Freshwater Fishing

Freshwater fishing

Freshwater Fishing in Alaska
Freshwater fishing in Alaska generally means two things to most anglers: salmon and trout. And nowhere is there more of an abundance of both species than in the Kodiak Islands area of Southwest Alaska.

That’s why it’s a no-brainer to plan your next freshwater fishing trip at the premier fishing lodge in Alaska, the Afognak Wilderness Lodge - which just happens to be located in that abundant salmon and trout area about 250 miles south of Anchorage. Our lodge is the only full-service place to stay - and by only, we really mean the lone place - in the beautiful Afognak Island State Park, which is part of the Kodiak Island Archipelago.






Fishing Vacations

Did you know that every salmon species that swims the Northern Pacific make its way to the Kodiak Island area? That means unlimited runs of Silver (Coho), Red (Sockeye), Pink (Humpies) and King salmon and some of the best freshwater fishing in the world, with each of these species having difference characteristics and different sizes.

And it’s not like you will fighting many other fishermen for the best catch –no “combat fishing” at our remote locations. At our freshwater fishing spots, both along the stream banks and at the estuaries, the salmon literally abound by the thousands and you will practically be alone to harvest catch what you can. It’s rather common to see guests to catch their daily-limit for each species targeted, and we do provide a guest freezer and waxed airline boxes for whatever you want to take home.


Top Freshwater Fishing in Alaska

The King salmon might not be as prevalent as the others and not quite as nearby to the lodge. But that’s the challenge in catching this fish and what makes the King salmon among the most coveted game fish in freshwater fishing. This is the largest Pacific salmon and can often exceed 30 pounds. The best time to catch the salmon can vary on the species, with the Kings available through August but the Sockeyes generally just from June through mid-July, the Humpies from mid-July through August and the Coho from late July through late September – so plan your trip accordingly.

As for freshwater fishing for trout, the rainbow, Dolly Varden and steelhead are prevalent in nearby spots for our guests. The Dollies belong to a group of fish called char, and the light spots on their sides distinguish them from most trout and salmon. Dollies generally range from 10-21 inches. The rainbow trout/steelhead are actually the same group, with sea-going rainbows actually referred to as steelhead trout. The steelhead can be over 30 inches long. Each offers a different challenge.

No matter your fishing choice, we furnish all fishing gear for both saltwater and freshwater fishing, but encourage you to bring your own if it’s important (or lucky) to you.

The Afognak Wilderness Lodge has been the top destination since 1974 for vacationers looking for the world’s best freshwater fishing. We are a rustic, secluded lodge that accommodates 12-15 guests, depending on configuration, but we have all the luxuries of home - satellite TV, phone, Fax, wireless Internet, indoor plumbing, first-class dining, even a cozy sauna. We take pride in being named one of the Top 100 Rustic Vacation Retreats in North America by USA Today.

However, we are only open from May through September, and with such limited space we fill up quickly. And remember that we offer many other options to take in Alaska’s unmatched nature and wildlife if you need a day off from fishing or need something for the kids or wife to do.

Call lodge owners Shannon, Josh and Luke Randall today at 866-978-4417 in the U.S. or 360-799-3250 internationally for more information on a freshwater fishing trip that will provide memories for a lifetime. In fact, we guarantee that if you stay with us once, you’ll want to return.