New for 2010! Crystal Creek Salmon Camp

For over 20 years we have striven to constantly improve our product and provide new and exciting options for our guests. The latest improvement is access to the world’s greatest Pink, Chum and Silver Salmon fishing through Crystal Creek Salmon Camp, an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Expedition. 

Camp Location and How to Get There

The Camp is located 125 miles south of King Salmon and Crystal Creek Lodge on the Pacific coast of the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge near Yantarni Bay. In a State known for remote areas, this region is one of the most rugged, remote and beautiful. 

The Camp site is beside an airstrip. Guest transportation to the Yantarni camp is provided by chartered aircraft from King Salmon. The route of the 125 mile flight is through a coastal mountain range that is an active volcanic zone, and offers a splendid view of a coastline like no other on Earth. Your aircraft will arrive at the airstrip and taxi to within a few feet of the camp. Guests will be met in King Salmon and will be transported to the camp in the most expeditious manner possible.

Camp History

What is now Crystal Creek Salmon Camp was opened by pioneering Alaskan guide and lodge builder Bill Martin in 1983 and formerly known as Bill Martin’s Fish Alaska Incredible Yantarni Camp. The Camp has long been a legendary salmon fishing destination.  Legendary for good reason, as nearby lay a trio of quaint rivers that absolutely choke with salmon. 

The Camp is built upon Federal land within the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge and the Campsite is permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. There are no other fishing camps on the stream and due to the remoteness of the stream few persons ever visit it. .

About the Fishing Program

The stream, within walking distance from the camp, is filled with ocean fresh chum, pink and silver salmon, as well as sea-run Dolly Varden. The best salmon holes are those at tide water, about a mile from camp, and the guides transport fishermen from the camp to the tidewater holes using Honda ATVs. The streams are small enough to wade across most places at low tide and at high tide a good fly caster can reach well past the center.

As the salmon enter the stream from the ocean, they can be seen porpoising the surface as they arrive with the tides. The water is so clear it is possible to see and cast to specific fish. The roar of the nearby surf before you and majesty of the mountains behind you only add to the sweetness of the experience. 

The incoming fish can be followed as they travel upstream with the tides. These fish are fresh and big! Chum and Silver salmon range from 10 to 20 pounds. Many people know about the jumping and fighting qualities of Silvers, but few are aware of the fighting abilities of the underrated Chum Salmon. These fish, only a few yards out of the saltwater, are exceptional sport fish, rivaling Silvers in their tenacity. There are also plenty of Pink Salmon, which are tough and willing fighters, especially on light gear.  

Being so close to the Ocean, the salmon are very aggressive, willing to hit a fly with abandon, often within moments after it hits the water and before the angler is ready. Persons who do not fly fish can use jigs with similar results. If weather and water conditions are right the fish will strike surface poppers.

Tackle requirements are simple: Bring an 8 or 9 weight fly rod for Silvers and Chums and a 6 or 7 weight for Pinks and Dolly Varden. Large arbor reels with at least 150 yards backing is recommended. Floating line is used primarily and short (less than 20 ft.) fast-sinking sink tips are recommended for the deeper holes. Spin fishermen should bring a 7 ft. medium-heavy action rod for 12-20 lb. line. and extra spools of line. Due to the volume of fish extra rods and reels are recommended in case one fails. All flies, tippets and lures are included and guides will have them in ample supply.

The Camp: Accommodations and Dining

As one would expect from a camp managed by Crystal Creek Lodge, it is a comfortable place featuring heated wall tents, hot showers and delicious food. 

The camp was acquired as a complete and running operation consisting of heavy-duty Weatherport tents with wood floors. There are three 12’ by 20’ guest tents, two 8' x 12' guest tents, a 18’ by 24’ kitchen/dining tent, a 10’ by 12’ shower tent, and four other tents for staff. In addition, the camp has a semi-permanent metal building which is used for storage and as a shop. Each tent has a wood burning stove and electricity. The kitchen/dining tent provides ample space for comfortable dining and evening activities. The shower tent and lavatory facilities have an inexhaustible supply of hot water, and the water, which is pumped from a well, is as clean and pure as you will ever find.

Guest tents are double-occupancy. They feature full height ceilings, wood floors, carpeting, wood stove, electric lights, and twin beds with firm foam mattresses,fresh linens and down comforters.

Meals are cooked and served "home style" in the dining hall. Breakfasts can be chosen hearty as sausage and eggs or light as oatmeal or fruit. Lunches are soups, stews and sandwiches. Dinner entrees include prime rib, roasted chicken and fresh salmon with side dishes. Fresh salmon is, of course, in abundant supply and can augment any meal when you choose.

Rate: $3,750.00 for 5 days/5 nights.

Guests of Crystal Creek Lodge may visit the Salmon Camp for a two day, one night adventure during their stay for no additional fee. Air charter costs between King Salmon and the Camp will apply.

Included: five nights double occupancy accommodations, meals, guide services, flies, lures and unlimited fishing time between arrival and departure.

Not Included: Air transportation between your home and the camp, fishing licenses, alcoholic beverages, personal fishing gear

Dates:

Itinerary:

Most guests will find it necessary to overnight in Anchorage before continuing on to King Salmon and the Camp. Air charters from King Salmon to the Camp are arranged through an air taxi service based in King Salmon. Crystal Creek Lodge will assist with reserving flights between Anchorage and King Salmon and air taxi flights between King Salmon and the Camp. All airfare costs are extra.

Upon arrival to King Salmon on the morning flight from Anchorage, guests will be met by a Crystal Creek Lodge representative and transported from the main airline terminal to the air taxi. The flight to the Camp is about an hour and fifteen minutes each direction. Charter flights are launched mid-day at the discretion of the air taxi operator after weather and related safety considerations are found to be acceptable.

Upon arrival at the camp you will be offered a hot lunch followed by a trip to the stream with your guide. You may then fish into the evening. After four more days of guided fishing and another morning of fishing, the air charter flight will pick you up and deliver you to King Salmon mid-afternoon.

The Camp can sleep and accommodate up to eight full time guests and four more part time guests who may opt to visit from the Lodge.

A complete itinerary and pre-trip packet will be issued upon request or at time of reservation.