This remote Alaskan fishing Lodge was just purchased by a new owner — who reached out to us, through a truly excellent Alaskan fishing guide (Joe), who knows us and what we do. That guide, by his own deeds and actions, has earned our greatest respect, and he was so impressed with the new operation, that he has agreed to work for them! High praise indeed! We look forward to seeing Joe at the lodge ourselves.
We then had several productive conversations with the new owner, and what impressed the most was his commitment to “keeping his clients happy”. He has been to a number of lodges as a guest; has done some Alaska guiding and living in Alaska; and he understands what clients want – and he has decided to elevate the clients experience to meet that standard. We at Fish Nation fully expect this will be a great destination. We know the river has the fish, and the owner has the financial resources and the will power to make it all happen. The use of their helicopter to reach remote river stretches is a key benefit to staying here.
FISH NATION has put together FOUR major options for you to choose from:
OPTION # 1: DIY HELICOPTER FLOAT FISHING (unguided, but with rafts tents and camp goods supplied);
OPTION # 2: GUIDED HELICOPTER FLOAT FISHING (same as #1 above but also includes guide and food);
OPTION # 3: GUIDED RIVER FISHING FROM LODGE (nights at lodge, meals, guide and either jet boat or heli flight to daily starting point);
OPTION # 4: DIY CAST AND BLAST PACKAGE- FISHING PLUS BLACK BEARS (same as #1).
***PERSONALIZED SPECIAL PACKAGES CAN ALSO BE ARRANGED- JUST CALL US – 307 637-5495.
Now the really big news:
WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN SPECIAL EXCLUSIVE PRICING FOR CLIENTS BOOKING AND GOING THIS YEAR!!! HUGE SAVINGS, BUT ONLY THROUGH FISH NATION AND HUNT NATION—AND ONLY THIS YEAR! PRICING APPEARS TOWARD THE BOTTOM OF THIS WRITEUP. AND PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE DIY HELI FLOAT FISHING DEALS!!
If you cherish the awesome feel of true wilderness; if you crave the feel of remote wilderness rivers with no human fishing competition; if you lust for clear water river fishing that harbors truly hard brawling fish to target; and if you are willing to travel to get what you want, — than this place should impress you. For avid anglers, Alaska’s remote rivers offer the ultimate fishing experience. We offer you access to pristine wilderness with a variety of high value packages, tailor-made for the perfect fishing adventure. Experience helicopter trips to remote stream areas; or float and camp along the river, fishing new water every day; or choose to be guided and target five species of salmon, plus trout and grayling. Or do a cast and blast by adding bears to the fishing. Over the counter black bear tags up to 5 per man!
We at Fish Nation really like the fact that this Lodge is accessible even if you hit bad flying weather; unlike many Alaskan Lodges that have you staying in a hotel for a day – or three – waiting! In bad weather you can still travel to the lodge via boat and its about 3.5 hours, but beats being stuck for days. Otherwise IT IS about a 35 min flight from Anchorage; then ½ hour boat ride to lodge
What’s typically included at no extra charge:
- Transport by helicopter (or via boat if poor flying weather) to the Lodge (no lost weather days);
- Early check-in and late checkout (meaning you get to fish on first and last days of the trip);
- Fishing boat or raft or helicopter;
- FREE Fish processing/vacuum sealing and freezing; (Insulated fish boxes are an extra cost).
- Lodge has Starlink for wifi and there is Verizon cell service.
What’s not included:
- Fishing license
- Getting to the pickup spot @ Big Lake Airport: Your Helicopter pick up departs from Big Lake Airport, AK (If you want to avoid car rental costs, you can also be picked up from the Anchorage – Lake Hood Airport – for an additional $300 per person). OR: either hire a Rental Car to Drive to Big Lake, (about a 1 hour scenic drive north from Anchorage) — OR use a shuttle company: https://swordfish-harpsichord-hcxp.squarespace.com/area-rates($250 per ride for 1-3 people)
- We recommend bringing your own spin or fly gear and waders, but they do have limited amounts of fishing gear and limited sizes of waders and boots, free of charge.
- Gratuities (10%-20% recommended)
- Travel insurance (Highly recommended – the notorious Alaskan weather) Fish Nation offers that.
- Insulated fish packing boxes are an additional charge.
THE RIVER: The river is a normally clear water stream- not silt laden. Modest in size and generally wadable. It has good rainbows in the 2 to 7 pound range (catch and release); silvers to 18 pounds+; sockeye 8 to 12 pounds+; king salmon- (no keeping); chums, grayling and feisty pink salmon.
OPTION # 1: DIY HELICOPTER FLOAT FISHING (unguided, but with rafts tents and camp goods supplied)
If you elect this option, basically you get on the copter and are flown to your pre-selected starting point, along with your gear. You then fish and camp your way down the river, setting your own pace daily. You are unguided, so you set up camp and do your own cooking and camp chores. You will need to supply your own sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Rentals may be available. They do supply the following items to you as part of your package:
- 16’ Pioneer X-stream raft/canoe with air pump, repair kit, oars, lifejackets
- 3 Man tent and 2 camp chairs
- camp stove, bear spray, pots, pans, propane tanks, kitchen utensils, cups, paper plates/bowls.
