NO SEE UM LOdGE - Fly Water Travel
Transcription
NO SEE UM LOdGE - Fly Water Travel
Season: June – September Fish Species: Rainbow trout, char, grayling, and five species of salmon Lodge Capacity: 12 anglers Rate: $7,650 per person for a 7 night/6 day package Full Details: See www.flywatertravel.com Kris Hamrick tight to a feisty American Creek rainbow. Photo: Ken Morrish N S U L Y One of the Alaska’s ou will have stories to tell comfortable setting. The lodge is finest fly-out lodges for when you come home from centrally heated and each bedroom trophy rainbows and this trip. Fish cartwheeling away has an excellent view of the river. In sea bright salmon and stealing into your backing, addition to exceptional cuisine, the bears growling in the bushes, and lodge has 24-hour electricity, phone enough solitude streamside to let you savor all service, and a classic wood fire sauna. that’s important — the feel of tundra beneath your Anglers access all of the Iliamna region’s finest feet, the croaking of ravens in the distance, and the trout waters with the help of experienced pilots, ebony spots in the rainbow’s eye. professional guides, impeccably maintained floatNestled on a private bluff overlooking the Kvichak planes, and countless jet boats stashed away on all River, No See Um Lodge has ranked among the finest the best systems. Come and experience firsthand Alaskan fly-out operations for over 20 years. The guest the incredible angling and unsurpassed service that houses have a total of six bedrooms, each equipped have exceeded the expectations of discriminating fly with twin beds and a private bathroom. A lounge with fishers the world over. Spaces are limited so early full complimentary bar and woodstove enhance the reservations are required. Season: June – September Fish Species: Rainbow trout, char, grayling, pike and salmon Lodge Capacity: 12 anglers Rate: $7,000 per person for a 7 night/6 day package Full Details: See www. flywatertravel.com The ultimate reward; a massive Kvichak rainbow. Photo: Royal Coachman Lodge R C L L ocated in the heart of the Woodguaranteeing access to some of the A classic fly-out lodge Tikchik Park on the banks of best king and silver salmon fly water with a tremendous range the Nushagak’s main tributary, the available in southwestern Alaska. and access to every Nuyakuk River, Royal Coachman Private cabins for each pair of significant species Lodge offers access to exceptional guests feature comfortable furniture home waters as well as fly-out fishing to some and bathrooms with showers. The main lodge is tasteof Alaska’s most scenic and least crowded trout and fully furnished, with living room and dining room salmon waters. overlooking the Nuyakuk River. This beautifully situRoyal Coachman features full time professional ated, intimate lodge caters to twelve guests per week, guides, two floatplanes, exceptional cuisine, friendly ensuring complete flexibility in the fishing program staff, and great fishing. The lodge also holds several exand a high level of personalized service throughout clusive permits in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, your stay. Max Morrish learning the craft under the watchful eye of lodge owner Justin Johns. Photo: Ken Morrish F B L D An intimate, family run escribing a place as unique small streams for hearty rainbows, operation, perfect for and special as Fishing Bear abundant artic char and large surfathers and sons or groups Lodge is anything but easy. At its face oriented grayling. In addition wanting to step into core this modest and endearing famto these smaller “under the radar” the Alaskan Wilderness ily run lodge offers its guests just the systems, guests can enjoy late night with both feet right amount of “roughing it” and trophy rainbow sessions on the an opportunity to experience a remarkable diversity renowned Agulapak. For dry fly enthusiasts, lovers of true wilderness fly fishing. of solitude and exceptional scenery, or families in Backing up against the surreal spires of the search of a memorable wilderness adventure and a Wind River Range in the heart of southwest Alaska’s rewarding introduction to the wonders of wilderness 1.6 million acres Wood-Tikchik State Park, Fishing fly fishing, this is a place you will want to visit more Bear employs jet boats to fish a host of seldom seen than once. NEW Season: June – early October Fish Species: Rainbow trout, char, grayling, pike, sockeye salmon Lodge Capacity: 8 anglers Rate: $3,950 per person for a 6 night/6 day package Full Details: See www.flywatertravel.com Daily double on the Kanektok. Photo: Mary-Kate Whitford A W T Season: June – September Fish Species: Rainbow trout, five species of salmon, char, grayling Lodge Capacity: 22 anglers Rate: $4,900 per person for a 7 night/6 day package Full Details: See www. flywatertravel.com The ultimate base camp Alaska West is a large, luxurious he Alaska West camp offers for anglers seeking tent camp set in the heart of the anglers the best of the Kanekbright salmon, leopard lower Kanektok’s finest water. Guests tok River — legendary main stem rainbows, and spey casting sleep in pairs in comfortable wall fishing for sea-bright kings, chum, instruction tents with carpeted floors, quality and silvers, and willow-lined side mattresses, heat and lighting. Hot showers, a large dinchannels teeming with wild leopard bows, char, ing tent, a recreation tent, and a drying tent complete and