Hidden Cove Camp: Fishing Day

Hidden Cove River Lodge is an approximate 20-minute flight from Cordova, Alaska, located on 100 acres of privately owned land, one of the few private land holdings in the Eastern District of the Chugak National Forest.

Hidden Cove accommodates a maximum of twelve anglers, and from right in front of the lodge anglers have access to approximately 14 miles of water (North and East branches) as well as a huge tidal lagoon. Each three or four anglers share a guide and access the waters via an outboard powered jet-skiff. With the river being right in front of the lodge, anglers can literally fish from sun-up to sundown. It is estimated that more than 20,000 cohos migrate up the two main river branches at Hidden Cove Lodge, an incredible number. There is one other operation on this river, actually located near Hidden Cove, but with Hidden Cove’s exclusive jet boat transportation, you’re able to access plenty of pristine water, never needing to fish within sight of the other lodge’s guests.

The highlight at Steve's Hidden Cove Lodge is fly-fishing for enormous, ocean-fresh Coho salmon ("silvers"). These brutes range up to 20 pounds, with an average fish pulling the Boga to the 9-12 pound mark; that's enough to put plenty of stress on your 8 weight! When conditions are right you can expect to catch 20 to 30 silvers per day, but anglers have had 50 and even 100 fish days. Obviously they can't guarantee you size and numbers of fish; there are too many variables. But that's been the experience of most of the past seasons. And, as if all this isn't appealing enough, much of the time you can cast dry flies to these chromers, if that's your choice. Hidden Cove Lodge offers high-volume Coho fishing, in a wilderness setting that is rugged and spectacular. These are full fishing days, and the exact schedule will depend on the guest's wishes, as well fishing and weather conditions. Breakfast and dinner will be served in the lodge and mid-day meals are served in the field, streamside or you may return to the lodge for lunch if you like. Regardless, with the fishing virtually within a rifle shot of the lodge, your fishing days are full days – pace yourself.