SE Alaska: Incredible salmon, halibut and freshwater hot spot

If you're looking for a fantastic Alaskan fishing trip that features off-the-charts silver and king salmon fishing, along with tons of halibut and bottomfish and some spectacular freshwater options, this spot in Southeast Alaska is it. With Alaska's largest population of herring right out the back door, the fishing here is insane!

Just an hour or so flight from Juneau, this 4-star lodge has it all -- exceptional service, great boats, nice lodging, good food and, as I said before, unbelievable fishing. Another added benefit is this spot is very protected and is flat calm more often than not.

What to Expect
This lodge treats everybody like royalty and the staff to guest ratio is nearly 1 to 1...impressive, considering the lodge can comfortably hold over 60 people. Most guests fish aboard 25- to 35-foot "6-pac" charter boats (usually they only put 4 anglers per boat to make sure everybody has plenty of elbow room). You can also go the self-guided route, in which you'll get assigned to your own vessel (mostly 18-foot center console Klamaths, though there's a 20-foot Bay Runner and a couple other "upgrade" boats).

Most of the salmon are caught trolling with herring. After limits are aboard, you'll switch to anchor fishing for halibut and bottomfish in deep water. This is a whack 'em and stack 'em kind of place, and the main goal is to get you fish to take home...lots of fish (If you're not into the kill everything program and have some boating skill, try the do-it-yourself route).

During your stay, you can also arrange to go freshwater fishing instead of spending the day on the saltchuck. There are many options in the freshwater arena -- salmon, rainbows, dollies, cutthroat, etc. When you go, be sure to ask them to take you on the epic waterfall trip, which involves a long boat ride, a hike, some canoing...all ending at a waterfall and pool full of fish.

Daily Schedule
When we were there, breakfast was 7 to 8 AM and then we'd fish all day until 5 PM.

Before the departure every morning, a huge spread is laid out and you can make your own sack lunch for eating on the boat.

Dinner is typically served at 6:30-7 PM (with snacks served a half hour prior).

When the boats come in at 5 PM, the catch is off-loaded, filleted, vacuum packed and frozen while you eat dinner.

Prime Time
July through early September is the peak of the coho run...it's as close to a sure thing as there is in fishing. When we were there in mid August, the charter boats were getting their limits of coho (6 per per person in 2006) in an hour or two. We fished solo and caught so many we didn't bother to count.

Halibut and bottomfish are around all summer.

Random Notes
This lodge really caters to folks who like a luxury experience -- and you don't really need to bring anything but clothes and toiletries. If you'd rather not have your hand held, go with the self-guided boats and bring along your own gear...

FOR MORE INFO ON THIS SE ALASKA HOT SPOT, EMAIL ME.