Bristol Bay Sportfishing @ The Fly Shop®

Bristol Bay Sportfishing
Lake Iliamna, Katmai Basin • Southwest Alaska

T h a n k y o u f o r t h e chance to tell you a little about Bristol Bay Sportfishing. There are at least a dozen aspects to consider when choosing a sportfishing trip in Alaska. Two that should never be overlooked are location of the lodge and its proximity to homewaters. Bristol Bay Sportfishing has these covered and a whole lot more.

Location, location, location! The Village of Iliamna, where the lodge is located, is dead center in what many experts feel is the greatest rainbow trout fishing region in the world. Within a short flight or quick ride in a jet-boat lies world renowned trout fisheries like the Tazimina, Newhalen, Talarik Creek, Moraine, Funnel, Copper, Kvichak, Battle, Branch and the American-the list goes on. As Pacific Salmon arrive to spawn in these Lake Iliamna tributaries, resident river and migratory lake rainbows follow, gorging on their eggs. It is an annual ritual of feast or famine for the trout that begins in mid-July and continues through the end of September. By mid-September most of the salmon are dead or dying

and swinging big streamers that imitate salmon flesh or foraging sculpins can produce savage strikes and huge fish. The trophy waters of the Lake Iliamna and Katmai Basin offer one of the best chances in the world to hook and land a wild rainbow trout in excess of ten pounds.

Of course, Alaska has more to offer than rainbow trout. Just as easily accessed from the lodge are the remote coastal salmon streams on the Cook Inlet and in Bristol Bay. Some of these coastal watersheds don't even have a name, but on the right tide, during certain times in the summer, they stack up with pacific Salmon so thick you can walk across them. All five species of Pacific Salmon can be pursued at Bristol Bay Sportfishing along with Grayling, Dolly Varden, Arctic Char, Northern Pike, and lake trout.

When the weather in Alaska turns sour and flying is not an option a lodge must have great homewater within easy striking distance. Nothing is worse when you are on a fishing trip than sitting in a cabin waiting for the weather to clear. If the weather deteriorates during your stay at Bristol Bay Sportfishing and you can't fly, no worries, some of the best water in the state is just a short boat ride away. In fact, two major rivers are easily accessed from the lodge, offering both salmon and rainbow fishing.

The right equipment is extremely important in a full service fly-out lodge and essential for success. Bristol Bay Sportfishing uses one DeHavilland Beaver and one Cessna 185, both equipped with floats. A dozen jet boats are stashed on a variety of rivers around the area adding to his mobility, flexibility, and access to seldom fished waters. By limiting the number of guests to twelve, the lodge can customize each individual fishing trip, offering the maximum amount of flexibility. Anglers are not locked into a daily routine, and they are encouraged to become involved in the planning of each day's fishing. Personal service is the name of the game at Bristol Bay Sportfishing and with a guide ratio of 3:1; guests are assured of getting all the attention they want and need.

Rod space at Bristol Bay Sportfishing fills quickly and advance reservations are strongly suggested. Anglers have a choice of either a five-night or six-night package.

Bristol Bay Sportfishing is located 190 miles southwest of Anchorage. Your flight schedule will usually require an overnight stay in Anchorage. We will be happy to suggest hotel options in Anchorage, and describe flight options out to the village of Iliamna. Once you arrive in Iliamna, you will be met at the airport and transportation will be provided to the lodge. Guests who are flying their own aircraft to Alaska will find Iliamna airport capable of handling both reciprocating and jet aircraft.

BRISTOL BAY SPORTFISHING INFORMATION In addition to the regular fly out and jet boat fishing day trips, the following remote adventures are available for guests when scheduling and weather permit.

Newhalen River Gorge White Water Jet Boat Day Trip: Journey to unreachable fishing waters through the Newhalen River Gorge on an 800 hp covered jet boat, the "DIABLO."

Float Trips: Day floats or extended overnight float trips are a great way to access otherwise unreachable waters and maximize fishing time. All outfitting gear and guides are provided. Float trips are provided in the lodge package. Weather and river conditions determine scheduling (minimum 3-4 anglers).

King Salmon Fishing: Bristol Bay Sportfishing accesses several prime King Salmon rivers in Southwest Alaska. We provide experienced guides and all equipment needs to go after Alaska's largest salmon (minimum 3-4 anglers).

Species of Fish: Chinook Salmon, Chum Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Pink Salmon, Coho Salmon, Dolly Varden, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, and Arctic Grayling.

Lodging: Each two guests share a warm, wood-paneled, guestroom complete with a private bathroom, tub, shower and a million-dollar view. The Frontier Room, in the main lodge, is the gathering place in the evening for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. You'll enjoy the warmth and atmosphere around the stone fireplace reliving the day's fishing, planning tomorrow's adventures, all while taking in a 180 degree panoramic view of Alaska's largest lake and the glacial filled mountains of the Alaska Peninsula. Don't plan on dieting while at Bristol Bay Sportfishing, the food is excellent, prepared for you fresh daily under the experienced eye of the master chef. You won't go home hungry or thinner, we guarantee it.

Travel Arrangements: After your scheduled flight from Anchorage, you will be transferred from Iliamna to the lodge. Bristol Bay Sportfishing is located 190 miles southwest of Anchorage. Flight schedules usually require an overnight stay in Anchorage. Clients should schedule itineraries to both arrive and depart Iliamna in the late afternoon.

Length of Stay: This will vary, depending on which of the wonderful packages you choose.

Season: June through September.

Occupancy: Bristol Bay Sportfishing can take up to 12 anglers.

Rates:
6-night/6-day Sportfishing Package: $6,950.00
5-night/5-day Sportfishing Package: $5,950.00

Inclusions: The rate includes: Transportation from Iliamna to Lodge, fully guided fly-out fishing, all meals and deluxe accommodations, all setups plus salmon preparation and boxing for your flight home.

Non-Inclusions: This rate does not include: Personal gear, fishing equipment and tackle, fishing licenses, (available for purchase at the lodge) liquor, and staff gratuities.

Travel: Clients should schedule itineraries to arrive in Iliamna at approximately 5:00 p.m.. Bristol Bay Sportfishing is located 190 miles southwest of Anchorage. Flight schedule will usually require an overnight stay in Anchorage. Iliamna airport is capable of handling guests with their own airplanes.

Deposit: A 50 percent deposit is due to secure a reservation.

Booking Your Trip: Reserving your spot at any of our wonderful locations is easily done. You can call us on our dime at: 800-669-3474 or by sending us an email at: info@flyfishingtravel.com.

The Current Time and Temperature for Anchorage, Alaska.