Bristol Bay Lodge is a paradise for Salmon fishing, each year 40-50 million Sockeye Salmon enter the waters. If you want to experience this spectacular sport, we have the perfect location for you. Bristol Bay Lodge strategically placed in the unspoiled and untouched surroundings of Alaska’s pristine Wood-Tikchik State Park.
What is great about this destination is its stunning watershed, which contains 14 major lakes and connecting river systems. The only way to access this entire watershed is by floatplane, and Bristol Bay Fishing Lodge has three legendary DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes. These planes ferry customers through the whole system, wherewith your guides and our riverboats fitted with jet outboards will be waiting for easy accessibility to the most productive freshwater fly fishing spots.
Depending on what time of year you visit the lodge will count on what species will be available in the rivers, so please check out the species information on this tour. Throughout the year King Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Sockeye, Chum and Silver Salmon are all on the main menu. Other species include Northern Pike, Dolly Varden and Grayling.
During your stay at Bristol Bay Lodge, you will fish at a different location each day and have the opportunity to catch every species of fish available to you during any given week. Each evening you’ll be informed of your next day’s fishing adventure by an experienced fishing guide who will explain every aspect of the coming day. You will be fully informed and prepared for whatever the next day brings.
Bristol Bay Lodge has six different and spectacular fishing destinations. Each fishery you visit will be unique and memorable. We utilize four of these fisheries in the main for your two overnight camp experiences. The remaining two rivers fished from the lodge as day fisheries.
As you fish a set program and a rotation system at Bristol Bay Lodge how long it takes to the fishing grounds will depend on where you will be travelling to each day and if you will be setting off in either a jet boat or one of your fly out days by floatplane. Times will vary accordingly but anything from 15 mins to just under 1 hour is the norm. For more information about the rivers read our Top 10 fishing rivers in Alaska
Two of Alaska’s most renowned fisheries, the Agulawok and Agulukpak Rivers are home waters for Bristol Bay Lodge. The Agulawok River is just a short boat ride from the main lodge. The Agulukpak River, which flows between two lakes, is only a few minutes by floatplane. These fisheries provide some of the region’s most productive and consistent fishing for Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Grayling and Dolly Varden.
Additionally, these rivers are host to one of the largest Sockeye Salmon runs anywhere in the world. On average, several million Sockeye Salmon return to the Wood-Tikchik lake system each year, and most pass through these two rivers. The first Sockeye Salmon appear around the 4th of July. When the time is right, it’s not unusual to catch these noble fish’s and reach your daily limit before lunch and spend the afternoon pursuing Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char and Grayling. Other rivers you may fish from the lodge through the week are the Kanektok, Goodnews, and Togiak rivers which are among the most productive in Alaska for Chinooks, Chum, Sockeye and Coho.
You will fish each of these legendary rivers, as a day-fishery, returning to the lodge in the evening.
Bristol Bay Lodge maintains exclusive leases on two of the most exceptional fisheries in all of Western Alaska. It’s on these very different rivers where you’ll spend two separate nights. The overnight experiences at the two camps are possibly the best wilderness experience in Alaska. Many customers comment that they are the highlights of the trip.
Birch Creek Camp located northwest of the lodge. This camp strategically situated on a braided and meandering tundra stream. In addition to all five species of Pacific salmon, you’ll find marauding Rainbow Trout, huge Arctic Grayling and an incredible population of sea-run Dolly Varden. Your guides are based continuously at the remote camp, meaning as they fish the waters daily they know precisely where and when to find the fish.
Directly west of the Salmon Fishing Bristol Bay Lodge, located below the confluence of two exceptional rivers and on the Bering Sea’s tidewater, is Rainbo Camp. Those who have spent time at Rainbo Camp lovingly describe it as “the end of the earth”, a place where the wind in the grass brings whispers of ancient times. The camp located on tidal water, at the edge of the Bering Sea means that every tide brings the promise of a fresh run of Salmon just minutes from the saltwater.
As both camps are situated right on the edge of the water, it is possible to continue to fish on your own after diner, plus the midnight sun means you can stay up and fish all night if you feel the need. We have all done it once or twice, crazy fun.
At Bristol Bay Lodge, we operate a rotation system therefor you fish with a different guide in different river systems each day. Fishing is based on two anglers per guide each day, and you will stay with your fishing partner for the entire week. All the guides are fully qualified and speak excellent English plus they like nothing more than showing off their home rivers and just how outstanding the fishing is.
How you will fish will depend on your preferences, what you wish to catch and what time of the season you are fishing if you are looking to fish for the big King salmon and Chinooks although you can fish with a single-handed rod it’s much better swinging large flies with double-handed spey rods. You can use lighter rods like 12ft switch rods and single-handed 10# rods for the smaller Salmon. Although you will be using wet flies most of the time, in the late season when the Coho Silvers arrive, it is entertaining to use surface fly poppers and watch these fish chase and hit them. Read our Tips on Pacific Salmon Fishing & Chasing Silvers in Alaska.
Once you have had your fill with Salmon, there is the incredible Rainbow Trout, Dollies and Grayling to tempt you. For these species, all you need is a 5# single handed fly rod and fish with a mixture of egg patterns, wet flies and dry flies. At certain times of the season, it’s also exhilarating to use surface mouse patterns and watch these colossal Rainbow slash and engulf them.
Sounds like a lot of tackle to travel with or do not have everything you need?. Do not worry, one of the great benefits of Bristol Bay Lodge everything is provided, rods, reels, waders, terminal tackle and even flies. All you need to do if you wish is turn up with a bag of clothes, and we will take care of the rest.
