Alaska West Fly Fishing Lodge, owned and run by the famous Deneki Outdoors company, is a centrally located camp with a short boat ride to excellent fishing for Rainbows, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, and all five bright chrome Pacific Salmon species. Its location couldn’t be any better, only being 5.5 miles from the mouth of the world-famous Kanektok River.
This river is locally known as the’ Fish Factory’, which offers anglers a wide variety of fishing opportunities for a large population of species. It is hard to believe that such a small river can hold such large biomass of fish. It usually is challenging to find a river-based operation in Alaska with big rainbows and bright salmon in world-class numbers but not on this river.
Alaska West is a tented lodge that operates a fixed, tented base located in the Togiak National Wildlife refuge approximately five miles upriver of the Alaskan native village of Quinhagak.
This exceptional fishing holiday offers anglers the chance to fish many different rivers using many other methods, from single-handed rods to double-handed rods. The rivers you will fish will keep the most competent angler busy while offering new challenges each day, from willow-lined back streams to wide-open pools. This lodge does suit many people’s abilities.
Like many lodges in Alaska, what you would prefer to catch will dictate the best time to visit. The season is short, just 12 weeks of fishing, and over these weeks, things change very quickly. The King/Chinook Salmon starts up on the Kanektok in June and lasts well into July. The lower river is relatively broad; therefore, the use of spey rods recommended. This part of the river is a series of long, deep beautiful runs, perfect for swinging flies to these beasts. Average King/Chinook Salmon are 20lb -25lb, with fish over 40lb an everyday possibility. Also, during this period of June/July, the river’s Sockeye and Chum Salmon offer the good sport. Sockeye Salmon average 6lb -8lb, and the Chum Salmon 8lb-12lb. This same early-season period will also see the river’s big Rainbows aggressively chasing large streamers. These Rainbows in the 2lb-4lb range are common, and even larger fish get routinely hooked. If you love sea-run Dolly Varden, this is the time to visit as they take their annual migration up the river, making this is a fantastic mixed bag time of year.
As August, arrives hordes of chrome Silver/Coho Salmon take over the river, with their sheer numbers taking over every slow pool and calm backwater in the river. These aggressive fish are a fly anglers dream, averaging 6lb -12lb, as they are happy to take both swinging flies and smash your surface poppers. From August through to when the camp closes in September, we also see the big Rainbows and Dolly Varden feeding on the dead early salmon’s flesh and gorging themselves on salmon eggs as they are laid.
When fishing at Alaska West Lodge, you will freshwater fly fish on the Kanektok River one of the most fly fishable rivers in Alaska, providing a wide and varied range of fishing options.
The Kanektok River, also called the Chosen River, flows 110 miles from its headwaters at Kagati Lake through the 4.5 million acres of the Togiak Wilderness Reserve through to the Bering Sea. This river is home to the famous Alaskan Rainbows, also known as “Leopard Bows” Stunning fish with a fantastic profusion of spots that cover their body. These wild rainbows attain trophy size and are available throughout the season both in the main river and the many tributaries.
Read our Tips on Pacific Salmon Fishing & Chasing Silvers in Alaska.
Right after breakfast, each day, you will set off fishing in one of the lodges sturdy, 18-foot jet boats—fishing with two anglers per boat and guide. Because you don’t have to fly out each day to experience great fishing, your angling hours will not be affected by poor weather conditions or low visibility. The days are long, a fresh lunch will be prepared on the shore by your guides. There is a cooler on board to store lunches and drinks. Typically, you will fish from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, giving you a full 10 hours on the water. The fishing is done both from shore and from the boat, depending on your preferences and fishing conditions. Wading is extremely easy, with almost no rocks larger than an orange. Therefore less, mobile customers have no problem walking around the river.
Due to the fishery’s prolific and varied nature, it is not unusual to be catching bright salmon all morning and then spend the afternoon catching Rainbows, Dolly Varden. Remember to talk to your guides as they can custom-tailor the day to your wishes. Should you wish to target smaller and numerous rainbows or target less fish but catch the larger specimens.
