As the jet boats slide into
camp on your day of arrival, you are greeted not only by Kim Egdorf
and the rest of the staff, but also
your first look at where you’ll be spending the following
week. Physically, the camp has evolved steadily over the
past two decades, and reflects what we believe to be an ideal combination
of rustic creature comforts, blending perfectly with its surroundings.
Spacious, Yosemite-style Weatherport tents are situated on top of
elevated wooden platforms, each with their own wooden deck on which
to sit and soak up the beauty you are imbedded in, or use as a changing
“room” to get in and out of your waders at either end
of the fishing day. Every tent has two foam mattress bunks, each
with its own sleeping bag complete with interchangeable liner. An
electric light provides illumination for organizing tackle, or reading
yourself to sleep after fish-filled days. Hangars are provided to
organize your shirts, jackets, fleece and waders, and a table at
the head of the bunks offers space for a book, glasses, a glass
of water or late-night snacks. Nothing fancy, but cozy and functional.
Considering where you’re at, a veritable lap of luxury!
Dave and Kim’s Nushagak
Camp accommodates eight anglers comfortably, though they
sometimes hold occupancy at six, for integral groups. The dining
tent is centrally located, separating the guests and guides respective
quarters, and is a hub of activity, as is the bench-ringed fire-pit
out front, at the river’s edge. Many an epic fishing day has
been recounted in this flickering firelight, the darkness of immense
wilderness pressing in all around, the brilliance of an uncompromised
night sky peeking down through swaying pines. Two chemical toilet
bathrooms are located a short walk behind the guest accommodations,
as is the shower facility, with its vanity and sink. Obvious-yet-overgrown
paths lead from the tent areas to the best local fishing, much of
which can be found a stone’s throw from the camp (a wonderful
opportunity for post-dinner forays, though most guests find themselves
too exhausted from their guided fishing day to want to wader back
up and hit it again on their own). There is also a second and virtually
identical “Wilderness Camp”, located on the King Salmon
River, a tributary of the Nushagak River (more on that in the Fishing
Day descriptions).
The food is prepared under
the watchful eye (and often by the talented and industrious hands
of) Kim Egdorf. From succulent steaks to Cornish Game Hens,
pasta to fresh fish, fresh-baked bread and an array of other delicious
entrees and appetizers, you will not be disappointed in the food,
nor are you likely to head home any lighter. As part of the package
rate the Camp provides guests with a reasonable amount of beer and
sodas during their stay, as well as all the iced tea, fruit punch
and water they can drink. Anglers should feel welcome to bring a
bottle of their favorite alcoholic beverage in their luggage, if
they so desire.
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