If you are looking for stable river conditions (a rarity for Steelhead fishing) to eliminate those annoying lost fishing days. A destination that has consistent runs of Steelhead that produce multiple opportunities on a normal day. One that allows diverse fishing and tactics over five different rivers, suitable for all skill levels and ages. Combine this with first-class accommodation and food then our joint adventure with Alaska Steelhead Co is the perfect destination.
Deep Creek Lodge
This amazing fishing lodge is located only 1 hour by road from Kenai airport, in a small community of Ninilchik, sitting on an impressive position overlooking Cook Inlet. This envious position provides commanding views of the Aleutian mountain range of active volcanoes as well as the mouth of one of the best Steelhead rivers that’s just below your feet. Head over to our YouTube Channel to explore Deep Creek Lodge, all our fishing lodges in Alaska, and even more beautiful fishing destinations.
Fishing
Here at Deep Creek Lodge, the fly fishing catch rates are fantastic and higher than most destinations, making it an excellent lodge for anglers of all skill levels and ages. It’s the perfect place to introduce someone to Steelhead fishing for the first time.
Over the week fishing, you will have access to five river systems located on the Kenai Peninsula. Normally the guiding at Deep Creek Lodge is based on 2 or 3 customers per guide, who have built up a huge experience of these river systems and are only too keen to show you everything they know. Normally we would name the rivers you will be fishing but as we are intending to try and keep these rivers as pristine and special as possible we try to keep the names out of the public eye.
River One, Two & Three
The three smallest rivers we offer and can only be accessed via foot. In the fall season, these rivers offer relatively stable conditions offering easy wading and smaller more manageable fishing outfits. These rivers are best fished with small nymphs, however, depending on water levels, it is possible to dead drift and skate dry flies as well as swinging flies. Swinging can be done effectively either with a single-handed rod, although we do prefer to swing flies with switch rods using smaller sinking tips or weighted flies. These little rivers have the smallest run of steelhead out of our five rivers however, you wouldn’t know it. As these rivers receive the least pressure from fly fishermen it allows us to have sections of the river all to ourselves.
As it only takes 15 mins by truck to gain access to the rivers from the lodge, it is very convenient and makes the perfect location to fish the first afternoon and last morning on your stay. Many customers find this such an enjoyable river to fish and with lots of action so it’s not uncommon to fish this river 2 or 3 full days during your stay. Be prepared for some coastal off-road adventures to access the mouth of one of these rivers for some epic dry fly fishing for Steelhead at low tide.
River Four
Our fourth river is larger than the first three and it not too dissimilar, the main difference is the sheer numbers of Steelhead in the run of this river. Our guides intimate knowledge of the river is key to this river which is a little more challenging than the first to wade. One of the ways we can combat tougher wading conditions during higher water levels and stronger flows is the unique ability to use our inflatable kayaks. Using these kayaks to cross the river instead of hiking makes things a lot easier plus to use these is extremely good fun.
When the water levels are lower and the flow less strong the hiking and wading is easy and therefore the kayaks are not necessary. To put serious numbers of fish in the net, nymph rigs are again the preferred method. However, this river also offers phenomenal opportunities to get your fish on the swing. Travel time to this river is about 40 minutes from our lodge and cabins. You can expect to fish this river 1-2 days during your stay.
River Five
Saving the most special until last as this river has the largest run of Steelhead in the Kenai Peninsula. This river combined with the expert guides gives us the confidence to say we believe there is not a fly fisherman on the planet that we cannot produce a steelhead for while fishing this river. This river is the jewel of Alaska for unlike the other rivers we concentrate on, this river is not susceptible to the elements. This river is glacial fed from a lake giving it a beautiful turquoise colour and most importantly, means it cannot blow out which is the most concerning of all issues when booking any steelhead trip.
Again, this river is only a 30 min drive from the main lodge and cabins, with your guide to the boat slip where you will launch your boat for the day. Although you can and we do fish from the boat it is mainly used as transportation to access the various hot spots along the river, where you start to wade and fish. Once you reach the wading fishing locations you can choose to continue to fish with nymphs or pick up the Spey rod and swing fly’s to what we believe to be one of the best rivers to swing in the world.
As this river is extremely wide from each bank it offers the aspiring two-handed Spey fisherman an almost guaranteed opportunity to hook their first steelhead on the swing. Most fish are hooked in 2-3 feet of water and even less as the season progresses. Being such a wide river and relatively a shallow river experienced Spey fisherman will find fall in love with this river and find it hard to leave each day. You can expect to fish this river 3 days during your stay with us, but we can arrange for you to fish there more if you are more comfortable in a boat as opposed to wading.
Fishing Methods
The main fishing methods are fishing with nymphs and single-handed rods mainly with floating lines. Indicator tactics can also be employed if you prefer. These methods work extremely well on the two smaller rivers. Alternatively fishing with switch rods using smaller sinking tips or weighted flies is the perfect set up for the smaller rivers to cover more water. If you prefer to use larger double-handed Spey rods combined with a selection of fly lines and sinking heads to swing all sorts of Steelhead flies then you will love the main river. Note: The three small rivers require some hiking and wading.
These rivers are not private so do expect to see some other anglers, but overall the angling pressure here is light and the guides prefer not to fish near others. The public here is very respectful and our guides do have access to areas that other anglers do not.
Guiding
The guides at Deep Creek Lodge are experienced and show a high level of professionalism. They are fun, down to earth and a pleasure to spend the day with. All have many years guiding and many more years fishing for steelhead and Atlantic salmon. They are all good Spey casting instructors, boat handlers, and familiar with all tactics.
Other Activities
The are other activities available in this area but this would mean giving up fishing time. However, if you fancy the lodge can help you arrange day trips to Homer, sightseeing trips from the air in light aircraft even boat tours to go whale watching.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding our Deep Creek Lodge fishing holidays or any of our fishing vacations, please feel free to contact us on 01603 407596. Our experienced team will be happy to help with any queries you have. Are you looking to explore more of our fishing holidays? Make sure to view all our alternative fly fishing destinations in Alaska and request a free brochure.