At the end of the day you will return to the lodge for a hearty evening meal and to share both drinks and stories with other guests at the lodge.
Alaska West Lodge is by all standards a remarkably diverse fishery. It is perfectly suited to both single-hand and spey anglers and offers one of the best opportunities for fly fishing for Salmon in Alaska, where high catch-rates and easy wading are the norm.
Alaska West Fly Fishing Lodge consists of all tented accommodation; however, this does not mean its basic. The whole camp has a professional feel to it and has everything that all fly anglers need from a welcoming lodge. Being based right on the banks of the river gives the whole camp a real fishing appeal. For after dinner, you can pick up your rods and continue to fish until you drop.
The whole camp set up consists of, first of all, the Sleeping Quarters. These heated tents have everything you need as each furnished with two single beds, nightstand, hang-down bug net, lantern, carpeted floor and clothes hangers. The housekeeping staff will come through daily to make beds, empty bins and tidy up to ensure your new home stays neat and clean. There is also a shower and restrooms block. All Showers have hot and cold running water with a sink, cleaned daily. The restrooms are indeed outhouses; they, too, are cleaned daily and strategically located near your tent cabin.
After a full fishing day, you can leave all your fishing clothes and waders in the drying tent. These tents serve as a place for you to hang your wet waders, coats, boots and anything else you don’t want damp or dirty in your sleeping quarters. They are heated to ensure your things are nice and dry by morning.
When hungry, move to the dining tent. The dining tent is a spacious 24’x 60’ heated structure with wood floors and is always kept neat and clean. The kitchen has state of the art equipment, such as gas ranges, convection oven, microwave, refrigerators and freezers. The resident Chef is a culinary magician. The mouth-watering surprises created in this humble kitchen in the bush are genuinely astonishing.
There is a purpose-built lounge tent for those who would like to relax after a full day of fishing. This large heated tent comes furnished with comfortable chairs, tables and a refrigerator with cool soft drinks, juices and mixers. There are poker chips with cards, board games, dartboard, magazines, books, map board, telephone, satellite television and an online camp computer available to all.
You can also relax outside under the camps gazebo on the viewing deck. This split-level wood structure has a great river view. The bottom area is open-aired and enclosed with a fine mesh bug screen—a great place to sit and enjoy the midnight sun without being bothered by our little biting buddies.
Alaska West is primarily a destination for those who fish, and bringing along a non-angling spouse or travel partner is not recommended.
Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Seattle
Depart Seattle, Arrive Anchorage.
On arrival and once you have collected your luggage make your way out of the terminal building and take a taxi to the Anchorage Hotel. (taxi not included)
Overnight accommodation: Anchorage Hotel (Twin room) R/O
Early in the morning, you will take a taxi to Anchorage Airport where you take a small internal flight.
Depart Anchorage, Arrive Quinhagak
On arrival, you will be met by the camps team and transported by jet boat approximately 25 minutes upstream to the camp. Once you are checked in you will depart for your first afternoon of fishing.
Overnight accommodation: Alaska West Fly Fishing Camp (Twin tents) F/B
Each day you will depart for a full day fishing by boat based on two anglers per boat/guide. Your guide utilises 16 to 18-foot flat-bottomed boats powered by 40 HP jet engines, equipped with bow and stern anchors, two swivel seats and life jackets.
The fishing is either from the bank, gravel bars or drift fishing within the boat. Depending on your targets you will be taken to certain areas of the river so you can fish the style and the species you wish.
While out fishing each day, a fresh lunch will be prepared on the shore by your guides. There is a cooler on board to store lunches and drinks.
Overnight accommodation: Alaska West Fly Fishing Camp (Twin tent) F/B
In the morning you will be transferred back to Quinhagak for your small internal flight back to Anchorage.
Depart Quinhagak, Arrive Anchorage
On arrival, you will take a taxi back to your Anchorage Hotel. (Taxi not included)
Overnight accommodation: Anchorage Hotel (Twin room) R/O
Depending on your flight time, make your way back to the airport for your homeward flights.
