NO SEE UM LOdGE - Fly Water Travel

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
Kris Hamrick tight to a feisty American Creek rainbow. Photo: Ken Morrish
N S U L
Y
One of the Alaska’s
ou will have stories to tell
comfortable setting. The lodge is
finest fly-out lodges for
when you come home from
centrally heated and each bedroom
trophy rainbows and
this trip. Fish cartwheeling away
has an excellent view of the river. In
sea bright salmon
and stealing into your backing,
addition to exceptional cuisine, the
bears growling in the bushes, and
lodge has 24-hour electricity, phone
enough solitude streamside to let you savor all
service, and a classic wood fire sauna.
that’s important — the feel of tundra beneath your
Anglers access all of the Iliamna region’s finest
feet, the croaking of ravens in the distance, and the
trout waters with the help of experienced pilots,
ebony spots in the rainbow’s eye.
professional guides, impeccably maintained floatNestled on a private bluff overlooking the Kvichak
planes, and countless jet boats stashed away on all
River, No See Um Lodge has ranked among the finest
the best systems. Come and experience firsthand
Alaskan fly-out operations for over 20 years. The guest
the incredible angling and unsurpassed service that
houses have a total of six bedrooms, each equipped
have exceeded the expectations of discriminating fly
with twin beds and a private bathroom. A lounge with
fishers the world over. Spaces are limited so early
full complimentary bar and woodstove enhance the
reservations are required.
Season: June – September
Fish Species: Rainbow
trout, char, grayling, pike
and salmon
Lodge Capacity: 12 anglers
Rate: $7,000 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
R C L
L
ocated in the heart of the Woodguaranteeing access to some of the
A classic fly-out lodge
Tikchik Park on the banks of
best king and silver salmon fly water
with a tremendous range
the Nushagak’s main tributary, the
available in southwestern Alaska.
and access to every
Nuyakuk River, Royal Coachman
Private cabins for each pair of
significant species
Lodge offers access to exceptional
guests feature comfortable furniture
home waters as well as fly-out fishing to some
and bathrooms with showers. The main lodge is tasteof Alaska’s most scenic and least crowded trout and
fully furnished, with living room and dining room
salmon waters.
overlooking the Nuyakuk River. This beautifully situRoyal Coachman features full time professional
ated, intimate lodge caters to twelve guests per week,
guides, two floatplanes, exceptional cuisine, friendly
ensuring complete flexibility in the fishing program
staff, and great fishing. The lodge also holds several exand a high level of personalized service throughout
clusive permits in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge,
your stay.
Max Morrish learning the craft under the watchful eye of lodge owner Justin Johns. Photo: Ken Morrish
F B L
D
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.
NEW
Season: June – early
October
Fish Species: Rainbow
trout, char, grayling,
pike, sockeye salmon
Lodge Capacity:
8 anglers
Rate: $3,950 per person
for a 6 night/6 day
package
Full Details: See
www.flywatertravel.com
Daily double on the Kanektok. Photo: Mary-Kate Whitford
A W
T
Season: June – September
Fish Species: Rainbow
trout, five species of
salmon, char, grayling
Lodge Capacity: 22 anglers
Rate: $4,900 per person
for a 7 night/6 day package
Full Details: See www.
flywatertravel.com
The ultimate base camp
Alaska West is a large, luxurious
he Alaska West camp offers
for anglers seeking
tent camp set in the heart of the
anglers the best of the Kanekbright
salmon,
leopard
lower Kanektok’s finest water. Guests
tok River — legendary main stem
rainbows,
and
spey
casting
sleep in pairs in comfortable wall
fishing for sea-bright kings, chum,
instruction
tents with carpeted floors, quality
and silvers, and willow-lined side
mattresses, heat and lighting. Hot showers, a large dinchannels teeming with wild leopard bows, char,
ing tent, a recreation tent, and a drying tent complete
and grayling.
the scene. Anglers fish two per guide and move about
The Kanektok is by all standards a remarkably
the system in 18-foot jet boats.
diverse fishery, perfectly suited to both single hand
For those interested in getting a great taste of all
and spey rod anglers and offers one of Alaska’s best
that Alaska has to offer without footing the bill for a
opportunities to target both king salmon and fresh
fly-out lodge, Alaska West is a proven crowd-pleaser
silvers with the fly. High catch rates, easy wading, and
that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
open backcasts are the norm.