grayling. the scene. Anglers fish two per guide and move about The Kanektok is by all standards a remarkably the system in 18-foot jet boats. diverse fishery, perfectly suited to both single hand For those interested in getting a great taste of all and spey rod anglers and offers one of Alaska’s best that Alaska has to offer without footing the bill for a opportunities to target both king salmon and fresh fly-out lodge, Alaska West is a proven crowd-pleaser silvers with the fly. High catch rates, easy wading, and that keeps anglers coming back year after year. open backcasts are the norm. NEW Season: June – September Fish Species: Rainbow trout, char, grayling, halibut, five species of salmon Lodge Capacity: 16 anglers Rate: $7,295 per person for a 7 night/6 day package Full Details: See www.flywatertravel.com Heading in after a day of coastal silver fishing. Photo: Rapids Camp Lodge R C L R apids Camp Lodge is an easy to volcanoes, bear and wildlife viewing, The best equipped reach full service fly-out lodge clam digging, beachcombing and and most versatile with excellent home waters and one halibut fishing. fly-out lodge of the most diverse and exciting The lodge features eight comin the state fishing programs in Alaska. Seasoned fortable double occupancy rooms hardcore fly anglers appreciate the wide range of with private baths, a friendly wine and beer bar, two water the lodge frequents. This includes staples gourmet chefs, workout room, and complimentary like the Moraine, Battle Creek, Contact Creek, state of the art tackle and waders. With three Beavers Headwaters Creek and the American River. Other and a turbine Otter, handsome jet boats for the home prolific “under the radar” rainbow fisheries mandate water, and a saltwater boat located in the unparalleled the use of a wheel plane and sturdy walking legs. Geographic Harbor, Rapids Camp has endless opAdditionally Rapids Camp Lodge is one of the tions for all who visit. Whether you are after silvers few destinations equipped and willing to handle or kings, massive rainbows on the spey rod, or a crack a wide range of eco type activities including at wilderness rainbows that rarely see a fly, this is an flight seeing of the regions many glaciers and operation that will keep you coming back. Season: June – mid-October Fish Species: Rainbow trout, five species of salmon, Dolly Varden, grayling Lodge Capacity: 14 guests Rate: $5,300 per person for a 4 night/5 day package (includes approximately three days of elected guided fly-out activities) Full Details: See www. flywatertravel.com Tordrillo Mountain Lodge utilizes choppers to float and fish remote, seldom seen waterways. Photo: Tordrillo Mountain Lodge T M L F Alaska’s premier multi-sport or years we have been on the Additional activities include wake lodge with remote helicopter lookout for a quality, multiboarding, foil boarding, stand up fishing, hiking, skiing sport adventure lodge in Alaska’s paddling, bear viewing and flight and rafting — perfect for southwestern interior. Our criteria seeing in the greater Denali/ couples and families were straightforward — quality Tordrillo region. wilderness fishing for trout and The 5,600 sq. ft. lodge features salmon, as well as exceptional guided activities for nondouble occupancy rooms with private baths, exceptional anglers. This past season we finally found it! meals, an impressive wine list, and a full bar. After the Located on a scenic point overlooking Judd day’s adventures, unwind in the lodge’s oversized wood Lake and the headwater of the fabled Talachulitna fire hot tub and lakefront sauna or treat yourself to River, Tordrillo Mountain Lodge has everything we a professional massage. Widely recognized as one of hoped for and more. Anglers enjoy ultra remote, North America’s premier winter heli-skiing operations, guided heli-fishing (walk and wade or inflatable kayak Tordrillo’s acclaimed “Kings and Corn Adventure Trip” floats) for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, grayling and combines spring heli-skiing with ultra productive, salmon, while non-anglers can enjoy canoeing, kayasmall stream fly-out fishing for king salmon. Early king, guided heli-hiking and heli-rafting adventures. reservations required. Rafting an Alaskan wilderness river represents the ultimate in value and adventure. Photo: Ouzel Expeditions T A F T here is little doubt that a wilderness float trip represents one of greatest and most memorable adventures in the world. At Fly Water Travel we are proud to work with three of Alaska’s premier outfitters including Beyond Boundaries, Frontier River Guides and Ouzel Expeditions. Some of our favorite trips are outlined below. T K This 100 mile float through the wilds of the Togiak Wildlife Refuge has become a standard by which other float trips are measured. With exceptional guides, access to all five species of Pacific salmon, Dolly Varden, grayling, and gorgeous “leopard bows,” this seven day trip keeps anglers coming back year after year. Rate: $4,675 per person for a 7 day/6 night package A C For the serious rainbow hunter keen on a true wilderness adventure, few systems compare with American Creek in the heart of the Katmai region. After landing in an alpine lake, the expedition will float through miles of productive pocket water, a steep canyon with rapids, and then on into intricate braids, and the long slicks of the lower river. The entire 36 miles of river is home to numerous