FISHING BEAR LODGE
Destination Overview
Describing a place as unique and special as Fishing Bear Lodge is anything but easy. At its core this modest and endearing family run Alaskan lodge offers its guests just the right amount of “roughing it” and an opportunity to experience a remarkable diversity of true wilderness fly fishing.
Backed up against the surreal spires of the Wind River range, right in the heart of southwest Alaska’s 1.6 million acre Wood-Tikchik State Park, Fishing Bear employs jet boats to fly fish a host of seldom seen small streams for hearty rainbows, abundant Arctic char and large surface oriented grayling.
In addition to these smaller “under the radar" stealth systems, guests can enjoy late night trophy rainbow fly fishing sessions on the renowned Agulapak. For dry fly enthusiasts, lovers of solitude and exceptional scenery, or families in search of adventure and a rewarding introduction to the wonders of wilderness fly fishing, this is a place you will want to visit more than once.
At a Glance
Location: Southwest Alaska, due west of Dillingham.
Target Fish: Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Sockeye Salmon, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike
Time of Year: Late July – Early October
Lodge Capacity: 8 fishermen each week
Nearest Airport: Dillingham
Documents Required: 7 Day Non-Resident Alaska Fishing License. Proper photo ID for airline travel.
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Fishing Program
A typical day on the water...
Each morning after a hearty breakfast, you and a fly fishing partner will set out with your experienced guide (one guide for every two anglers) via your guided jet boat for a full day of adventure and fly fishing.
Fishing Bear will customize each day the way YOU want to fish. They combine 22 years of experience and intimate knowledge of the area with your desires. You will jet boat from river to river and through the interconnected lake system to various streams throughout the heart of the Park to fly fish select locations.
Your fly fishing options are unlimited, as you will be fishing the most diverse freshwater system of rivers, lakes and streams in all of Alaska! Once you've flown via float plane to the Fishing Bear Lodge location, daily fly-outs are not required, so every day is a fishing day, regardless of the weather. You even have great fishing within 100 feet of your waterfront guest cabin.
From late July to early October, Fishing Bear Lodge has Alaska's most diverse fly fishing. During each day you are apt to fish dry fly, streamer and nymph patterns depending on seasonal variations, weather, temperatures, cloud cover, etc...the choices dependent on insect development, salmon fry or sculpin movement, spawn activity, etc...matching the fish feeding habits of the moment.
After a good day of fishing there is still the best part of the day, the evenings. While some evenings are spent enjoying a beautiful chef prepared dinner at the lodge, other evenings you will enjoy an incredible shoreline dinner, hot off the riverside grill.
Their goal is for you to catch a lot of fish and have an amazing time. So if you are willing, we encourage you to stay out on the river. They will guide you several evenings during your stay to fish those magical evening hatches and rises that occur on our rivers during July and August.
Fishing Bear is located at the mouth of Alaska's Peace River in the center of the Wood-Tikchik State Park. This park was created in 1978 to enhance and protect the area's naturally rich prolific fish and wildlife breeding and support systems and the regions vast and pristine wilderness character.
Named for its watershed systems of large, clear, interconnected lakes and rivers, the area spans a unique variety of terrain and vegetative zones and is renowned for its diverse beauty. The lakes vary in length from 15 to 45 miles, each fed by numerous streams and interconnected by clear flowing world-class fly fishing rivers.
Spired peaks, high alpine valleys, waterfalls, hanging glaciers and great glacial scoured mountains make the scenery at Fishing Bear and the western reaches of the lakes some of the most magnificent on earth. Freshwater fish are prolific throughout the area. Rainbow trout, Arctic char, Dolly Varden, grayling, whitefish and northern pike abound in the lakes and interconnected rivers. An average of 1.3 million sockeye salmon spawn in the system each year.
Fishing Bear Lodge
Alaska
Hosted by Mike Powers
Sep 16 - 22, 2019
$4,250/week
Per Person / dbl. occ.
BOOK NOW
Accommodations
Fishing Bear Lodge, hand built by its owners, is a small family operated fly-in lodge catering to a maximum of eight guests per week. Their unique wilderness location is in the Wood-Tikchik State Park and gives its guests unparalleled access and opportunity to share in Alaska's most diverse river and stream fly fishing.
Their main dining lodge has an atmosphere of relaxed, friendly comfort. During your stay the place is yours to enjoy. Out on the front deck you can relax, visit and share tales of adventure. Inside a variety of teas and coffee are always available to go with some of Alaska’s best homemade cookies. You can enjoy the cozy warmth of the wood stove while reading, tying flies, or visiting.
Your comfortable personal waterfront sleeping cabin is built of spruce and cedar. Cabins have propane lights and heat. Cabins have two single beds with warm cover blankets, chairs, table, clothing shelves, art work, decorative candles and floor rugs.
The individual bathrooms have flush toilets with a sink and mirror. The shower house has an endless supply of on demand hot water for a great shower after an incredible day of adventure. Cover blankets and pillows are provided. If you would like additional padding for your bed, please ask the lodge.