NEW
Season: June – September
Fish Species: Rainbow trout,
char, grayling, halibut, five
species of salmon
Lodge Capacity: 16 anglers
Rate: $7,295 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
R C L
R
apids Camp Lodge is an easy to
volcanoes, bear and wildlife viewing,
The best equipped
reach full service fly-out lodge
clam digging, beachcombing and
and most versatile
with excellent home waters and one
halibut fishing.
fly-out lodge
of the most diverse and exciting
The lodge features eight comin the state
fishing programs in Alaska. Seasoned
fortable double occupancy rooms
hardcore fly anglers appreciate the wide range of
with private baths, a friendly wine and beer bar, two
water the lodge frequents. This includes staples
gourmet chefs, workout room, and complimentary
like the Moraine, Battle Creek, Contact Creek,
state of the art tackle and waders. With three Beavers
Headwaters Creek and the American River. Other
and a turbine Otter, handsome jet boats for the home
prolific “under the radar” rainbow fisheries mandate
water, and a saltwater boat located in the unparalleled
the use of a wheel plane and sturdy walking legs.
Geographic Harbor, Rapids Camp has endless opAdditionally Rapids Camp Lodge is one of the
tions for all who visit. Whether you are after silvers
few destinations equipped and willing to handle
or kings, massive rainbows on the spey rod, or a crack
a wide range of eco type activities including
at wilderness rainbows that rarely see a fly, this is an
flight seeing of the regions many glaciers and
operation that will keep you coming back.
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
T M L
F
Alaska’s premier multi-sport
or years we have been on the
Additional activities include wake
lodge with remote helicopter
lookout for a quality, multiboarding, foil boarding, stand up
fishing, hiking, skiing
sport adventure lodge in Alaska’s
paddling, bear viewing and flight
and rafting — perfect for
southwestern interior. Our criteria
seeing in the greater Denali/
couples and families
were straightforward — quality
Tordrillo region.
wilderness fishing for trout and
The 5,600 sq. ft. lodge features
salmon, as well as exceptional guided activities for nondouble occupancy rooms with private baths, exceptional
anglers. This past season we finally found it!
meals, an impressive wine list, and a full bar. After the
Located on a scenic point overlooking Judd
day’s adventures, unwind in the lodge’s oversized wood
Lake and the headwater of the fabled Talachulitna
fire hot tub and lakefront sauna or treat yourself to
River, Tordrillo Mountain Lodge has everything we
a professional massage. Widely recognized as one of
hoped for and more. Anglers enjoy ultra remote,
North America’s premier winter heli-skiing operations,
guided heli-fishing (walk and wade or inflatable kayak
Tordrillo’s acclaimed “Kings and Corn Adventure Trip”
floats) for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, grayling and
combines spring heli-skiing with ultra productive,
salmon, while non-anglers can enjoy canoeing, kayasmall stream fly-out fishing for king salmon. Early
king, guided heli-hiking and heli-rafting adventures.
reservations required.
Rafting an Alaskan wilderness river represents the ultimate in value and adventure. Photo: Ouzel Expeditions
T
A F T
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.
T K
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: $4,675 per person for a 7 day/6 night package
A C
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: $3,750-4,390 per person per week
T K
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 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: $4,250 per person for an 8 day/7 night package
L C
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: $3,750-$4,290 per person
NEW
Season:
June – mid-October
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
B W L
B
The ultimate venue for
eneath the jagged granite
re m o t e w i l d e r n e s s s t re a m s
friends, families and
peaks, the cold blue ice fields,
teeming with salmon and Dolly
couples to experience the
the natural hot springs, and the
Varden, fish for halibut, botvast and varied wonders
thundering waterfall that spills
tom fish and Pacific salmon, sea
of southeast Alaska
into the salmon filled sea, there is
kayak, whale watch, bear view or
a lodge that is unique among those
soak in the natural hot springs
that we represent. More than a place to simply visit,
which first made Warm Springs Bay famous.
southeast Alaska’s Baranof Wilderness Lodge offers
With food and hospitality to match the grandeur
an unparalleled base for connecting to one of the
and bounty of the region, Baranof Wilderness
world’s most diverse and vibrant ecosystems.