rainbows in the 18-24 inch class with fish in the 30 inch class taken each season. Add to that lots of big dollies and bears and you start to get the idea of what a trip down American Creek is all about. Rate: $3,750-4,390 per person per week T K Transecting a wide range of ecosystems with several portages, this float is a true wilderness adventure with exceptional salmon runs as well as rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, arctic char and grayling. The upper reaches of the river are exceedingly scenic and the fishing tends to improve each and every day with the last forty miles consistently exceeding expectations. Rate: $4,250 per person for an 8 day/7 night package L C For folks who want to get the entire Alaskan wilderness experience condensed into a five day float trip, Lake Creek is our top pick. With a stunning backdrop of Denali, wildlife, rapids and hearty populations of rainbows and Pacific salmon, Lake Creek delivers. Rate: $3,750-$4,290 per person NEW Season: June – mid-October Fish Species: Five species of salmon, Dolly Varden, halibut and rockfish Lodge Capacity: 14 guests Rate: $5,050 per person for a 5 night/5 1/2 day package Full Details: See www.flywatertravel.com Baranof owner and master outdoorsman Mike Trotter leading Max Morrish to one of his secret spots. Photo: Ken Morrish B W L B The ultimate venue for eneath the jagged granite re m o t e w i l d e r n e s s s t re a m s friends, families and peaks, the cold blue ice fields, teeming with salmon and Dolly couples to experience the the natural hot springs, and the Varden, fish for halibut, botvast and varied wonders thundering waterfall that spills tom fish and Pacific salmon, sea of southeast Alaska into the salmon filled sea, there is kayak, whale watch, bear view or a lodge that is unique among those soak in the natural hot springs that we represent. More than a place to simply visit, which first made Warm Springs Bay famous. southeast Alaska’s Baranof Wilderness Lodge offers With food and hospitality to match the grandeur an unparalleled base for connecting to one of the and bounty of the region, Baranof Wilderness world’s most diverse and vibrant ecosystems. Lodge is a gem that families, couples, and seriFrom the comfort of their waterfront lodge, ous anglers alike will find profoundly moving and anglers of all skill levels can walk and wade pleasurable. Perfect in size and structure, the Kispiox is also home to the world’s largest steelhead. Photo: Ken Morrish K R F C T he Kispiox is a river of subtle panoramic views of the upper river, Hunt for the world’s moods, endless secrets, and stagBear Claw has set a new standard for largest steelhead from gering rewards. The family of head elegance in the Skeena watershed. a base of unequalled guide Jim Allen first homesteaded Each day anglers float different secelegance and service in the valley four generations ago in tions of the river in rafts and swing 1906. Since that time they have become as much a flies through a remarkable variety of water that is home part of the river as the river has become a part of them. to some of the largest steelhead in the world. In addition When you are with Jim Allen and his crew of talented to the Kispiox, anglers have the option of fishing the guides, all of whom call the Kispiox home, you are in Skeena and lower Bulkley, depending on conditions. very good hands. For all who appreciate skilled guides, fine accomClients enjoy the lavish comforts of spacious, modations and a shot at some of the world’s largest wild double occupancy rooms in the newly constructed Bear steelhead, this is the place. Please ask about special 2-4 Claw Lodge. A massive, timber frame structure with day packages. Season: September – early November Fish Species: Steelhead Lodge Capacity: 8 anglers Rate: CAD $6,000 per person (plus GST) for a 7 night/6 day package Full Details: See www.flywatertravel.com When it comes to BC steelhead fishing, no company offers more destinations or knows more about these unique fisheries than Fly Water Travel. Photo: Ken Morrish T B R A s the Skeena’s largest tributary, the Bulkley may be blessed with more good swing runs than any other river. With over 80 miles of productive water, most of which is broad and shallow, the Bulkley is a mecca for dry line and dry fly enthusiasts as well as any angler keen on a stable, productive British Columbia steelhead venue. The season extends from September through early November. B R L A Fly Water favorite, Bulkley River Lodge is perfect, with quaint cabins on the banks of a lovely riffle. Headed by Bulkley River veteran Dave Evans, the guide staff at Bulkley River Lodge is made up of experienced professionals who maintain a fun, playful, and educational attitude on the river. Accessing more than 80 miles of gorgeous fly water via jet boats, drift boats and rafts, Bulkley River Lodge provides an exceptional experience for both seasoned steelheaders and first timers. Anglers sleep two per cabin, each complete with comfortable beds, private baths, and heat. Excellent meals with tastefully selected wines are served in the main lodge each evening. Rate: $4,995 per person (plus GST) for a 7 night/ 7 day package F F L For more than twenty years, Frontier Farwest Lodge has been sharing the secrets of the Bulkley River with anglers from around the world. Built in 1935 and known then as The Telkwa Creamery, Frontier Farwest Lodge is owned by veteran guide