Bristol Bay Lodge is suitable for experienced anglers or complete beginner, and everything in-between as the lodge caters for all abilities. The fishing is so vast that the guides will tailor what you are fishing for depending on your experience and what you wish to target. For sure, if you love fishing in the stunning scenery and surrounded by wildlife, you will love this destination. Many customers have returned only to say that even if they had not caught any fish, the whole experience is a holiday in its own right.
As you depart the lodge each day by either boat or floatplane, there is little walking, so this destination is suitable for all ages and physical abilities. The only thing you need to think about is getting in and out of small floatplanes regularly.
Bristol Bay Lodge has been ranked the fourth best fishing lodge in the world by Forbes magazine. It caters to up to 26 customers per week. The lodge’s well-appointed facilities offer casual elegant wilderness living filled with creature comforts and an atmosphere of camaraderie. The main lodge houses a completely equipped professional kitchen, a dining room, large living room with bar area, a library and a considerable fly tying bench.
A panoramic view of Lake Aleknagik fronts the famous see-through fireplace. This main central point makes the perfect place to meet up after each day’s fishing to share great food, wines and of course all those fishing and bear stories.
There are eight bedrooms in the main lodge as well as a fully equipped fly and tackle shop. In warm weather, the lodge’s decks are the favourite gathering places for appetizers, cocktails and weekly barbecues. The hot tub and sauna get lots of use after fishing – relaxing sore muscles.
Set around the lodge, but private in every regard, are four cedar cabins, often used for small groups or families. Each cabin is different, offering its character, yet all offer scenic views of Lake Aleknagik, slightly fragrant with the scent of cedar as you would expect of real wilderness cabins.
The lodge’s chef and lodge staff will prepare a hearty breakfast and dinner each day. Breakfasts are made to order and include your choice of hot and cold cereals, muffins, bread, fruits, eggs, french toast, pancakes, bacon, sausage, reindeer sausage, juices, and coffee or tea.
Your midday meal is taken on the water unless you prefer otherwise. Your shore lunch will consist of fresh fish, cooked potatoes and some surprising desserts. If fresh fish is not to your liking or like additional snacks for the day, you can prepare sandwiches at the lodge’s sandwich bar at breakfast time in the morning. Dinners always begin with cocktails and appetizers, followed by your choice of two entries. These include steaks, prime rib, crab legs, fresh salmon, halibut, shrimp, chicken, and pork. Your choice of a delicious dessert always compliments these dinners. There is one thing for sure Bristol Bay Lodge is not the place to visit if you are trying to watch your weight as you will never go hungry.
During your stay, you will be spending one night at each of the two remote tented camps. Both these camps are constructed using Arctic Steel-framed tents. These include the main cook tent which is used for serving breakfast and dinner. It also serves as a central meeting place for the beginning and end of each day. This is where you’ll share fishing stories and laughter often late into the night. Each camp also has three guests tents that accommodate two anglers per tent that have beds with fresh linen, warm full-sized sleeping bag, fleece liners, & heaters for any chilly nights. Both camps also come with their own fully serviced toilet and shower with running water.
To take care of you during your overnight stays at either remote camp are two experienced fishing guides along with a camp chef/manager. All food is flown out with you each day to the camps so you will enjoy the same standard of food and service as you would if back at the main lodge. Safety is always essential while staying out in the real wilderness; therefore each camp is in constant contact with the main lodge via state of the art satellite phones, making sure you feel safe on your holiday.
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.
Please note that depending on what international airport you depart from, travel to this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel.
Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Anchorage
On arrival, take a taxi to your Anchorage Hotel.
Overnight accommodation: Anchorage Hotel (Twin room) R/O
In the morning you will take a taxi back to the airport. You will depart from Anchorage and arrive in Dillingham. On arrival, a Bristol Bay Lodge team member will greet you and transfer you to the lodge, which takes around 1.5 hrs. Once you have settled into your accommodation, you will be able to fish.
Overnight accommodation: Bristol Bay Lodge (Twin rooms) F/B
Each day you will depart for a full days fishing either by seaplane or boat. Each guest over the next six days spends one night at Birch Camp and then Rainbo Camp for the exclusive fishing. This means that every single day you will be fishing very different locations for all sorts of species. During each day a fresh lunch will be prepared by your guides and eaten on the shore. Guiding is based on 2 anglers to 1 guide.
Overnight accommodation: Bristol Bay Lodge (Twin rooms) F/B
Early in the morning, you will transfer back to Dillingham via boat and car. You will depart Dillingham and arrive back in Anchorage. On arrival take a taxi back to your Anchorage Hotel.
Overnight accommodation: Anchorage Hotel (Twin room) R/O
You will take a taxi back to Anchorage International Airport
Depart Anchorage
Arrive Home
Please note that depending on what international airport you wish to return to, travel from this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel. Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
The season runs from 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 26 July
Peak: 4 July to 18 July
Weight: 4lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 8lb
Season: 8 August to 12 September
Peak: 15 August to 12 September
Weight: 6lb to 20lb
Average Weight: 12lb
Season: 14 June to 12 September
Peak: 21 July to 12 September
Weight: 1lb to 14lb
Average Weight: 4lb
Season: 14 June to 12 September
Peak: 14 June to 4 July
Weight: 1lb to 17lb
Average Weight: 2.5lb
N/A
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 |
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29/05/2025 | 15/09/2025 | 10 | Enquire for prices and availability | 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.