You must supply your own food and usually we suggest the many good freeze dried back packing food options. And of course all your fishing gear and clothing. Rain gear should be of premium quality! Good waders essential. You see and experience some world class fly-in fishing at very reasonable costs. Pricing is later in this writeup. You can choose the trip length that fits your budget and time constraints.
OPTION # 2: GUIDED HELICOPTER FLOAT FISHING (same as #1 above but also includes guide and food)
This option means you, along with your guide and the equipment, are all flown out via helicopter (or jet boat) to your chosen starting point. This package includes all food as well as your guide, generally one guide per two clients. The guide gets you to prime fishing lies, does the food preparation and tent set up. Your help with camp set up and chores is much appreciated of course! You can choose the trip length that fits your budget and time constraints. Pricing is later in this writeup. You can also opt to save the heli cost and instead use a jet boat to access your put-in for floating. This option is actually less expensive than the heli float/camp option; but you still camp and float the river. The sole difference is a jet boat to drop off.
OPTION # 3– GUIDED RIVER FISHING FROM LODGE (nights at lodge, cooked meals, guide and either take a daily heli flight to your fishing area; or take a jet boat.)
If you choose to be guided from the lodge, your meals are chef prepared. The main Lodge boasts excellent native log architecture, a grand stone fireplace and very nice furnishings; plus picture windows and an open deck within walking distance of the River. Guests have a choice of either deluxe private cabins (featuring one double bed and two twins. These cabins are carpeted, nicely furnished, and come equipped with airtight wood-burning stoves for added comfort. Enjoy full bathrooms and daily maid service for your convenience); OR choose from two standard chalet cabins, featuring large picture windows, comfortable twin-size beds, and cozy wood-burning stoves. Each of these budget-friendly cabins accommodates up to four people, allowing for a maximum of 8 guests. The baths and showers are in a separate building if you stay in the economy cabins. The bathhouse has two spacious bathrooms are furnished with a sink, shower, and a flushing toilet. These facilities boast hot and cold running water and electricity, powered by the lodge’s own power plant. You can choose the number of days you wish to stay. Pricing is later in this writeup.
OPTION # 4: DIY CAST AND BLAST PACKAGE- FISHING PLUS BLACK BEARS (same as #1).
This is a brand new addition to the options available here. You will need to discuss this in some detail with one of the Fish Nation consultants to determine costs; trip destination; length of stay and services and equipment needed. Once details are agreed on, you will be flown to your agreed upon drop off site, along with all the gear. Depending on length of stay, equipment rented, start location etc., expect costs to be in the $2500 to $4000 range, very roughly. You may also wish to add on a day or two or three to stay at the Main Lodge for some fishing, and that is easily added to your package.
Fish Nation’s SPECIAL PRICING for 2024 trips only:
OPTION #1 – DIY HELICOPTER FLOAT FISHING: prices are per person and double occupancy.
6 day heli float 2024 PRICE: $4,250.00 2025 PRICE: $6,000.00
5 day heli float 2024 PRICE: $3,750.00 2025 PRICE: $5,000.00
4 day heli float 2024 PRICE: $3,250.00 2025 PRICE: $4,000.00
3 day heli float 2024 PRICE: $2,750.00 2025 PRICE: $3,000.00
OPTION #2 – GUIDED HELICOPTER FLOAT FISHING: prices are per person and double occupancy.
6 day float fishing 2024 PRICE: $5,950.00 2025 PRICE: $7,750.00
5 day float fishing 2024 PRICE: $5,550.00 2025 PRICE: $6,750.00
4 day float fishing 2024 PRICE: $4,750.00 2025 PRICE: $5,750.00
3 day float fishing 2024 PRICE: $4,500.00 2025 PRICE: $4,750.00
2 day float fishing 2024 PRICE: $3,500.00 2025 PRICE: $3,750.00
Jet boat option under Option #2: For 2024 bookings you pay the same price for heli float fishing or for jet boat TO YOUR DROP OFF POINT. For 2025 if you choose the lodge/jet boat drop off package – it is less expensive: 6 day is $6500; 5 day is $6000; 4 day is $5250; 3 day is $4500; 2 day is $3750.
OPTION #3 – GUIDED RIVER FISHING FROM LODGE WITH MEALS:
6 DAY TRIP: 2024 PRICE: 4 days of heli fly outs and 2 days float/boat $7,950.00 2025 Price: $9,650.00
5 DAY TRIP: 2024 PRICE: 3 days of heli fly outs and 2 days float/boat $7,250.00 2025 Price: $8,650.00
4 DAY TRIP: 2024 PRICE: 2 days of heli fly outs and 2 days float/boat $6,500.00 2025 Price: $7,650.00
3 DAY TRIP: 2024 PRICE: 2 days of heli fly outs and 1 day float/boat $5,500.00 2025 Price: $6,750.00
OPTION # 4: DIY CAST AND BLAST PACKAGE- FISHING PLUS BLACK BEARS (same as #1).
These are custom built to fit your needs, spring or fall. Heli transport into field and back; and your equipment or else rent the equipment. Examples of rents:
- 16’ X-stream raft @ $275/day.
Cabelas Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic 8-Person Tent @ $75/day
Kitchen wares $25/day
Air transport- to be determined
