WHAT TYPE OF FISHING IS IT?
This is a remote fly fishing destination with comfortable accommodations with simple but good meals. The fishery provides productive fishing for King, Silver and Sockeye Salmon as well as Steelhead. We specialize is two handed rod fishing. However, should you choose to fish a single hand set up that is absolutely OK. We find using a spey set up to be easier used if it is windy and also much easier to land the Salmon or Steelhead you are targeting.
WHERE IN ALASKA IS THE CAMP?
The camp is located approximately 600 miles southwest of Anchorage and about 14 miles upstream on the Sapsuk River out of the fishing village of Nelson Lagoon.
HOW DO WE GET TO THE CAMP?
All clients should fly to Anchorage the day before the trip date. We will provide air travel from Anchorage to Nelson Lagoon. Once in Nelson Lagoon clients will travel by boat across the small bay and upriver to camp. The boat ride takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Depending on the weather you may want to put on some warmer clothes or possibly your wading gear.
WHEN DOES THE CAMP OPERATE?
Mid-June to mid-July for king salmon, August to mid-September for silver salmon and mid-September through October for steelhead.
DO WE FISH FROM A BOAT?
No, all fly fishing is done by wading, however we use jet boats to travel to the best areas on the river to fish.
IS THERE FISHING AVAILABLE NEAR CAMP?
A short walk to the river can provide access to some great fishing.
WHAT SPECIES OF FISH ARE AVAILABLE?
Depending on the time of your trip we can fly fish for all five species of Pacific salmon, Dolly Varden and rainbow trout.
HOW PRODUCTIVE CAN FISHING BE?
King season should have guest having a handful of interactions each day. Silver season can have incredible numbers of fish hooked. During steelhead time, a couple of interactions each day would be considered good.
CAN THE RIVER BE CROWDED?
No, however expect to see some other anglers during the salmon season. During steelhead season seeing others is very uncommon.
HOW ARE THE GUIDES?
The guides here are experienced outdoors people and accustomed to operating in remote environments and are very skilled at spey casting instruction.
IS THE TRIP PHYSICALLY DEMANDING?
The physical demands are negligible, but guests need to get in and out of boats and wade. The wading is not challenging. This is a remote environment, so best not to take any unnecessary risks.
DO I NEED TO BE EXPERIENCED TO GO?
No, however the more experience you bring, could correlate to more fish landed. Coming to fish at any of our operations is a wonderful opportunity to learn a great deal about fly fishing.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN EQUIPEMENT?
Yes, this is a trip where guests will need to provide all of their own fly fishing equipment.
HOW DOES A TYPICAL DAY GO?
Breakfast begins your day and fishing starts soon after around 8AM. The fishing days will end in time for appetizers before dinner. Expect dinner around 7PM. There is lots of time of fish unguided during king season as the days are long. You are welcome to do so, but it is recommended to fish unguided with a partner.
IS THIS A FANCY DESTINATION?
This is a relaxed camp atmosphere.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WORK AT THE CAMP?
Our Aleutian Rivers Angling Camp employs a total of 4 employees which consists of 2 guides, one chef and a logistics and transportation specialist.
Our Sandy River Lodge destination employs between 5 and 7 employees depending on the season. During our King Season we have 5 guides, 1 chef and 1 maintenance engineer. During our Steelhead Season we have 3 guides, 1 chef and a maintenance engineer.
At our Steelhead Creek Base Camp, we operate with just one guide and a transportation and logistics coordinator.
WHAT ARE THE MEALS FOR THE DAY LIKE?
Breakfast and dinner is served in the communal dining tent. Lunch will be served riverside. Meals are filling but simple. Expect local seafood, pasta dishes and protein dishes mixed between beef, pork, and chicken.
ARE ADULT BEVERAGES INCLUDED?
There will be water, Gatorade, tea, coffee and a variety of soda pop at the camp. The company does not provide alcoholic drinks. If a client would like, they may pre order through the company they may. There will be associated shipping costs with these purchases. Purchases of adult beverages will need to be places no later than May 1st.
HOW ARE THE ACCOMODATIONS?
The accommodations at the riverside camp are very comfortable Weatherport structures. Guests sleep in comfortable beds, with a full complement of linens, comforters, blankets, and pillows. There is a bath-house style shower facility with on demand warm running water and an outhouse on site.
IS INTERNET AVAILABLE?
No. There is a satellite phone for emergencies.
DO I NEED A FISHING LICENSE?
Yes, you will need to purchase an Alaska Fishing License prior to arrival to the camp. If fishing for King Salmon, you must also purchase a King Stamp.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY
For major emergencies the closest full service medical facility is in Anchorage. Transportation to Anchorage would be accessed by either a charter flight or by a commercial flight depending on the commercial flight scheduling. Please know this is a remote environment with a variety of wildlife including: moose, bears, fox, caribou and other animals so in the spirit of safety please be aware of your surroundings.
We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center for Disease Control websites for travel information, guidelines and potential restrictions