Depart Anchorage
Arrive Seattle Depart Seattle
Arrive Home
The season runs from Mid June to September.
Season: 14 June to 19 July
Peak: 21 June to 12 July
Weight: 10lb to 60lb
Average Weight: 20lb
Season: 14 June to 26 July
Peak: 21 June to 19 July
Weight: 5lb to 16lb
Average Weight: 10lb
Season: 21 June to July 26
Peak: 4 July to 18 July
Weight: 4lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 8lb
Season: 12 July to 8 August
Peak: 19 July to 5 August
Weight: 2lb to 6lb
Average Weight: 4lb
Season: 8 August to 12 September
Peak: 15 August to 12 September
Weight: 6lb to 20lb
Average Weight: 12lb
Season: 18 July to 12 September
Peak: 25 July to 12 September
Weight: 1lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 1.5lb
Season: 14 June to 12 September
Peak: 21 July to 12 September
Weight: 1lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 2.5lb
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Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/06/2025 | 17/06/2025 | 11 | £9,842 | Enquire Now |
| 14/06/2025 | 24/06/2025 | 11 | £9,842 | Enquire Now |
| 21/06/2025 | 01/07/2025 | 11 | £9,842 | Enquire Now |
| 28/06/2025 | 08/07/2025 | 11 | £9,842 | Enquire Now |
| 05/07/2025 | 15/07/2025 | 11 | £9,842 | Enquire Now |
| 12/07/2025 | 22/07/2025 | 11 | £9,842 | Enquire Now |
| 19/07/2025 | 29/07/2025 | 11 | £9,842 | Enquire Now |
| 26/07/2025 | 05/08/2025 | 11 | £9,842 | Enquire Now |
| 02/08/2025 | 12/08/2025 | 11 | £9,842 | Enquire Now |
| 09/08/2025 | 19/08/2025 | 11 | £9,842 | Enquire Now |
| 16/08/2025 | 26/08/2025 | 11 | £9,842 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.
To catch a Chinook, a chum and a Sockeye in one week totally blew me away. What an amazing spot on this planet. I have travelled to may far away places but this will take some beating. See you again next year same week please and I will really try and find some time to send you some pictures
Hi Michael I could tell in your voice after speaking with you that this trip really ticked a few boxes for you. We would very much appreciate if you could find the time to email us some pictures if not I can send you a memory stick out. Just let me know whats easier. If I have not heard from by next week I shall give you a call
Peter
Fantastic fishing a very well run camp and very knowledgeable guides we will return soon.
Jon so glad that you both had a great time, it was good catching up with you after your trip. I look forward in seeing some of the many pictures
Regards Peter
Hello Peter, this was our first time fly fishing as you know we normally Big game fish but after listening to you talk about this destination we had to visit. Malcolm enjoyed all the fishing and commented on how good the guides were. We have both fly fished in the UK but that was a million miles away from this type of fishing. Perhaps next year we will take some lessons before we head out there.