Along with Dollys, Graylings and Char. The char shore lunch was excellent. These guys run a top notch operation. Steve Laurent does a great job making every guest feel at home and the pilots and guides all want you to be successful and have a great journey. I saw moose, caribou, eagles, and a bear or too. It was a blast!
Andrew, thanks for the feedback I will pass on your kind comments to all the lodge staff. I look forward in personally sorting out your next trip. Regards Peter
The organisation has to be seen to be believed, I would go back just for the experience. Although the aim of my trip was to target the Kings the other fishing available did sway me away on some days, after all who could refuse the huge rainbows. Thanks Peter I took a little persuading but boy am I glad I listened.
Hanz, Thanks for your kind comments and valued feedback. I am very pleased you liked it, I though from talking to you it would be perfect. I do not always get it right 100% but I do try my best. See you again soon Peter
Transfers, fishing, guides and accommodation all first class could not fault. A dream trip door to door. Only negative point is the flight connections are long but I know you can not do anything about it.
Yes the flight connection can be a pain but as you now know the whole trip is an amazing experience and well worth the wait. Glad you liked it so much, I thought you would. I have as requested booked you on the trip for the same time next year. Regards Peter
Great adventure the flights in float planes over the Tundra are stunning, the fishing is incredible for the most part although the Pak fished well on one day and poorly on the second day. I guess that's fishing!
The flights from UK are long but I can still get to Anchorage quicker than the North of Scotland! The holiday works out cheaper than a week on for example The Helmsdale and price per fish caught bares no comparison .I personally lost count of Salmon caught but around 30 would be fair not to mention Dolly varden big Grayling over 2 lbs and Rainbows up to 4 lbs !
The lodge is homely the out camps remarkable for what they are with 2 guides and a chef for 4 rods Having said that one camp is a little primitive but way better than a tent!
The staff are very good with only one guide below standard the lodge staff very helpful and friendly.
The transport is excellent with fast boats and very good aircraft! and I believe 27 staff for 24 rods!
The Hotel in Anchorage is quiet and adequate I have stayed at better downtown but the noise of trains and traffic is relentless all night.
I wish there was a flight out on Saturday afternoon as once you head for home its best to keep going!
I think 2 nights before the adventure would be better as Anchorage has so much to offer.
Robert
Thanks for such a great feedback and I am happy that Bristol Bay Lodge again lived up to expectations. Some customers like to get in and then out again as quick as possible but we agree with you that its better to have a few nights in Anchorage to break the journey up, plus as you said there is so much to see and do its a shame to miss it.
I look forward in managing the group again for 2016 and will chat to you again soon.
Regards Peter
Another amazing trip this time we fished for the Silvers, the shear numbers of fish was mind blowing.
Paul, its always a pleasure to deal with all your bookings and yet another great trip to add to the list. I look forward to the next one, just let me know where and when. Regards Peter
Fantastic trip great fishing and hospitality I really couldn't fault it.
Worth every penny defiantly a trip of a lifetime.
It was great talking to you on the phone and glad you agree that the holiday was a trip of a lifetime... However it never tends to be the only one as so many customers including you love to return.
Thanks for your continued custom as it is much appreciated.
Regards Peter
Travelling: Started really well with 5 out of 8 upgraded from premium economy to Business. Quite a few missed the connection at Seattle but were on the next plane soon afterwards so caught up. On the way home, 2 people were bumped off the flight for which we had reservations. They were put on the next flight so all ended well.
The lodge was great and the fishing was full on, you need a rest once you return.
Philip
Thanks for taking the time to talk to me about the trip, so glad you loved it, I agree the fishing is full on but thats a good thing. Not sure what went on with Alaska Airlines with the flights as normally they have been spot on. The good thing is that they sorted it and everyone arrived on time.
I look forward in receiving some pictures.
I will keep you informed about the new group trip to Alaska next year for Kings and Chum. Also if you want to talk about Cuba give me a call when you are free.
Regards Peter
Another amazing trip to Bristol Bay Lodge, great company and lots of Salmon.
This is my second trip and I will be back for more, there is only one thing I could possibly say on a negative view was, personally I do not think the food at the lodge and one of the camps was to the same standard as the previous year. Having said that all the services runs like clockwork and the guides are excellent and thats what we go for.
Thanks for the feedback it was great to talk to you on the phone and glad to hear that you enjoyed your second trip to Bristol bay.
Sorry to hear that you did not think the food was of the same standard as the previous year. I will make sure those comments are past on to the lodge. As you know quite often its new chef's at the lodge each year so we will have to see how the current one gets on.
I look forward in handling your booking to return next year.
Regards Peter
Thank you for a great holiday and my first trip to Alaska. Both your organisation and that of the lodge staff was excellent. Everyone works hard including the guides who certainly know what they are doing. So a big thanks to everyone.
Personally as this was my first trip to Alaska I did prefer the camps to the lodge as it is nice to be able to carry on fishing after dinner and a few drinks. I also found the fishing to be of a better standard at the remote camps. Only points I could mention that was the food was not as high as I expected, there was plenty of it just thought it could of been at a higher standard for a lodge that is considered as one of the best fly fishing lodges in the world. Also areas of the lodge are starting to get a bit tired but I understand this year the lodge is going to have some work completing.
Having said that overall I thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip and look forward to anther trip to Alaska soon.
Graham, thanks for taking the time to talk to me today in relation to your trip to Alaska, it was nice listening to you talk about the fishing and it was also interesting to listen to your comments. I also personally love the out camps as it feels closer to nature plus the added advantage of being able to fish after dinner.