Lodge is a gem that families, couples, and seriFrom the comfort of their waterfront lodge,
ous anglers alike will find profoundly moving and
anglers of all skill levels can walk and wade
pleasurable.
Perfect in size and structure, the Kispiox is also home to the world’s largest steelhead. Photo: Ken Morrish
K R F C
T
he Kispiox is a river of subtle
panoramic views of the upper river,
Hunt for the world’s
moods, endless secrets, and stagBear Claw has set a new standard for
largest steelhead from
gering rewards. The family of head
elegance in the Skeena watershed.
a base of unequalled
guide Jim Allen first homesteaded
Each day anglers float different secelegance and service
in the valley four generations ago in
tions of the river in rafts and swing
1906. Since that time they have become as much a
flies through a remarkable variety of water that is home
part of the river as the river has become a part of them.
to some of the largest steelhead in the world. In addition
When you are with Jim Allen and his crew of talented
to the Kispiox, anglers have the option of fishing the
guides, all of whom call the Kispiox home, you are in
Skeena and lower Bulkley, depending on conditions.
very good hands.
For all who appreciate skilled guides, fine accomClients enjoy the lavish comforts of spacious,
modations and a shot at some of the world’s largest wild
double occupancy rooms in the newly constructed Bear
steelhead, this is the place. Please ask about special 2-4
Claw Lodge. A massive, timber frame structure with
day packages.
Season: September –
early November
Fish Species: Steelhead
Lodge Capacity: 8 anglers
Rate: CAD $6,000 per person
(plus GST) for a 7 night/6 day
package
Full Details: See
www.flywatertravel.com
When it comes to BC steelhead fishing, no company offers more destinations or knows more about these unique fisheries than Fly Water Travel. Photo: Ken Morrish
T B R
A
s the Skeena’s largest tributary, the Bulkley may be blessed with more good swing runs than any other river. With
over 80 miles of productive water, most of which is broad and shallow, the Bulkley is a mecca for dry line and
dry fly enthusiasts as well as any angler keen on a stable, productive British Columbia steelhead venue. The season
extends from September through early November.
B R L
A Fly Water favorite, Bulkley River Lodge is perfect,
with quaint cabins on the banks of a lovely riffle.
Headed by Bulkley River veteran Dave Evans, the
guide staff at Bulkley River Lodge is made up of
experienced professionals who maintain a fun, playful, and educational attitude on the river. Accessing
more than 80 miles of gorgeous fly water via jet boats,
drift boats and rafts, Bulkley River Lodge provides an
exceptional experience for both seasoned steelheaders
and first timers.
Anglers sleep two per cabin, each complete with
comfortable beds, private baths, and heat. Excellent
meals with tastefully selected wines are served in the
main lodge each evening.
Rate: $4,995 per person (plus GST) for a 7 night/
7 day package
F F L
For more than twenty years, Frontier Farwest Lodge has
been sharing the secrets of the Bulkley River with anglers
from around the world. Built in 1935 and known then as
The Telkwa Creamery, Frontier Farwest Lodge is owned
by veteran guide Derek Botchford and his Chilean wife
Andrea Soto. Rooms in the main lodge have private baths
and sleep two anglers per room. Hearty meals are served
with complimentary drinks each evening.
River travel is done via drift boat. All guests get to
experience two rustic overnight trips that include two
full days of fishing the Bulkley’s remote canyon waters.
Camps are located on exceptional steelhead water and
offer a spacious cook tent and a large guest tent with four
comfortable cots and a portable heater. Frontier Farwest
also offers a limited number of four day float trips through
their canyon waters. Please call for details.
