Field Operations for Fishing, Hunting and Adventure Activities

Transportation from the Lodge into the field

Field activities are conducted either on the nearby Naknek River or by flying out from the lodge in an aircraft.

For river based trips, at the Naknek and at several remote fly-in rivers, we use jet-powered river boats. These boats give our guides and guests maximum mobility on the rivers. All boats are 16-20 foot U.S. Coast Guard Registered Vessels and meet Coast Guard commercial safety criteria. We use the boats for transportation between walk and wade spots or for classic drift fishing as each boat is outfitted with drift boat oars and anchor.

For fly out trips, we utilize DeHavilland Beaver and Cessna 185 float planes, all in excellent physical and mechanical condition and equipped with modern instrumentation, avionics stereo and a hand-held satellite telephone for safety and comfort. Guests and their guides depart from the lodge after breakfast each morning in one of the float planes.

Your safety is our first consideration, your satisfaction a close second. In the event that inclement weather prevents safe flying, you will have access to our home water, the Naknek River. The Naknek River is world famous as a destination river. It is one of Alaska’s finest trophy Rainbow Trout Rivers and all five species of Pacific Salmon run the Naknek at various times of the season.

Each passenger has their own voice activated head set connected through an intercom so you can talk with pilots, guides and other passengers en route. Average flight times are 12-50 minutes in duration each way, with some shorter and some longer. Upon reaching the destination we will walk or drive a boat to pursue the activity of the day.

Guides

Orvis Endorsed Guides are on staff to provide a better-than 1:2 guide to guest ratio. Our guides are not there to recreate alongside guests, they are there to help guests. They take pride in their preparedness and competency as well as the safe and enjoyable conduct of the trip. All are licensed U.S. Coast Guard captains with years of safe, professional guiding experience. Guests go with different guides each day, as guests will visit different destinations each day and guides are assigned according to their expertise in particular areas.

Use of Rods, Waders and Tackle Included

Complete outfitting of Rods, reels, waders, flies and tackle is included at no extra cost. We buy thousands of dozens of custom tied flies each year and hundreds of Orvis leaders to stock our guides. You are welcome to use a rod from our selection of premium Orvis fly rod and reel combinations and a pair of our Orvis chest waders with felt soles at no extra cost. If you’d rather use your own equipment, a suggested packing and equipment list is provided when you make a reservation.

Daily Schedule

Each week in the season offers unique field circumstances, and much of what can be expected during the week can be explained in advance and in detail when a reservation is made.

A daily schedule is made at the lodge each evening and posted after dinner so each guest knows what they are doing the next day. The daily schedule is made with consideration of guest requests and current weather, fishing conditions, wildlife intensities and water conditions. The guides will meet with the guests each evening for a briefing and equipment discussion.

Breakfast is served at 6:30 am. Parties are scheduled to depart the lodge by boat or aircraft after breakfast. All guests return to the lodge by 6:00 PM. Dinner is served beginning at 7:30 PM.