Alaska Peninsula

The Alaska Peninsula For healthy returns of wild Pacific salmon and steelhead, few places compare to the Alaska Peninsula. Photo: Ken Morrish

Jutting westward from the mainland towards the Aleutian Islands, the wild volcanic expanse of the Alaska Peninsula is arguably the wildest and least-traveled refuge of sea-bright salmon and steelhead in the state. Bordered on the north by Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea and on the south by the Gulf of Alaska, the peninsula remains one of the least spoiled and hardest-to-reach places in North America. With easy wading and rich returns, few places hold more appeal for serious anadromous anglers.

Sandy River Lodge This longstanding operation has a rich history of exposing diehard anadromous anglers to some of the best king salmon and steelhead fishing in the world. Free of commercial-fishing pressure, this river draws loyal anglers back year after year to experience the riches of this incredibly productive system. With a June king season and a fall steelhead season, this is a must-see lodge for serious Spey anglers. Rate: $7,950-$8,355 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

Hoodoo Sport Fishing Lodge Widely recognized as the most comfortable and organized operation on the Alaska Peninsula, owner Rod Schuh’s Hoodoo Lodge is a testament to what vision and hard work can accomplish in an extremely remote location. Being the original operation on the Sapsuk, Rod and his crew know this river and the surrounding region better than anyone. With several jet boats waiting at the dock, a fantastic guide staff, and a highly competent leader, this operation continues to show anglers the best king salmon, chum, and silver fishing in Alaska. Rates: $5,450-$6,450 per person for a 7 night/6 day package plus $1,200 round-trip charter flight

Aleutian Rivers Angling Camp This six-person tent camp on the Sapsuk River is an ideal no-frills base for small groups in search of the peninsula’s best salmon fishing. Anglers fish three per guide and are strategically located to pursue sea-bright kings, chums, and silvers. Rate: $5,575-$5,990 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

Hoodoo’s Sandy River Lodge Rod Schuh’s simple facility on the lower Sandy River enables anglers access to this incredibly special salmon and steelhead system. Located on the lower reach of the river, this camp offers strategic access to some of the most productive king water as well as the ability to jet boat upstream to the Sandy’s best steelhead waters. Rate: $6,450-$7,050 per person for a 7 night/6 day package plus $1,400 round-trip charter flight

EPIC Alaska Wilderness Safari EPIC is a remote wilderness camp located on the south side of the Alaska Peninsula. Few places offer a more picturesque backdrop or a more interesting and varied salmon fishing program. Here, anglers can fish beaches, tidal bays, rivers, and creeks in total solitude. These fish are as bright as they come and you can always mix things up with some incredible hikes or light-tackle halibut fishing. Rate: $5,650-$6,950 per person for a 7 night/6 day package