Rate: CAD $4,850 per person (plus GST) for a 7
night/6 day package
S E NEW
Steelhead Excursions is a highly personalized, family
operated steelhead lodge that is based out of the home
of Bob and Jill Hull on the Bulkley River. Bob is one
of the most experienced and respected guides on the
Bulkley and enjoys a very loyal client base, most of
whom fish with him every season. Bob and Jill have
modified their home so that six anglers can all enjoy
their own private rooms and three shared baths.
Bob works with two other expert guides and
each day anglers depart the lodge with jet boats in
tow. While spaces are extremely limited, this is an
exceptional venue that is enjoyable, enriching and
productive for all who get the opportunity to visit.
Rate: $4,700 per person (plus GST) for a 7 night/6
day package
Fly Water Travel and Lani Waller are the only companies with established booking privileges for all three of the Babine’s renowned lodges. Photos: Ken Morrish and Kent Davenport
T B R
F
lowing deep within the wilds of northern British Columbia, the Babine experiences returns of some of the world’s
largest wild steelhead. Rugged, remote and lightly guided, this river is best suited to experienced anglers who appreciate solitude streamside. Most lodges open in early September and close in early November.
S H L
Widely considered to be the finest and most exclusive
steelhead fishing lodge in the world, the Silver Hilton
has jet boat access to more than twenty miles of pristine
trophy steelhead water. Babine fish range from 8 pounds
to over 30 pounds and are among the purest strain of
wild steelhead remaining in North America.
Silver Hilton features two fully staffed, five-star
facilities located approximately seven miles apart.
The Main Camp fishes eight rods per week on the
two lower beats. The upper Triple Header camp
takes four rods per week on the upper reach. Anglers
fish four per guide and rotate through all the beats,
ensuring ample solitude streamside. Due to a high
rate of repeat clients, availability is typically limited
to early and late in the season. All packages include
round-trip, private helicopter transportation from
Smithers, BC to the lodge.
Rate: $5,000-$7,100 per person for a 7 night/7 day package
(includes $250 to the Save the Babine Foundation)
B N L
Located on the clear flowing upper reaches of the famed
Babine River, Pierce Clegg’s Babine Norlakes Lodge is a
classic camp for the serious steelheader. With the longest
season of any BC steelhead camp, Babine Norlakes takes
pride in creating an operation that involves fishing hard
and playing hard each and every day of the season.
With a range of 13 miles, anglers relentlessly cover the
river’s prime holding water before returning to camp for
drinks, a hearty meal, and the coveted roaring bonfire.
And while all anglers will have the opportunity to fish
the lodge’s lower satellite waters, three anglers, through
the process of a random drawing, will get to spend two
full days on these waters with an overnight at the cozy,
four person satellite camp.
Anglers sleep in comfortable, heated bunk cabins with
detached communal shower and outhouses. For serious
anglers keen on putting the big ones on the beach and
having a good time in the process, this is the place.
Rate: CAD $5,750 per person (plus GST and $250 to Save
the Babine Foundation) for a 6 night/61/2 day package
B S L
Babine Steelhead Lodge is the middle lodge of the
Babine’s three operations and is attractively situated
overlooking a long, home pool.
The facility boasts three well built bunk cabins that
sleep up to four anglers. Cabins have heat, linens, and
attached sinks and toilets. A communal shower house
and a drying room are nearby, linked to the cabins
by attractive boardwalks. The main lodge features a
comfortable living room with a sweeping view of the
river and a large adjoining dining room where meals
are served.
In standard Babine fashion, anglers fish four per jet
boat and work some of the longest and most seductive
runs on the river. For those who want to experience
some of British Columbia’s finest trophy steelhead fishing, this operation deserves your serious consideration
Rate: CAD $5,500 per person (plus GST and CAD $200 to
Save the Babine Foundation) for a 6 night/6 day package
A Steelheader’s Way,
by Lani Waller is now
available. This 216 page
hard-cover book features
ten color illustrations by
Dave Hall, more than
150 color photos by
Ken Morrish and an impressive array of insightful
chapters by one of the world’s most highly
regarded steelheaders. It is published by
Headwater Books (www.headwaterbooks.
com) and distributed by Stackpole Books. For
autographed copies, order directly from
the author at [email protected] or
415-897-4997.
Paul Peterson going long on the Sustut’s middle beat. Photo: Ken Morrish