Unalakleet River Lodge

As one of our clients said, Unalakleet River Lodge is "a little slice of heaven". The Unalakleet River consistently produces one of the greatest salmon runs in Alaska and entices fly and spin fishermen to its banks year after year. Located 400 miles (644 km) north-west of Anchorage and less than ten miles (16 km) from Norton Sound, salmon entering this river are mostly chrome-bright and unbelievably strong.

The lodge provides access to hundreds of miles of fishable water, eliminating the need for fly-outs and because of the stream configuration – slow, deep, lazy bends and minimal tidal fluctuation – this river is extremely easy to fish.

During the first half of the summer, king salmon fishing in this river is exceptional due to the massive runs and average size of the fish. Unalakleet kings can run up to 50 lbs, but commonly average around the 25 lbs.  Later in the season, the silver salmon runs in this system are unmatched. These powerful acrobats average about 12 lbs, but have been taken at 20 lbs plus. In addition, dolly varden, arctic char and grayling are available and plentiful in this river system.

Some perceive that the five-day fishing package is somewhat limiting especially if you are flying all that way from Europe. However be assured you get more time on the water than the fly out lodges and for the die hard fishermen amongst you can always pay for a night guide that will take you out until midnight!

While it is the fishing that gets rave reviews, it is the lodge owners, Jeff and Sally Appel, along with their staff, that ensure that your stay is first rate. Jeff and Sally are exceptional hosts and will look after your every need. There are seven twin cabins each with ensuite facilities and the main lodge is perched on a bluff overlooking the river. Here highly trained chefs produce wonderful food each day and after dinner guests move to the bar for stories of the one that got away.

In short, Unalakleet is a great lodge in the true Alaskan style.

Unalakleet River Lodge

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Unalakleet River Lodge

Unalakleet River Lodge

Weekly schedule:

Unalakleet runs from Sunday to Saturday

2013 Package Rate:

$5,300 per person.
* prices subject to change

Price includes:
•    Full board and accommodation for six nights at Unalakleet River Lodge based on double occupancy.
•    Five days guided fishing with two fishermen to each guide.
•    Transport on the river by jet boat.
•    Alaskan visitors fishing licence
•    Wine at dinner.
•    Ground transfer from Unalakleet airport to the Lodge.

Price does not include:
•    International Flights
•    Internal flights Anchorage to Unalakleet.
•    Accommodation in Anchorage
•    Drinks other than wine at dinner.
•    King Salmon stamp.
•    Lures, flies and tackle.
•    Gratuities to the house staff and fishing guides.
•    Items of a personal nature.

Deposit/Cancellation Policy:
$250 per person fee after receipt of deposit; 50% of deposit paid within 90 days of confirmed arrival date; 100% of deposit paid within 60 days; no refund/credit for unused portion of package or after guest has arrived.

Unalakleet River Lodge

Time Difference
Anchorage GMT -9 hrs

Flight Time from the UK
London - Seattle: 9 hrs 30 mins

Internal Flights
Seattle - Anchorage: 3 hrs 35 mins
Anchorage - Unalakleet: 1 hr 40 mins

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
You will need to register for a 90-day US Visa Waiver under the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)  prior to departure. This is an online registration and will be valid for two years or until the date on which your passport expires, which ever comes first.

Species
Chinook (King), coho (silver), pink and chum salmon; Dolly Varden, Arctic char, arctic grayling.

Season to Travel
June - September

Tackle and Kit
We would recommend a 9ft single-handed 8-9 weight rod with varying sink-tip lines for most of the salmon. If you are going for the big Chinook salmon then we suggest also taking a 12-14ft double-handed 9-10 weight rod with a multi-tip line that has fast sink tips or a shooting head system. For the other species use a 9ft single-handed 5-8 weight rod with floating line, 5-30lb leader material, flies, chest waders, waterproof jacket, lifejacket, collapsible wading stick, insect repellent and polarised sunglasses.

Clothing
Alaska has a variable climate and you should dress with comfortable layers that can be shed or put on accordingly. June and July are generally warm, by August and September the weather can be cooler with frosts in the mornings and evenings. Dress code at all the lodges is informal.

Unalakleet River Lodge