alaska-fly out lodges

Fly-Out Lodges are often remote, using fixed-wing planes that usually have floats instead of wheels.

The most common models are DeHavilland Beavers and Cessnas. Both have high wings attached to the upper fuselage and are ideal for float modification. Like all planes, they’re expensive to operate, and every gallon of gas, can of beer, and pound of steak must be flown into the lodge. Operating, maintenance, fuel, and insurance costs for these fly-out lodges are exorbitant by any standard and explain the prices.

Each morning of the week, lift-off exposes the full glory of Alaska, transporting you into a magical aerial world where the scenic flight to the fishing grounds usually passes over moose, bear and caribou. Palpable anticipation builds along the way.

Finally your destination stream comes into view and as the pilot tilts the wings to circle in and drop for a landing you can literally see fish in the water below. You know it’s going to be a good day.

There are over 3 million lakes in Alaska. All of the Fly-out lodges utilize this massive network of aqua-landing strips to place their guests on the best of the best trout and salmon streams in their area. Pilots usually have a working radius of about 75 miles. Depending on how many planes are available, the group size and their daily destinations, pilots will either stay with their fishermen, or leave them in the hands of expert guides, returning to pick up the tired-armed, fish-weary passengers the end of the day.

The weekly schedule of airplane and guide arrangements are just a little different at each lodge, but the results are the same. Destinations are usually decided the previous night. Anglers split up in parties of two, three, or four, depending on the type (and size) of aircraft, where they’re heading, whether they’ll need raft equipment, and how many guides are going to be accompanying them.

The return flight to waiting cocktails, fish stories, and an amazing dining experience are the common and perfect way to end each day.

	Bob Cusack’s Alaska Lodge This family-operated lodge in the famed Iliamna basin hosts only six anglers each week and is one of Alaska’s best fly out values. > read more

	Royal Wolf Lodge Royal Wolf’s location (pictured left) is second to none and within easy striking distance of the state of Alaska's finest trophy trout rivers > read more

	Talaheim Lodge Only 35 minutes by air from Anchorage, Talaheim focuses on helicopter and fixed wing access to remote, small streams just stuffed with trout and salmon > read more

	Royal Coachman Lodge This riverside lodge has great fishing right out the front door, and is a rifle shot from the most prolific trout water in Alaska. > read more

	Rainbow King Lodge This deluxe Iliamna trout fishing resort serves up a rock solid menu of hard-core fly fishing that is guaranteed to be far from any crowd. > read more