Note: Anglers need to bring their own sleeping bag (or sheets) and towels.
Each day begins with a hearty breakfast. For the noon day meal you will be out on a river or stream each day. You will take a break from your busy fishing schedule to enjoy the beauty of our surroundings and enjoy a delicious shore lunch.
Fishing Bear Lodge has the tradition of providing incredible dining fare. All meat entrees are prepared on the outdoor grill nightly. Superb fresh salads and homemade breads are served with every dinner along with a variety of side dishes and desserts.
Shore dinners will be quick and served out on the river during several evenings. Nothing tastes better than a hot shore dinner at about 6:00 PM with more hours of late evening dry fly fishing to go for big rainbows!
Getting There
It's easy! We will meet you at the airport upon your arrival Sunday evening for your stay at Beaver Creek B&B. The following morning, bright and early, you will be transported to the float plane for your scenic flight to the lodge. Your logistics and transportation are 100% taken care of from the moment you step off the airplane in Dillingham. No worries!
As you make your plans your schedule should be as follows:
(If we need to make any changes please let us know so we can help accommodate your travel plans.)
ARRIVAL
Sunday Commercial Flight to Dillingham: Arrive commercial air into Dillingham (DLG) on Alaska Air or Peninsula Airways. A Fishing Bear Lodge representative will be there to meet you and make sure all of your luggage is correctly received.
Having gathered your baggage, you and your group can rest assured you’re in good hands. This evening your B&B hosts will take exceptional care of you at their wonderful accommodations.
Contact our Dillingham B&B Hosts >>
TRANSPORT TO FISHING BEAR LODGE
8:00 AM Monday Morning Float Plane Flight to Fishing Bear Lodge - After an early breakfast you will depart the float pond in a Dehaviland Beaver floatplane. Everything is arranged to fly you out to the lodge bright and early.
The bush flight fee to FBL is $500 round trip per person. There is a 60 lb weight limit on this amazingly scenic floatplane flight. Note that weather delays can occur.
Upon your arrival at Fishing Bear Lodge we will help you move into your waterfront cabin, set up your rods and your adventure begins with a full day and evening of fishing.
DEPARTURE
Sunday Morning One Week Later: After breakfast Sunday morning you will fly back into Dillingham. Depending on weather, the flight will normally have you back into town by 9:30 am.
A flight departs Dillingham mid-afternoon which would be a good departure when booking the return portion of your trip. Our pilot will gladly assist you with town transportation toward your return trip.
You will find everyone to be organized, conscientious, friendly and helpful throughout your adventure with us.
Suggested Anchorage Accommodations:
Captain Cook Hotel
5th Avenue & K Street Anchorage AK 99501 Phone: (800) 843-1959
The Captain Cook has been called the premier Hotel in Anchorage. It offers Great Alaskan decor and is located downtown within close walking distance to several great restaurants and is a short taxi ride to Merrill Field Airport. This is a Wild On The Fly favorite hotel in Anchorage.
Millenium Hotel
4800 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK , USA 99517-3236
tel: +1 907 243 2300 fax: +1 907 243 8815 reservation: +1 866 866 8086
The Millenium Alaskan Hotel is the most popular choice among our guests. It is located close to Anchorage International Airport and right on the world’s largest floatplane base in the world. This is what you would expect from an Alaskan Hotel.
Executive Suite Hotel
4360 Spenard Toad Anchorage, AK 99517
(800) 770-6366 (907) 243-6366 fax (907) 248-2161
The Executive Suite Hotel is a good choice for those who are looking to save a little money while still expecting a good night’s rest.
Barratt Inn
4616 Spenard Road Anchorage, AK 99517
Reservations 800-221-7550, 907-249-494,1 907-249-4909
The Barratt Inn is conveniently located next to the airport and is a good value for those looking for a quiet place for the night. Be sure to ask for a new room.
Rates
2019 Rates: $4,250 per person for a 6 night/6 day package
Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, guided fishing, airport meet and greet in Dillingham, ground transportation in Dillingham, fly fishing rods, reels, flies, leaders, tippets, etc.
Not Included: Round trip airfare to Dillingham, round trip float plane flight from Dillingham to lodge (approximately $500 per person), accommodations and meals in Dillingham, alcohol, staff and guide gratuities, fishing license, sleeping bag (or sheets), towel.
Reservations and Deposits:
A deposit of 50% per person is required to confirm reservations. The balance is due 60 days prior to the scheduled arrival. Call or email us to reserve your date.
Additional Information
Cancellations: Should you find it necessary to cancel your reservations, we will gladly apply your deposit to another booking. Trip cancellation insurance is recommended for your Alaska fishing vacation. We recommend using Travelguard trip insurance.
Alcoholic Beverages: Guests will need to provide their own beer, wine and liquor Lodge personnel can assist you in purchasing and shipping your alcohol.