We have had a couple of comments about the food which again I will pass on to the lodge as I am sure Steve and his team will address any issues right away. So I am sorry about that. I know you said the food was ok but just not as high of standard as you expected. In relation to the lodge, yes having anglers pass through on a weekly basis each year does take its toll on the place. Having said that it is now under new ownership and they have a plan to start freshening up areas of the lodge.
I am please that over all you thoroughly enjoyed the whole holiday, which shows on the rating you have given it.
I look forward in taking care of you again soon personally.
Regards Peter
All round, it was an excellent trip with some fantastic fishing. A few points practical points ...
Immigration into the US is a nightmare, which ever port / airport you enter through. Seattle is no exception. It took 1.5 hours but you need to allow plenty of time for connecting flight to Anchorage. Once you get through this nightmare you are then queuing for customs and then for security. Wouldn't allow less than three hours next time.
The perception is that Alaska is freezing cold all year round but in July the weather is more akin to Scotland in Summer. Layers are the key. Having said this it was 80 degrees the month before our arrival and a fire ban was in place so covering all bases is the key. As much of the good fishing is accessed by float plane the weather is clearly an important issue. Rain and wind are not so significant but fog is a show stopper. Its Alaska afterall, so weather disruption is a possibility any week and this does cause fishing rotation problems.
At BBL you can arrive with literally no gear at all and they will have you fully equipped. This is a real benefit when flying with so many connections as not taking waders, boots etc. cuts down on weight and bulk. All the advice was you have to take hiking boots (if only to get across the infamously muddy Dillingham Airport car park). In reality this is not the case and they are re not needed at all. They take up valuable space and can be left at home. There are only a relatively small number of spey rods available for those who want to fish with double handers as all of the fishing is with single handed rods.
The fishing is not just about big salmon in numbers. It is just as much about catching wild rainbows on dries (stunning fun), nymphing for grayling and pursuing other species such as Dollies and Char.
Alaska is not Scotland on steroids. Yes there are many more fish, they are bigger fish and there are more species and although the principal and outcome is the same the process is more ‘industrial’ but we found that the guides were responsive if we said we were not enjoying a particular style of fishing on a particular beat they were more than happy to move on and try something different. Apparently, it is only the British who don’t like using shot on their floating lines but if you want to catch fish then you have to get that fly down! Some of the methods would not suit a true salmon purist !
The only gripe with BBL, (apart from the shower – Every Lodge must have good showers) were the guides. It seemed to be a mix of very experienced guides who had fished the waters for years (the minority) with the majority being ‘rookie’ guides. They were very experienced guides in their own right but didn’t have the extensive local knowledge one would expect in a destination of this caliber. There was certainly a very strong correlation between guide experience and number of fish caught. Having said this, they were all polite, enthusiastic, friendly and nothing was too much trouble.
Overall, it was a great trip with some fantastic fishing, a real experience for the first timer not only in terms of fishing but in terms of seeing amazing wildlife and experiencing something truly different.
Miles
It was good to catch up on the telephone after your trip and also a huge thank you for such a great detailed customer feedback. There are some great comments and tips in your feedback which are not only useful but also import for both us and the lodge.
In relation to the guides as I have mentioned don other customers feedback from this week. There was a problem at the lodge with 2 experienced guides having to leave to receive medical attention as they had hurt themselves. This unfortunately let the new guides under pressure. A point we need to consider with more spare guides incase of emergencies.
It was also very pleasing to hear that you also wish to return next year, I will get your paperwork sorted and I am sure that it will give the lodge the opportunity to show you just how much better things are when everything runs smoothly.
Another amazing trip
Better food this year
Best part definitely was catching 56 king salmon plus 2 chum salmon in a 4hour session with my son
Who had never picked a fishing rod up until the day before!!!
Love to go back
Mike
thanks for calling me back. So glad you both had an amazing time and it turned out to be such a special father and son holiday.
As normal thanks for your feedback and custom it is much appreciated.
Kind Regards
Peter
The seaplane journeys were a real experience.
The lodge staff and guides were excellent. The out camps were well set up and comfortable. The food was excellent with a multiple choice at every meal.
There was a large variety and numbers of fish Pike , Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Grayling, Jacks, Sockeye, Chum and Kings.
I most enjoyed using the double handle rod with skagit head and sink tip. Most of the fish were close to the bank almost at your feet so the fishing was with a lure , split shot,weight and egg imitation. The fish could be seen and were moving past in shoals most of the day.
All in all a very good trip and one to be done again.
John
It was nice to talk to you on the phone, so glad you loved the place as it is a real experience.
Thank you again for your continued support and custom over the years.
Regards Peter
Really enjoyed the fishing. Some excellent fly water and interesting to catch such a variety of different species .
The lodge was very comfortable and the staff extremely willing to please.
Would be great if there was a flight that would go direct to Anchorage, rather than have to change at Seattle, which is really tedious. Only negative note is that some of the guides lacked experience.
Paul Thank you for your feedback as it is very important to everyone. I have left you a voice message as I would the opportunity to chat to you now you have returned.
I also hope that you got some great pictures.
Thank you for your custom and I look forward in helping you again.
Regards Peter
Bristol bay lodge is in a wonderful setting, but a fair way to go. Some of the rooms are a bit tired, and some of the meals were not as we would have expected.
