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Five Classic Lodges in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Tikchik Narrows is more than 300 miles from the nearest main road. Courtesy Tikchik Narrows Lodge

Tikchik Narrows is more than 300 miles from the nearest main road. Courtesy Tikchik Narrows Lodge

There are plenty of fish in the waters of Bristol Bay, Alaska, but not too many fine lodges, so we’ve selected the best of the lot based on their prime locations and simple comforts.
Bristol Bay is a 40,000-square-mile region—bordered by the Alaska Peninsula on one side and the southwest corner of the state on the other—that’s flush with marine life and natural resources. There are plenty of fish in these waters but not too many fine digs, so we’ve selected the best of the lot based on their prime locations and simple comforts. Most lodges recommend a weeklong stay to take full advantage of the wilderness setting: The fishing is world-class, and hiking trails and wildlife viewing (bears, walruses) will entertain those too young, or squeamish, to bait a hook.
Prices quoted are per person per week for May, and rates are all-inclusive.
 Courtesy Alaska Sportman's Lodge

Courtesy Alaska Sportman’s Lodge


Alaska Sportsman’s Lodge is on the banks of the Kvichak River, which has the largest salmon run in the world. The main building is a solid cedar chalet with a wet bar, a loft with a library, and a tackle room. Four cabins—three duplexes and the four-person Iliamna cabin—have fireplaces and modern comforts such as flush toilets and hot water but no TVs. The stay includes unlimited fishing opportunities: Boats, with a guide, will transport you anywhere within seven miles of the lodge.Who goes there Celebrities, athletes, corporate retreats. How to get there Fly into Anchorage and take the included charter flight to the lodge. Other Activities Bear viewing, hiking (888-826-7376; from $8,675).
Crystal Creek is one of Alaska’s cushiest fishing lodges, with five handsomely furnished guest rooms, two private cabins, a massage therapy room, and an outdoor hot tub. Dinners include prime rib and mango sherbet with blueberries, and there are Alaskan microbrews on tap. Fish at the Yantarni Salmon Camp, a remote tented area for extreme fishers, or go see the walruses on the beach. Bird hunting is also available—the wild ducks and ptarmigan can be prepared in a special meal. Who goes there Families, couples celebrating anniversaries. How to get there Fly into Anchorage and from there to King Salmon; lodge staff will drive you to the property. Other activities Rafting, beachcombing (907-357-3153; from $8,300).
 Courtesy Mission Creek

Courtesy Mission Creek


Mission Creek is a comfortably furnished lodge on the shores of Lake Aleknagik. The common room has overstuffed leather chairs and bay windows, and 10 of the 20 guest rooms have water views, while the rest have mountain views (though only three have private bathrooms). An on-site massage therapist can ease aches after a long day of fishing, or you can relax in the wood-fired sauna. The rate includes daily excursions—fishing, of course, but also guided hikes and kayaking.Who goes there Bill and Melinda Gates. How to get there Fly into Dillingham; lodge staff will drive you to the lake, where a boat will take you to the property. Other Activities Flight-seeing, kayaking (800-819-0750; from $7,500).
 Courtesy No-See-Um

Courtesy No-See-Um


Founded in 1975, No-See-Um is a sportfishing lodge built on a bank high above the Kvichak River. It has six bedrooms and provides three floatplanes to take guests fishing in remote areas. Experienced anglers will enjoy the variety, and newbies can learn to love the sport with the aid of an experienced guide (there is an average of one guide for every two guests). The lodge’s bakery prepares fresh rolls and desserts. Who goes there Experienced fly fishers. How to get there Fly into Anchorage; the lodge’s charter plane will get you from there to King Salmon, and its floatplane will take you to the property (both included). Other Activities Waterfall hikes, tours of Katmai National Park and local villages (907-232-0729; from $8,600).
 Courtesy Tikchik Narrows

Courtesy Tikchik Narrows


Built in 1969, Tikchik Narrows is located on the tip of a peninsula between two lakes and offers easy access to fishing in the western half of Bristol Bay. The lodge has seven duplex cabins and a circular dining room with large windows that offer dramatic 360-degree views of the lake. The kitchen serves Pacific Northwest cuisine—Alaska king crab, caviar, reindeer sausage—and an on-site greenhouse provides fresh vegetables. Guests can fish off the deck of the main lodge. Who goes there Celebrities, families, businessmen. How to get there Fly into Dillingham for a complimentary air transfer to the lodge. Other Activities Spin fishing, boating (907-243-8450; from $7,400).
This article originally appeared on Conde Nast Traveler