Alaska’s Fly Fishing Frontier Awaits
Where Wilderness Flows and Giants Rise
Tucked 500 miles southwest of Anchorage on the banks of the Sandy River, this fly-in-only lodge drops you in the heart of Alaska’s steelhead and salmon frontier. Built for anglers who appreciate wild places and quiet waters, this fishing program offers a rare combination—remote solitude, consistent fishing, abundant wildlife sightings, comfortable accommodations and a seasoned crew that knows how to deliver a seamless experience.
It’s a place where the pace slows, the fishing speaks for itself, and the wilderness feels like it should—vast, quiet, and raw.
Our Fishing Program
Kings in the summer. Steelhead in the fall. All on the swing.
Sandy River Lodge gives you direct access to one of Alaska’s most productive and least-pressured swing fisheries for king (chinook) salmon and steelhead. The river is easy to moderately challenging to wade, with clean runs, soft tailouts, and boulder-strewn holding water that sets up perfectly for two-handed spey casting.
Guests fish two per guide, using jet boats to explore all 16 miles of the Sandy River—from Sandy Lake at the base of volcanic peaks to the rugged, windswept coast of the Bering Sea. Each day, your guide takes you to the most productive stretches of water, adjusting to tides, weather, and fish movement.
We host up to 10 anglers during king season (mid-June through July) when chrome-bright Chinook flood the system. In fall steelhead season (mid-September through October), we scale down to 6 anglers per week to maximize solitude and give every guest space to fish slow and settle in.
This is a program built by guides, tested by seasons, and designed for anglers who care as much about the water as the fish in it.
Fish Where the Wild Things Are
Accommodations
Classic Alaska Lodge, Comfort with Character
At Sandy River Lodge, we keep it straightforward—simple, functional, and comfortable. You’ll find everything you need for a memorable fly fishing trip, and nothing you don’t. The main lodge features a warm dining and lounge space where coffee’s always on, meals are hearty, and stories from the river last well into the evening. Guests stay in single or double occupancy rooms with shared bathrooms that are heated, tidy, and stocked with clean linens and essentials. Dedicated drying rooms keep your gear ready for the next outing, and Starlink provides just enough connection to check in without breaking the quiet that makes this place special.
Explore Sandy River Lodge
Meet Our Team
Guides Who Know Every Bend
This is Alaska hospitality at its best—genuine, capable, and built for the middle of nowhere.
Start Planning Your Alaskan Adventure
Planning your trip to Sandy River Lodge with Aleutian Adventures is simple. We’ve built our programs to make it as easy as possible to get here, gear up, and fish hard. Below you’ll find all the key details to start planning your adventure- and if you need more information or current availability, reach out to our team.
Rates & Details
King Salmon (June through July) – $11,750.00Â
Steelhead (September through October) – $13,000.00Â
**Add $700.00 for Single Room**
What’s Included?
- 7 nights accommodations (double occupancy)
- 6 days guided fishing (2:1 guest to guide ratio)
- Meals and non-alcoholic beverages
- Charter flight to/from Anchorage and the lodge
What’s Not Included?
- Flights to/from Anchorage
- Hotels, meals, transportation in Anchorage
- Fishing license & king salmon stamp
- Beer, wine, alcohol
- Fishing equipment and flies
- Gratuities to guides and staff
Travel & Logistics
Your Aleutian Adventure begins with a flight to Anchorage, where we recommend an overnight stay before your charter to the Alaska Peninsula. The next morning, you’ll meet at Merrill Field for check-in and board the scenic 2 hour and 15 minute flight directly to Sandy River Lodge’s private airstrip. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a short orientation from the lodge manager while your bags are delivered to your room.
There is no guided fishing on arrival day, but you’re welcome to rig your rods and explore the water near the lodge.
Enjoy six full days of guided fishing on the Sandy River rotating guides and sections of river each day.Â
On your final day, you’ll pack up after breakfast and prepare for the return charter. Weather permitting, the flight typically departs between 1:00 and 2:00 PM, arriving in Anchorage between 3:30 and 5:00 PM. However, due to the unpredictability of weather in the region, we strongly recommend booking a hotel for the night and scheduling your return flight home the following day.
Sandy River Lodge - FAQ's
What kind of fish will I target at Sandy River?
Steelhead in the fall (September/October). Kings in the summer (June/July).
Do I need to be an expert angler?
No—however, we always recommend practicing casting prior to your arrival so that you get the most out of your fishing experience. If you need help with your cast our guides are fantastic instructors and they can offer tips and tricks to get your dialed in.
How’s the weather?
Wild, coastal, and ever-changing all season long—expect wind, quick shifts from sun to rain, and a damp chill in the air. During King season (June & July) it's cool, breezy, and often damp, with daytime highs in the mid-40s to low-60s °F. In September & October, during steelhead season, it's typically colder, crisper, and more unsettled with highs in the 40s, nights near freezing, stronger winds, and occasional squalls. Layer up, bring true waterproofs, and be ready to fish in whatever the sky delivers.
Do you rent fly fishing gear?
We do not rent fly fishing gear and recommend bringing your own. However, we do have a limited supply of rods and reels on-hand to loan guests as needed. Guides have leaders, tips and flies to supplement the gear that you bring.
Is there internet and/or cell service?
Yes, the lodge has Starlink internet access available throughout the camp. There is no cell service.
Please take time to read our booking policies.
See What Our
Anglers Are Saying
— Phil Trask
7 months ago
Review Source Rating 5/5 – See more reviews
(14+ reviews)
Book Your Spot at Sandy River Lodge
Legendary swing water. Wild fish. Unforgettable experiences.