The guides were helpful and on the whole knew what they were doing, However in certain areas it was vital to have the right guide if you wished to have the best fishing, They were a bit stuck in their ways, and so on the first couple of days until we had worked it out we fished methods we did not particularly enjoy.
The rods and reels provided were fine, however they only had a basic tip, those who had their own tips, enjoyed far more success as the flies could be presented at the right depth, without adding lead weights.
I had expected to fish mainly for salmon with the fly, but as it turned out I had in order, I days mainly salmon fishing, followed by half a day throwing weighted fly lines for sockeye, and half a day pike (1-3lbs), 1 day trout and grayling and pike fishing, I day spinning with eggs for king salmon, I day fly fishing for salmon and to finish half a day fly fishing for salmon and half a day trout fishing. So in total only 2.5 days fly fishing for salmon. One other party had 5 days fly fishing for salmon.
I have to say despite a few problems with some bad weather, and despite the lack of fly fishing for salmon, I did enjoy the trip, the pilots and float planes were excellent, the scenery stunning it was an amazing experience, I would go back but only on the guarantee I only did one days fishing on the pak and one on the wok.
Although the lodge provides fly fishing tackle I think it is far better to take your own rods and reels and lines.
Jeremy
Thanks for taking the time to both complete the feedback form and also talking to me on the telephone about your trip. It’s a real shame that the group of 4 rods that you were in got caught out the most with the bad weather at the start of the trip. As you now know the lodge runs a rotation system designed that everyone gets to fish all the water, rivers and sections. However with the bad weather at the start of the week the rotation had to be changed as plane got stranded and some other customers spent additional nights out at the remote camps. I agree with you it would have been better if there could have been more flexibility in the rotation system for the second half of the week once the weather improved. As with all these things it means there was an imbalance for the week as for some customers the bad weather resulted that they had more fishing at the best locations and others had less. This is something we can certainly look at and talk to the lodge owners.
I agree with you about tackle, I think it is a personal thing. Although lots of lodges have rods and reels for customers to use, I always prefer to take and use my own. I think it is worth the little extra hassle to carry it all.
I was really pleased to hear that you did overall enjoy the trip and I suppose a testament to that is you wishing to return.
Kind Regards Peter
Bristol bay is a very comfortable and well run lodge with two outdoor camps which are adequate.
I was not aware that we would be fishing with single handed rods as well as double handed rods. I should have spoken to Robbert more about the trip beforehand.
The lodge does struggle with getting and retaining decent guides to the river which for some 1st timers is essential. The guidance they give is very poor, one time we went to the river and only told we could do spinning very unenjoyable, but the next time we had perfect fly water.
All in all it was a great adventure but with a bit more detail before we travelled could have been an extra ordinary fishing trip.
We were with Robert Sheriff party who knows the ropes but i did struggle withe the fishing concepts.
Richard
Thank you for taking the time to talk to me on the telephone and for taking the time to complete your customer feedback. It was a shame that we did not get the chance to talk before your trip, as I would have made it clear what to expect and not expect from the trip. Yes we know of an issue on your week with guides. Its a real shame for as you said guides make or break your holiday and unfortunately the lodge lost 2 guides on your week due to injuries.
This is something we will have to look in to for future years and have a more reliable back up if such a thing should happen. But I am sure you will understand that this is the first time something like this has happened in many many years.
As mentioned if you ever fancy doing another trip to any of our destinations please come back to me personally as I will make sure we give you a special deal as we like ALL customers to be 100% happy.
I also loo forward to the pictures from your trip
Kind regards and thanks for your custom Peter
Overall an excellent trip
Best: arrangements at Bristol Bay Lodge to get to and from fishing.
Staff and guides gave excellent service.
Tip for anyone staying at the Historic Anchorage, request rooms at the back of the hotel as they are much quieter.
Race
Thanks for your feedback and taking the time to chat on the phone about your trip. I am glad I was right and that you enjoyed it. I could just see you fishing there and laughing while battling Salmon.
Thanks for the tip on the rooms in Anchorage, we will action this from know on for all guests.
Hope to have you return with a few friends soon.
A truly wonderful fishing experience.
If you are frustrated from catching near to zero in Scottish rivers then look no further than Bristol Bay Lodge.
Steve and Janessa with all their attentive staff make your stay comfortable and extremely well organised.
The fishing guides are all first class but remember to ask and listen to how you should fish the different rivers and salmon.
The techniques are different and fascinating to learn and once you get them bang on,the results can be very productive.
I managed to catch over a hundred fish in the 6 and half days fishing and our group caught 12 different species of fish including a tiny flounder and gudgeon!!
Bad bits
The Old Anchorage hotel is noisy. Ear plugs a must and try to book rooms at the back.
Alaskan Airways...too many mistakes.
I lost my luggage for 3 days on my return flight so that all the lovely salmon that BBL had packed up for me went bad and when I eventually got my luggage back I had to throw it all away.
Our host Phil Barker was right about everything and the whole trip was even better than he described. Thanks Phil.
Fergus
It was so nice to talk to you on the telephone as I could still hear the excitement in your voice about your trip. What an amazing result you and your team had.
We have already made note and will in the future book rooms at the rear of the hotel for everyone on the trip while staying in Anchorage.
Sorry to hear of the hassle with Alaskan Airlines on the return trip, out of all the customers we have sent to Alaska over these last few years thats the first time I know of luggage going missing on the return trip. The good news is they eventually returned your luggage to you all, however it was far to late for the box of Salmon you all had.
Thank you also for your kind words about our guide Phil Barker it is much appreciated as he does work hard in trying to make everyone have a great time.
