The crystal-clear Naknek River – recently named the “Number One Rainbow Trout River” in Alaska by Fish Alaska Magazine – begins its 35-mile journey to Bristol Bay within the massive Katmai National Park and Preserve. This amazing river is home to all five species of Pacific salmon, as well as some of the largest rainbow trout in the world. The location of the Bear Trail Lodge allows you to fish for aggressive salmon and trout on the home waters, including great sections of the river directly in front of the Lodge.
The salmon inhabiting the Naknek are just a short 20 miles from the ocean and are dime-bright, fresh, and very strong. The prime location of Bear Trail also allows you to fish the best spots of the upper part of the river, where you’ll find large rainbow trout feeding behind spawning salmon and migrating salmon smolt.
The Naknek River has a strong run of king salmon and one of the best spots on the river to fish for kings is within sight of the Lodge. The Lodge utilizes jet boats to access the best spots on the river to catch all species of salmon, while an in-house fly-out program takes advantage of the Lodge’s close proximity to the many rivers and streams of Katmai National Park. These waters are full of spawning salmon and hungry rainbow trout and are also within the bounds of Alaska’s designated “Trophy Rainbow Trout” area.
Boats and Equipment
The Lodge utilizes a variety of DeHavilland Beavers and Cessna 206 aircrafts on floats provide fishing access throughout the region. The Lodge also utilizes a large fleet of aluminum boats equipped with Yamaha jet motors – some based at the Lodge, and many others strategically scattered throughout the region on numerous rivers. It is recommended that anglers bring their own gear and equipment, including rods, reels, waders, wading boots, terminal tackle and marine GPS plotters. For those interested in any new gear, The Lodge recommends researching thoroughly and reading reviews on websites like https://www.gearsurfer.com/electronics/best-marine-gps/ and similar. This can help guests to have the best experience possible by having the gear that suits them best. Fishing can become rather costly, especially when buying all new equipment at once so if you are going to buy all new items, it might be an idea to search for some coupon codes or promo codes. Sites like Raise can make your coupon search a little easier as they have plenty of coupons in one place.
Lodging and Dining
Bear Trail Lodge consists of a very comfortable and inviting cedar main lodge that is complete with a commercial kitchen, a large dining room, a relaxing living room, a spectacular sun room with decks overlooking the stunning views of the Naknek River and the mountains of Katmai National Park.
The guest cabins are well appointed with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, individual heaters, and comfortable couches. Of course all of the rooms have the impressive views of the river. The entire lodge is connected by a boardwalk which will lead you to a dramatic deck with a hot tub that is elevated 70 feet above the river and provides guests with the opportunity to relax at one of the World’s premier fly fishing destinations while reflecting on the adventures of the day.
The lodge chef prepares three hearty meals each day. All meals are served home style and are all-you-can-eat. Breakfast includes hot and cold cereals, muffins, breads, fruits, eggs, French toast, pancakes, bacon, sausage, reindeer sausage, juices, and coffee. The lunch usually consists of sandwiches and soups. A shore lunch can be arranged with your guide weather permitting. Dinners are the main non-fishing event of the day and also offers guests a time in which to exchange stories of their adventure from that day. Menus include Alaskan style appetizers, NY Strips, prime rib, crab legs, fresh salmon, halibut, shrimp, chicken, and pork. Complimentary beer and bottled wine is also served. Delicious desserts complete these excellent dinners. The kitchen is open 24 hours a day, and guests are free to help themselves to anything in the kitchen.
Getting There
A number of major airlines service Anchorage with direct connections from the Lower 48. Once you arrive in Anchorage, your direct flight to Bear Trail Lodge is included in your package. We recommend arriving in Anchorage a day prior to your departure in order to enjoy Anchorage and make sure you make your connection to the lodge.
Expedition Broker can arrange all aspects of your travel including flights, hotels and additional travel while in Alaska at no cost to you. Feel free to use our local expertise to help you prepare for your trip!
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