Suppose you have ever wanted to visit an easy to reach lodge with unbelievable fishing, a fishing lodge where you can turn up with a bag of clothes and nothing else. Somewhere that provides all the fishing tackle you could ever need. A fishing lodge that you have your own private room. If this is what you are looking for, then Rapids Camp is the perfect solution, and for these reasons, in our opinion, Rapids Camp fly fishing is one of Alaska’s best lodges.
Rapids Camp sits right on the famous Naknek Riverbank, only 7 miles upstream from King Salmon’s town, which is just a 15-minute drive from the airport. The lodge sits on the Naknek River, which has some excellent Salmon fishing and one of Alaska’s most prolific trophy Rainbow Trout systems. Most importantly, the fishing lodge has a very strategic location for accessing the enormous range of fishing opportunities you will have for your weeks fishing.
Salmon fishing is why most anglers come to Alaska, and at Rapids Camp, subject to the time of year, you can be fishing for all five Alaskan Salmon species. The fishing for Rainbow Trout is second to none, with Fish Alaska Magazine choosing the Naknek River, which to lodge sits on as the number one Trophy Rainbow River in the whole of Alaska.
Depending on what time of year you join us at Rapids Camp will depend on what species will be available in the rivers. First, for the five different species of Pacific Salmon. King Salmon, also called Chinook Salmon, are the first salmon to enter the rivers, typically by mid-June. These are generally targeted with swung flies and often with two-handed rods. These fish are hot and bright, and they will crush swung flies.
Chum Salmon, are the next salmon to enter the river shortly after Kings. Chums are probably the most underrated out of all five species willing to slam most every fly like a speeding freight train, they will take every single inch of backing off your reel.
Sockeye, start to show at the beginning of July. They enter the river in droves and fight hard, they are the fish symbol of Alaska that is mainly responsible for the health and well being of our resident fish populations and the surrounding ecosystem.
Pink Salmon, start to show up in mid-July, with numbers dwindling by early August. They enter the river mixed in with the Chum and Sockeye that flood in all of July. They love surface poppers and anything pink.
Silver Salmon, also called Coho Salmon, join the other four species during August. The charge of adrenaline you’ll feel from a top-water take to a subsurface stripped fly, a sensation mere words can’t describe. We describe silver fishing as ‘world-class’ due to the sheer numbers, quality and action these Cohos deliver.
At Rapids Camp, there is also resident species such as the Dolly Varden, one if not the most beautiful fish in these rivers. With their orange-tipped kype, deep orange bellies, white and black striped fins, and blue-green backs dotted with orange spots outlined in electric aqua are a remarkable sight to see.
Then there is the Rainbow Trout. Thick blood red side stripes pour out of crimson gill plates accenting their broad-shouldered heavy bellied deep green bodies that are covered with black spots that ooze into one another. Flesh flies, egg imitations, sculpin patterns and leeches all work well at certain times on the Kanektok. And mousing for the resident rainbows is one of the most exciting sports of all.
Last, the beautiful fish, known as the north’s sailfish, the Grayling. The Grayling are not picky eaters at Rapids Camp – they will eat most any fly presented to them. They are even caught on mice, which lends credence to the giant grayling phenomenon that we enjoy.
The night before your freshwater fly fishing day starts, your guide will discuss your options. Any species you want to fish for or a location you specifically would like to visit. There are no set itineraries that you have to follow, and there is so much to fish; you could say the world is your oyster. Fly fishing each day is based on just two anglers per one guide. The fishing venues vary widely from days spent fishing from jet-powered aluminium boats to raft trips. There are also walk and wade venues to remote locations that are best suited to the physically fit. At times you will fish from boats, but the majority is done fly fishing while wading.
As the lodge is located just downstream of the famous “rapids” of the Naknek River, you could call this the home river. The local rapids section of the Naknek River is excellent early and late in the season. It has one of the most extensive migratory routes on the planet for Pacific Salmon and home to trophy Rainbow Trout. You can choose to fish in other areas such as the incredible fishing on Kulik River, Moraine Creek, Battle Creek, Little Ku, The secret Smokey River, and the Nushagak River.
Your day will start with breakfast at 7:00 am. At that time, you will also either make a sandwich for lunch, order a shore lunch, or decide to come back to the camp for lunch. You will return to the camp around 5:30 pm in time to get cleaned up and ready for some snacks before dinner. The evening meal is served at 6.30 & 7.30 pm.
The fishing at Rapids Camp Alaska can be conducted in many different ways and usually depends on what you wish to catch. If you want to target the big Kings and Chum Salmon fly fishing; 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 species like Sockeye, Pinks, and Silvers as you will be using smaller flies and mainly floating lines. If you are fishing in the sliver season, why not try fly fishing with poppers? 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.
When targeting Rainbows and Grayling a single-handed rod with a full floating line is best rods between 5# and 7# are the best.
Although the lodge uses boats to run up and down the river to the various fishing spots, the fishing is mainly conducted by wadding on foot.