Mexico for us next year so can you call us when you are free
Hello Helen so glad it lived up to your expectations as I knew it would. How did Malcolm get on with his new Rod and reel? Hopefully you took plenty of pictures for us? Helen, I will call soon as Mexico is becoming booked up so we need to get some dates in for you sooner rather than later
All our best
To the guys at Sportquest especially Mel who helped us so much with the booking. We had a marvellous time and we all liked our hats thank you. We have already got together to discuss what is next for 2017 so when you get a moment can you please call me
Hello Stan. Thanks for taking the time to fill out your feedback form these are very useful to fellow travellers and also makes the lodges aware of any issues. I will get Peter in the office to give you a quick ring
Thanks for traveling with us
Mel
Peter, I dont know what I have done in a former life but what ever it was must of been bad. The weather was simply horrible from the moment we arrived to the day we left. To top it off the following week fished its head off with perfect weather conditions. Next year can you please guarantee the weather....... but thanks for an amazing holiday
Hello Patrick what a shame and after all the build up to your trip. Like I often say we can ensure most things are perfect but not the weather. At least you managed a few fish and by the looks of the pictures you had plenty of fun times
I will call you guys soon to see what we can do for you for next year. Speak Soon
What a adventure we all had from amazing scenery to world class fishing. The Salmon where some of the finest we have experienced and the guides really went above and beyond to help us. Awesome place
Hi Tim, it truly is a place every one should visit as it leaves you feeling very special just being there. Alaska has certainly got something very special plus some amazing fishing. Look forward to seeing all your amazing pictures taken on your new camera
Speak to you soon Tim
Went to Alaska to catch a big King and was rewarded with a 40LB fish. Super pleased as you can see from the picture attached. If you need any more just let me know. Would highly recommend BC west
Jack what an awesome fish and one that many anglers spend many years chasing and for you to catch it on your first visit....speechless Looking forward to see the rest of the pictures. I will pass on your kind comments to the lodge as they will be very pleased
All the best, Peter
Hi Sportquest thank you for organising this trip at such short notice. Everything went to plan and even the fish were feeding. We all had a great trip and would appreciate you passing on our thanks to the lodge staff. I will get the pictures over to you when have 5 minutes
All the best and speak with you again soon, John
Hi John, it was a pleasure and good job they had a couple of last minute cancellations. We would of got you going somewhere. Also we will pass on your thanks to the lodge owner and please do fire over some pictures when you get time. Hopefully we will catch up soon
Trip was very good, flights were a bit long and was very tired when we got back to the UK. Overall pleased with your services and the lodge
Hi William, yes I agree the flights are long but well worth the journey. Thank you for taking the time to fill out your feed back form and will email a copy to the lodge. Whats next for you guys? Hopefully we can catch up soon as I know you are a very busy man
Speak soon
Mel, what can we say apart from thank you so much. The lodge and staff need a pat on the back as they run this lodge first class. Superb fishing and we all managed what we set out for. Thanks and you should be getting your pictures any day just waiting for wayne to download them
Speak soon about next year
Hello Frank, thats great to hear and makes our job all the more enjoyable when we receive great feedback like this. I shall pass on your kind words to the lodge
I shall drop you a quick email once we have received all your lovely photos
Thanks, Mel
After the lengthy delay at Heathrow we sadly missed our connecting flight. Thankfully they put us on the next available flight and soon found ourselves arriving at the lodge half a day late. With all the messing about at the airports all we wanted to do was to relax for our first day. the guides at the lodge soon informed us of some great fishing which soon sparked up our spirits. Apart from the disaster with the flights we both had a very good time perhaps next time we should let you organise our internal flight, lesson learnt.
Thanks also BC West camp and staff
Hi Richard, we were watching the flights as we receive notifications of the flight delays and thankfully they managed to get you guys on the next flights and it did not eat in to your holiday very much. We also heard of the great fishing and was given reports on almost a daily basis. Cant wait to see the pictures from your trip and let us know if you can not work the dropbox invite out.
All the best, Mel
Thanks for organising our adventure, top marks
Hi Mark, no worries it was our pleasure. Good to talk with the other day and thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to fill out this form. Hopefully we can look at something for you next year
Peter
My Son and I went to the Alaska West fishing camp, from the day we arrived there until the day we left, the camp members and the fishing guides worked tireless to make the fishing experience one to remember. Their knowledge of the river and methods to fish sections of the river made all the difference when fishing. they helped us catch fish we could only have dreamed of before we left the UK. My son booked the flights from the UK to Anchorage but the connecting flights from Anchorage to the camp were fine.
Thanks to all concerned for making it a holiday to remember for both my son and I and to fulfil one of my lifetime ambitions.
Len
Len, Thank you so much for your customer feedback and also for taking the time to talk to me. I am so pleased that this trip turned out to be the perfect father and son holiday. We hope that we can be of assistance to you both again somewhere soon.
Regards Peter
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