Thank you for your custom as it is much appreciated I look forward in helping you all again soon.
Regards Peter
The trip was a contrast of two half’s, the first part of the week was very disorganised and it all depended what guides you got. Some of the guides where very very good, some of the new guides were terrible.
Unfortunately for the first 2.5 days we did not get to fish what we wanted to fish for.
The second half of the week once we made it clear we only wanted to fly fish and swing flies we caught lots of Salmon.
Eric Thank you for taking the time to talk to me on the phone. Sorry about the start of your week as there was some confusion. Also I know the lodge just lost two of its regular guides as they have hurt themselves and need to leave the lodge for treatment.
I am glad however that the second half of the week you all got to fish and catch what you wished for. Obviously sometimes these things happen that are out of our control. However if you would consider returning again we will do you an extra special deal.
Regards Peter
The holiday was brilliant and very memorable – exceeding expectations – which were in any case very high.
Phil has been encouraging Fergus and myself to do this for many years and we finally got organised to do it. Great decision and thanks to Phil. Going on “Phil’s week†was an excellent choice for us – both to hit the maximum variety of fish and fishing techniques and also to have Phil to look after us in Anchorage and to meet with him and rest of his team at the lodge throughout the holiday. Travelling as a group of 4 good friends was also perfect – as Phil had advised – so we went everywhere together as a four and shared boats in pairs. Some risk if you went on your own or even as a two.
There were two things in particular that exceeded expectations so dramatically for me.
The first was the stunning beauty of the scenery, rivers and variety of remote wilderness we could access by plane. I had not expected this at all. I thought we would get great fishing but most likely in rather flat, exposed and featureless rivers. Maybe this was fault of Phil’s photos which of course concentrated on large fish! The camps were a highlight. We also saw exceptional wild life – bears jumping on fish, eagles of many types taking fish from the river etc. This all converted the holiday from simply catching large numbers to a real treat and adventure.
The second was the great variety of fish, fishing techniques, rivers and types of water, changing every day. Always learning something new and enjoying trying it out and always catching fish with it. Sticking with one or two only would have much diminished the richness of the experience.
Of course we caught lots of fish – 296 between the four of us – but it was the striking and playing of such energetic fish with small rods that stood out for me – though with different techniques from Atlantics which took a little to adjust to. I think we lost 2-3 fish to every one we landed. We broke 2 rods and lost at least 2 lines to energetic fish. If I was to be picky and try to find a fault it would only be that the fly casting required was not very skilful or pleasurable when compared with Atlantics.
No problems with mosquitos – a real bonus as I had expected this to be a major irritation.
Steve runs an exceptional operation. Very well disciplined logistics to move everyone and all their kit around every day, charming staff in the Lodge – notably Genessa, Dawson, Christina and Rose – and some great guides. Buzz on the Togiak and Wok and Tyler and Joe at Rainbo were outstanding for me. Professional, knowledgeable, ever-helpful, and good company. The great beard of Buzz will be remembered. Our day of “hopping†by plane with Dan - and his delicious tartar sauce on the bank of the Togiak – was a highlight and very memorable too.
It was also entertaining to meet some of the other American guests – particularly a couple of guys from South Carolina with great turns of phrase, unapologetic political incorrectness and with views way to the right of anything! (They offered to give us Obama, Clinton – and anyone else in the democrats we wanted - in exchange for Cameron. Don’t think they quite got it on how far left Cameron is).
The Lodge was perfect for us – not grand but comfortable, great food, charming staff and nice touches like the drinks reception on the jetty at the end of a day. The camps were exceptional - really giving the feeling of being out in the wilderness and with much of the best fishing – we were lucky to be shut-in for a second day at Birch. Any attempt to smarten these up should be resisted. Brian the cook at Birch was charming, interesting - and a good cook.
Mel’s admin and instruction notes etc from Sportquest were very good.
Is there anything we could have changed to make it even better…………..?
1. Alaskan airlines were catastrophic. They lost Fergus’ and my bookings on the return flight and had to put us on a later flight with tight turn around to catch BA from Seattle. Both our bags missed the London flight and had to be loaded the following day. The 25lb of frozen salmon the Lodge had packed up for each of us took 3 extra days to get home and had to be tipped in the bin. My other bag was mis-loaded at Seattle and went to Denver on another Alaskan Airlines flight – it did finally get home but not without much anxiety of losing all my photographs! Some of the exhilaration of arriving home from such a great holiday was lost with the anxiety of chasing down delayed and lost baggage.
2. Better shower – or better still hot bath – in chalet at the lodge would have been nice.
3. We chose to make use entirely of the lodges waders, tackle etc – a great service to avoid carrying all one’s own stuff. Only a little surprised for such a well-run organisation that on two occasions, or was it three, fish were lost through line breaking at the backing, the backing breaking or the backing simply running free off the end of the reel. Reels, Waders and boots were good.
4. Hotel in Anchorage not great – noisy at night and no proper breakfast – but ok in my view so not a serious problem.
5. We were probably a touch late on the King salmon run and only caught one really big fish – Fergus got a 45lb fish in first 10mins on Togiak. May be an excuse for another trip!
We have of course buckets of photos and will be putting together an album. I am sure there are some we would happily share which might be of use for you. I can get together with Fergus and send you some.
Alastair
Wow what a very nice detailed report it was a pleasure to read and yes sure all these comments / customer reviews are always passed on to the lodge and staff.