The guides at Rapids Camp all speak perfectly good English and know the area very well, allowing you to experience the best fishing possible while staying at this lodge. If you have a particular fly fishing style you enjoy, then the guides will be more than willing to help you hone your skills and put you in with the best possible chance of catching. All the lodge guides will have all the fly tippet material and fly that you could require for your days fishing. All our are expert casters, more than willing to help with any fishing tuition or questions you may have, all you have to do is ask them, and they will gladly assist. All the fishing is based on two anglers per one guide.
Situated on 60 acres of riverfront property on the famous Naknek River banks just downstream from the famous rapids sits the lodge. In addition to the main lodge, a detached private home initially built for the owner is now also available as accommodation and is perfect for private groups.
Rapids Camp is a casual but well-appointed lodge that can accommodate a max of 10 to 14 guests per week. In the main lodge, there are eight spacious, single-occupancy rooms, each with a private bathroom. There’s also the “House on the Hill” that will accommodate 2 to 4 people.
The main lounge area provides comfortable couches with stunning views over the river through large windows. In the main lounge area, customers tend to relax with a nice cool drink and talk over the day’s events about the ones that got away. For further relaxation, why not enjoy the hot tub and sauna. If you so wish, you can also order a massage as the lodge has its full-time masseuse on staff.
For those who still have some energy left after a full day of fishing, there are board games as well as darts to keep you entertained. Want to stay in touch with what is happening around the world? The lodge has satellite television and high-speed wireless internet.
One thing for sure is you will not go hungry at Rapid camp Lodge. It employes its own two full-time gourmet chefs who prepare and cook all the food. In the morning, breakfast served buffet style. At breakfast, you also have the chance to pack up a lunch box if you have not ordered a shore lunch or not returning to the main lodge for lunch. Your packed lunches will include fresh deli-style sandwiches, fruit, baked goods, and beer/wine. Those who return to the lodge for lunch will find a great lunch spread, again buffet-style to keep you fueled up for the day.
After a long day on the water, return to the lodge for hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, served in the main longe area. Once dinner is ready, you move to the dining room for a full sit down three coarse meal. There is everything from BBQ night, succulent steaks night, fresh Salmon to king crab night throughout the week. Fresh pastries, baked bread, and rolls will also be served to complement your meals; you certainly will not go hungry. Oh, we have not even mentioned desserts yet, some of which you will want to eat again and again. If you have specific dietary restrictions, the lodge can cater to these and are happy to do so.
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, you will take a taxi to the Anchorage Hotel.
Overnight accommodation: Anchorage Hotel (Twin room) R/O
At lunchtime, you will take a taxi to Ted Stevens Airport and depart from here to King Salmon. On arrival, you will be met by the Lodge staff and taken to your accommodation. You will spend the rest of the day preparing for the next days fishing.
Overnight accommodation: Rapids Camp Lodge (Single room) F/B
Depending on the time of the year, you will target Kings, Chum, Sockeye, Silvers, Pinks and Rainbows. It is you who decides when to move on, as there is no fixed itinerary. During each day a fresh shore lunch will be prepared by our guides for you and guiding is based on two rods to one guide. You can mix the fishing up and change a day fly fishing for a day out on the lodges boats deep sea fishing for mighty Halibut which is a great alternative.
Overnight accommodation: Rapids Camp Lodge (Single room) F/B
In the morning you will depart back to Anchorage. On arrival, take a taxi back to the Anchorage Hotel.
Overnight accommodation: Anchorage Hotel (Twin room) R/O
You will take a taxi back to Anchorage International Airport.
Depart Anchorage
Arrive Seattle Depart Seattle
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
The season runs from June to September.
Season: 1 June to 28 October
Peak: 21 July to 12 Sept
Weight: 1lb to 15lb
Average Weight: 2lb
Season: 14 June to 28 July
Peak: 21 June to 12 July
Weight: 10lb to 60lb
Average Weight: 18lb
Season: 21 June to July 26
Peak: 4 July to 18 July
Weight: 4lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 8lb
Season: 1 June to 26 July
Peak: 21 June to 19 July
Weight: 5lb to 25lb
Average Weight: 11lb
Season: 8 August to 28 September
Peak: 15 August to 12 September
Weight: 6lb to 20lb
Average Weight: 12lb
Season: 1 June to 28 October
Peak: 1 July to 28 September
Weight: 1lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 2lb
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30/05/2024 | 09/06/2024 | 11 | £15,403 | Enquire Now |
| 06/06/2024 | 16/06/2024 | 11 | £15,403 | Enquire Now |
| 13/06/2024 | 23/06/2024 | 11 | £15,403 | Enquire Now |
| 20/06/2024 | 30/06/2024 | 11 | £15,403 | Enquire Now |
| 27/06/2024 | 07/07/2024 | 11 | £15,403 | Enquire Now |
| 04/07/2024 | 14/07/2024 | 11 | £15,403 | Enquire Now |
| 11/07/2024 | 21/07/2024 | 11 | £15,403 | Enquire Now |
| 18/07/2024 | 28/07/2024 | 11 | £15,403 | Enquire Now |
| 25/07/2024 | 04/08/2024 | 11 | £15,403 | Enquire Now |
| 01/08/2024 | 11/08/2024 | 11 | £15,403 | Enquire Now |
| 08/08/2024 | 18/08/2024 | 11 | £15,403 | Enquire Now |
| 15/08/2024 | 25/08/2024 | 11 | £15,403 | Enquire Now |
| 29/05/2025 | 08/06/2025 | 11 | £16,047 | Enquire Now |
| 05/06/2025 | 15/06/2025 | 11 | £16,047 | Enquire Now |
| 12/06/2025 | 22/06/2025 | 11 | £16,047 | Enquire Now |
| 19/06/2025 | 29/06/2025 | 11 | £16,047 | Enquire Now |
| 26/06/2025 | 06/07/2025 | 11 | £16,047 | Enquire Now |
| 03/07/2025 | 13/07/2025 | 11 | £16,047 | Enquire Now |
| 10/07/2025 | 20/07/2025 | 11 | £16,047 | Enquire Now |
| 17/07/2025 | 27/07/2025 | 11 | £16,047 | Enquire Now |
| 24/07/2025 | 03/08/2025 | 11 | £16,047 | Enquire Now |
| 31/07/2025 | 10/08/2025 | 11 | £16,047 | Enquire Now |
| 07/08/2025 | 17/08/2025 | 11 | £16,047 | Enquire Now |
| 14/08/2025 | 24/08/2025 | 11 | £16,047 | 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.