Derek Botchford and his Chilean wife Andrea Soto. Rooms in the main lodge have private baths and sleep two anglers per room. Hearty meals are served with complimentary drinks each evening. River travel is done via drift boat. All guests get to experience two rustic overnight trips that include two full days of fishing the Bulkley’s remote canyon waters. Camps are located on exceptional steelhead water and offer a spacious cook tent and a large guest tent with four comfortable cots and a portable heater. Frontier Farwest also offers a limited number of four day float trips through their canyon waters. Please call for details. Rate: CAD $4,850 per person (plus GST) for a 7 night/6 day package S E NEW Steelhead Excursions is a highly personalized, family operated steelhead lodge that is based out of the home of Bob and Jill Hull on the Bulkley River. Bob is one of the most experienced and respected guides on the Bulkley and enjoys a very loyal client base, most of whom fish with him every season. Bob and Jill have modified their home so that six anglers can all enjoy their own private rooms and three shared baths. Bob works with two other expert guides and each day anglers depart the lodge with jet boats in tow. While spaces are extremely limited, this is an exceptional venue that is enjoyable, enriching and productive for all who get the opportunity to visit. Rate: $4,700 per person (plus GST) for a 7 night/6 day package Fly Water Travel and Lani Waller are the only companies with established booking privileges for all three of the Babine’s renowned lodges. Photos: Ken Morrish and Kent Davenport T B R F lowing deep within the wilds of northern British Columbia, the Babine experiences returns of some of the world’s largest wild steelhead. Rugged, remote and lightly guided, this river is best suited to experienced anglers who appreciate solitude streamside. Most lodges open in early September and close in early November. S H L Widely considered to be the finest and most exclusive steelhead fishing lodge in the world, the Silver Hilton has jet boat access to more than twenty miles of pristine trophy steelhead water. Babine fish range from 8 pounds to over 30 pounds and are among the purest strain of wild steelhead remaining in North America. Silver Hilton features two fully staffed, five-star facilities located approximately seven miles apart. The Main Camp fishes eight rods per week on the two lower beats. The upper Triple Header camp takes four rods per week on the upper reach. Anglers fish four per guide and rotate through all the beats, ensuring ample solitude streamside. Due to a high rate of repeat clients, availability is typically limited to early and late in the season. All packages include round-trip, private helicopter transportation from Smithers, BC to the lodge. Rate: $5,000-$7,100 per person for a 7 night/7 day package (includes $250 to the Save the Babine Foundation) B N L Located on the clear flowing upper reaches of the famed Babine River, Pierce Clegg’s Babine Norlakes Lodge is a classic camp for the serious steelheader. With the longest season of any BC steelhead camp, Babine Norlakes takes pride in creating an operation that involves fishing hard and playing hard each and every day of the season. With a range of 13 miles, anglers relentlessly cover the river’s prime holding water before returning to camp for drinks, a hearty meal, and the coveted roaring bonfire. And while all anglers will have the opportunity to fish the lodge’s lower satellite waters, three anglers, through the process of a random drawing, will get to spend two full days on these waters with an overnight at the cozy, four person satellite camp. Anglers sleep in comfortable, heated bunk cabins with detached communal shower and outhouses. For serious anglers keen on putting the big ones on the beach and having a good time in the process, this is the place. Rate: CAD $5,750 per person (plus GST and $250 to Save the Babine Foundation) for a 6 night/61/2 day package B S L Babine Steelhead Lodge is the middle lodge of the Babine’s three operations and is attractively situated overlooking a long, home pool. The facility boasts three well built bunk cabins that sleep up to four anglers. Cabins have heat, linens, and attached sinks and toilets. A communal shower house and a drying room are nearby, linked to the cabins by attractive boardwalks. The main lodge features a comfortable living room with a sweeping view of the river and a large adjoining dining room where meals are served. In standard Babine fashion, anglers fish four per jet boat and work some of the longest and most seductive runs on the river. For those who want to experience some of British Columbia’s finest trophy steelhead fishing, this operation deserves your serious consideration Rate: CAD $5,500 per person (plus GST and CAD $200 to Save the Babine Foundation) for a 6 night/6 day package A Steelheader’s Way, by Lani Waller is now available. This 216 page hard-cover book features ten color illustrations by Dave Hall, more than 150 color photos by Ken Morrish and an impressive array of insightful chapters by one of the world’s most highly regarded steelheaders. It is published by Headwater Books (www.headwaterbooks. com) and distributed by Stackpole Books. For autographed copies, order directly from the author at lani.waller@verizon.net or 415-897-4997. Paul Peterson going long on the Sustut’s middle beat. Photo: Ken Morrish