I am so glad that you all listened to Phil and enjoyed the trip. I have been there many times myself so I know exactly what you are talking about and I am so glad that you and your group really got in to the the feel of the whole operation.
Thanks for the points for improvement we will look at these and discuss. In relation with Alaskan Airlines, I am not sure what went on this year with this trip. Considering the amount of anglers we send to Alaska each year this is the first time anything like this has happened. Having said that it seems to be going on all over the world this year as it seems a record year of flight delays, missed connections etc. So much so we are upping up our minimum connection times for all airports in the USA. Arrive at a USA airport at the same time as a couple of other large international flights resulting in huge queues at immigration and customs makes it impossible to make connections. The other options are looking at getting people there with connections outside the USA.
I will look forward to seeing and sharing some of your pictures, plus helping you all again sometime on some exotic adventure travels.
Thanks for your custom and support it is much appreciated.
Regards Peter
This was my 5th trip to Bristol Bay Lodge and as always the fishing was great as was the service we received at the lodge.
The accommodation at the lodge was very good, but the staff are the people that make the whole thing work so well. Nothing is ever to much trouble and they go out of their way to make your stay a great experience.
The fishing guides are brilliant and again they do everything they can to make sure you catch fish and enjoy the whole experience of fishing on great rivers and in fantastic surroundings and wonderful scenery.
I had a great weeks fishing and hope to be back next year.
Ken
Thanks for your feedback and continued feedback its is always appreciated.
I agree with you the lodge staff do work hard to ensure you all have a great time and as always we will make sure all your comments are passed on to everyone.
Kind Regards Peter
We arrived via Frankfurt and over the North Pole which was spectacular Condor air is not the best but suited our timetable which gave my 2 "newboys" a chance to see Anchorage which is always changing and interesting we obviously took them to marvel at the huge sport supermarkets which still amaze me with millions of £ worth of stock!
The other half of the group came later via Seattle which surprised everyone by the speed of clearing customs.
The new private charter to Dillingham ran like clockwork .
We then started the final transport via bus and boat, the excitement was tangible now. The Lodge came into sight after 20 miles of high speed boat trip to reveal several improvements a new dock, new roofs all around.
I have been going to BBL for 14 years and without doubt this was the best yet.
Good Staff, good food and amazing fishing.
Hi Robert
it was great catching up with you on the telephone, thanks again for hosting the trip, it sounds like another amazing adventure. I am about to start calling everyone now they have all had time to settle back home.
Lets look at doing it again next year.
The whole trip was great, the staff at BBL were amazing. great new hosts, cooks and nice to see old faces again with the guides.
We all had an amazing adventure so many fish this year and one of the best ever. I have Chums to over 20LB and King Salmon to 35LB
I could not have asked for more.
We also liked the flights with Condor as the route feels more direct and we arrive at Anchorage at a better time of day.
Ken
Thanks for talking to me on the telephone it is always a pleasure listening to customers who have returned for a great trip.
As you know BBL has always provided good service and with the new lodge staff & cooks combined with the experienced guides BBL is back on top form.
I will look forward in you e-mailing me some of these pictures which I will share on our website.
Again thank you for your custom, look forward in doing it all again soon.
Regards Peter
Last year at BBL was my first ever fly fishing experience. The second year was even better.
Great Lodge, outstanding guides, different fishing locations each day, remarkable food, (considering locations)
I am working out how to make the transition from a "Trip of a lifetime" to an annual event.
Many thanks to Robert and all the Sportquest staff for their help. everything from casting sessions to organising the logistics.
Khan
It was nice to catch up with you on the telephone and so nice to hear that you and everyone else all had a great time.
Its a destination that the memories last forever.
We can help you with the transition to make it an annual trip, we can just rebook you for next year :)
Love to see any pictures when you have time to review them, just feel free to e-mail them through to use.
We look forward in assisting you again in the near future, plus I passed on your kind words to Mel
Regards Peter
Peter, just to let you know we had great trip thank you.
It was better than last year, which is partly due to returning for a second time, I believe you are more prepared and know what to expect.
Also this year the guiding was first class, some of the new guides from last year have really improved.
In total I have around 35 Salmon, plus tons of Trout, Char and Grayling.
Thanks to everyone involved.
The ONLY negative point on the whole trip was British Airways, who first tried to bump me down from Club to WTP, then the cabin service was poor, then to top it all off the damaged my bags as they did last year. I know you have no control over them as nobody does, therefore I scored the flights as poor.
Miles
Thank you for calling me back, it was really nice catching up with you after you returned from your trip.
So happy that you had such a good time and I agree with you, I always think its better to return for a second time. It does not matter how much pre trip advice you receive, there is nothing like going back and feeling ready for it with your own experience.
It was as always a pleasure to assist you with your travel arraignments and we all look forward in assisting you again soon.
Kind Regards Peter
Just a great fishing holiday which was the second year with my son to Alaska at 38 years old.
Really appreciated the whole experience as it is an idea Dad & Lad holidays for 5.5 salmon fishing days.
As the Salmon fishing was so good we caught so many fish that on the last day we spent the whole day Trout Fishing and had a farther & son competition. I did not quite make landing 100 fish but I did manage to beat the boy with a 7 fish lead, so very happy.
Great service from Sportquest Holidays as normal.
Hi Mike
It was great talking to you and catching up with you after your trip.
Love the story about the fishing match and glad to see that you have not lost your winning touch.
I will look forward to Johns feedback and also a good selection of your pictures.
A pleasure as always
Regards Peter
What a great holiday, good company, wonderful fishing for 6 different species. First class guides, good food.