Hope this comes to you ok as we are not very good on computers. We had a brilliant holiday and managed to land some beauties which we are going try and send you pictures of. But like we have said on the phone we are not great with computers. If you do not get any please can you call me
Hello Darren, yes we received your form and well done, told you you could do it. The pictures are coming through as well.
Glad you both had a great time I will pass on your kind comments to the guys at Rapid Camp.
Let us know your dates for next year and we can get you booked in
All the best
Hello Sportquest, with this being our fourth trip with you we were hoping the fishing would of been a little better. Maybe look at sending people there at a slightly different time as the water was very low which made fishing very difficult. I know its nothing you could of done but maybe look and speak to the guides a little more. We would for sure go back as the guys who run the lodge were very good and accommodating. Apart from the fishing the whole trip went very smoothly and we will be back in touch soon for next years adventure
Speak soon and you should get some pictures any day
Hi Darren, Glad to hear everything else went well and transfers etc were organised well. That is one thing we would love above all to guarantee, is the fishing. Perhaps we can in the future speak with the guides for their feedback.
It was great to chat with you about the trip and as soon as you have got your holiday dates for next year we can look at some availability.
Until then, all the best
Thanks Sportquest we all had an amazing time, see you next year same week again please.
Paul
It was great talking to you on the telephone, looking forward to the pictures in the post.
Regards Peter
Thanks for organising a great holiday we had an amazing time
It was our Pleasure David. So good to speak with you after the trip and thank you for the pictures
Hope to see you again next year
All the best
Thank you Peter for all your help
Hi Lewis, it was a pleasure to help you organise this trip and look forward to helping you in the future
Peter
What an amazing place and thanks Paul for recommending we look at this place. We have been to many places in Alaska so this was a pleasant change. Can highly recommend
Hi Guys, great hear you liked this destination. We get very good comments on this lodge and their hospitality. Really looking forward to seeing your pictures and possibly helping you again next year.
Tight lines
Well it did not start very good as our flight from Edinburgh to London was delayed making us have to run to catch our connecting flight. With us being in our 60's this was no easy feet. The fishing was little harder than we thought and read about but I guess thats fishing. The guides where very helpful and made the best of a tricky week.
On a more positive note, that rod and reel you recommended Peter was perfect for the job and will be going on future trips. Thanks Sportquest
Hello what a start to the holiday, at least you made it. The guides did speak to us after you returned and said that you had a hard week but still managed to have good time. Perhaps next year we can look at other dates for you.
I will let Peter know about the rod and reel. Is there anychance of any pictures? I can email you a link to dropbox if you are ok with that?
Thanks for choosing Sportquest
Peter & Mel, thanks for being so helpful in organising this surprise for my partner. I wish you could of been there to see his face when he opened the letter gifting him this holiday. He never stopped going on about it and now he has been and asking what surprise I have got him for next year.
I am sure you have got a customer for life and his list of places to fish has grown.
Thank you so much
Hello Angie, glad to hear you managed to keep it all a secret and he loved the present and what a present. Pleased everything lived up to your expectations and he loved the trip
All the best
Just a quick note, thanks for this trip made lots of childhood dreams come true
Hi Angus, that is all we ever hope to achieve. Really looking forward to see you pictures I believe you caught something pretty special.
Thanks and speak with you soon
Wow what an amazing trip. The scenery was breathtaking and we managed all our target fish. We may have to look at a different flight route next time. I have emailed you some pictures hope you like them.
Thanks Mel for all your help, we will be in touch soon
Hello Lee Alaska is a stunning part of the world and is very hard to describe to people just how it makes you feel. The general feeling is being completely alone and away from the busyness of general life. It will take you a while to get over that feeling
Hopefully you will want to return next year. Look forward to speaking with you
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