I caught the biggest fish of my life a 40" inch King between 38 to 40LB what an amazing fight.
Thanks to everyone and Sportquest for all the organising & managing.
Stewart
It was great to catch up with you after your trip. Very happy that everyone had a great time, sounds like everyone caught everything and more than they had been expecting.
I have sent you a separate e-mail if you can forward the group pictures to me it will be very much appreciated.
I look forward in helping you return next year :)
Tight Lines
Peter
What a fantastic trip yet again.
Ideally I would like 2 days at Rainbow, 2 days at Birch and 2 days on Togiak River, but I am sure all fishermen would like this option.
I do not enjoy to much the fishing on the wok for Sockeye Salmon.
It would be nice if there was opportunity to fish more with the double handed rod than just a couple of places.
Thanks to everyone from staff in the office to guides on the bank.
Paul
Thank you for posting back the feedback form, still would love to catch up on the telephone at some stage.
I would love to do that itinerary you mentioned as you have just picked the top fishing spots out of the weeks itinerary. I agree with you I am not a massive lover of the Pac and Wok but 90% of customers love them for a change in fishing and pace. Plus it gives them the chance to target the huge Rainbows, chars and dollies etc.
Thank you again for your continued business and I look forward in looking after you again.
Regards Peter
Hi Peter,
A brief note to thank you for the trip of a lifetime - it was everything I thought it would be and more.
As you know, this was my first foray into fly fishing and the few lessons I had before going proved very worthwhile. Having said that, all the guides were fantastic and most of my catches were down to their incredible enthusiasm and advice. I caught 40 fish in total, including 4 20lb+ Kings (one of which I caught twice - thanks Luke!). Needless to say the fishing is amazing, especially for a novice, but there are many other other pluses:
All the staff at Bristol Bay are hard working and enthusiastic and really go out of their way to make sure you enjoy your holiday - they genuinely make you feel special which is really nice.
The accommodation is very comfortable, even at the outcamps, and the main lodge couldn't be nicer.
The food is great everywhere, particularly considering the basic cooking facilities at the outcamps.
The scenery, especially from the air, is awesome - as is the wildlife.
All in all, an unforgettable holiday and I shall certainly be booking a second visit at some point!
Just a minor gripe : a 5 hour transfer (that turned into 6 hours) in Frankfurt was unnecessary and having to pay for a second bag in Anchorage, despite 2 bags being included on our tickets, was a little underhand.
Kind Regards,
Carlo Fossaluzza
Carlo
Thank you for such a detailed and glowing feedback and it is very much appreciated.
I can remember saying to you that even if you did not catch any fish that this trip is an experience in its own right.
Having said that I knew you would all catch lots of Salmon, plus lots of other species as the BBL never lets us down.
Also congratulations on the 4 big kings, they sure do fight hard.
We are not sure why some customers had issues with a 2nd bag on the return journey as it clearly sates on the paperwork that we received from Condor Air that customers booked on Premium Economy has 2 free checked bags. So sorry for this but as mentioned Condor is not an airline we use on a regular basis, only when customers request them.
On contacting Condor they said on the telephone that yes Premium Economy customers receive 2 free checked bags, but this message does not seem to get to the staff at the check in desks. I think moving forward we will advise all customers that you only receive 1 free checked bag and then if they have an additional one and they do not get charged it will be a bonus.
It was a please talking to you on the phone again and I look forward to seeing your pictures via drop box soon
Regards
Peter
A great trip all round as always and great company.
Thanks to Sportquest again for everything. If I had one criticism it would be about the standard of fishing tackle (Rods n Reels) at the lodge. They are not of the highest of standards as you would expect from such a high class lodge.
My suggestion is if you like top quality rods n reels take your own. If you a new to this the lodge equipment will be ok, but for more experienced anglers better and faster rods would allow you to fish much better.
Miles
Thank you for the feedback as ever and also taking the time to chat to me on the telephone. I have noted your comments about tackle and will be passing these on to the lodge today. I think it is a very valid point.
Thank you for your continued custom as your support is always appreciated.
I hope we can be of assistance again soon and you never know I might just get you on one of my hosted fishing trips, so we can do some fishing together.
Kind Regards
Peter
I must say it was my first time to Alaska and the hosted trip was first class regarding the fishing I have been to Scotland 6 times and never caught a fish. Not the case in Alaska plenty of salmon.
The lodge is first class and the staff are very helpful
Vinny
Thank you for your custom and also a huge thank you for you customer feedback as they are all very important to us.
So glad you caught lots of Salmon as it does open up your eyes to a totally different form of fly fishing for Salmon.
I am sure you will also find next year as equally as exciting....
Regards peter
Stephen thank you for your customer review. Glad you really enjoyed the holiday and it was a shame about all the delays and cancelled flights on the way out.
Unfortunately sometime these things happen with airlines as planes do break down.
Hopefully you and your brother will consider doing Phil again next year on his hosted trip
Regards Peter
Brilliant trip! Best yet with plenty of Kings!
Flight delayed from Heathrow, but were looked after very well. Paid for single accommodation, but was not bothered as i fished alone all week. Second hosted trip, but as yet to fish with host, however, i had my own guide for the week, so i had a real personal touch. A fantastic trip, fully recommended!
Richard
Thank you so much for the feedback and your comments, plus a few pictures...
I have tried to call you a couple of times but unfortunately keep missing each other.
Just like to say thanks again for your continued custom.
Regards Peter
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