ALASKA WEST KANEKTOK RIVER, ALASKA
DESTINATION BROCHURE ALL CONTENTS © TAILWATERS FLY FISHING 2014-2015
[ ALASKA WEST ]
CONTENTS 4 6 14 18 22 26
DESTINATION DESCRIPTION
THE FISHING
ACCOMMODATIONS
TRAVEL & ITINERARY
WHEN TO GO
RATES
OUR TRAVEL SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE! You the client don’t pay a penny for our travel services! Our destination recommendations, organization, and pre-trip planning services are completely free of charge – and oftentimes less expensive than booking direct with a lodge or outfitter. We can assist with every question, concern, or special request related to your adventure at zero cost!
BOOKING INFORMATION TRAVEL DEPARTMENT
2416 MCKINNEY AVE
DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
DALLAS, TX. 75201
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
(888) 824-5420
ALASKA WEST QUICK HITS +
LOCATION & TRAVEL
QUINHAGAK VILLAGE, ALASKA
cies available vary from month to month and may
Anglers first travel to Anchorage for overnight on a
impact when you decide to visit. All months are
Saturday night in one of our recommended hotels.
excellent for viewing wildlife. From mid-June to
The following morning, Sunday, guests board a
mid-July, king salmon are the most popular target,
charter place for the 90 minute flight to Quinhagak
with rainbow fishing picking up in July as well. The
following a brief layover in Bethel, Alaska. From
second half of July provides a shot at the salmon
Quinhagak, guest are transported in jet-boats ap-
grand slam (all five species, all on flies, in one day),
proximately 25 minutes upstream to camp.
The
and the most varied rainbow fishing. In August and
following Sunday, guests take the charter from
early September, silver mania sweeps the Kanektok
Quinhagak back to Anchorage following identical
and the trout just keep getting fatter as fall arrives.
layover in Bethel and can plan on arrival into An-
IS ALASKA WEST RIGHT FOR YOU?
chorage around 2:00-3:00PM for connections to the
+
lower 48.
Nothing about the Alaska West Camp is fancy or upscale. If you are looking for high thread count
+
TYPE OF FISHING & SPECIES
sheets, this is definitely not the place for you. How-
LEOPARD RAINBOW TROUT, ALL FIVE SPECIES OF
ever, if you are interested in spending long days on
PACIFIC SALMON, ARCTIC CHAR, GRAYLING
the water fishing hard with some of the best guides
Anglers tackle the Kanektok on board aluminum
in the business along with wonderful food at an
jet-sleds and will generally split time on a float/
affordable price, than look no further. The Alaska
drift and wading. Depending upon when you visit
West camp is tailor-made for anglers who want to
and what salmon are in the system – anglers fish for
maximize the ‘hard-core’ angling experience for
trout with all techniques including mouse fishing,
rainbows, all species of salmon, char and grayling.
swinging leeches, or dead drifting egg patterns.
COST & EXPENSES
The Kanektok is a very popular king and silver salm-
+
on fishery, char eat anything, and the small rod dry
7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS FISHING - $5995 PER PERSON (BASED
fly fishing for grayling is a reliable blast. The Kanek-
ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)
tok is the perfect river to learn to spey cast – and
Rates are inclusive of all guided fishing, accom-
Alaska West has a cult of repeat anglers during the
modations, meals, use of fishing equipment and
king season using 2-handed rods.
waders/boots (upon request). Additional expenses include but are not limited to airfare to Anchor-
+
SEASONALITY & WHEN TO GO
age, hotel accommodations in Anchorage when
ALASKA WEST IS OPEN FROM THE MIDDLE OF JUNE
applicable, Charter flights to/from Quinhagak and
TILL THE FIRST WEEK IN SEPTEMBER.
Anchorage (approx. $740); gratuities and alcoholic
Choosing a date to fish anywhere in Western Alas-
beverages. (See RATES for details).
ka is completely contingent upon which species of fish you would like to target. Fishing is excellent any time in the season, but the conditions and spe-
THE
DESTINATION
Alaska West is located on the banks of the world famous Kanektok River, in the Bristol Bay region of western Alaska. The lodge is situated approximately five miles from the mouth of this classic hundred mile freestone and the native village of Quinhagak, along the coast of the Bering Sea. Quinhagak is a coastal community in the southernmost reaches of Kuskokwim Bay. It is 425 miles WSW from Anchorage, 75 miles due South of the hub village of Bethel and 190 miles WNW from Dillingham. Basically, Alaska West is right in the middle of nowhere. The Togiak National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 4 million acres of lands that the US government deemed appropriate to manage by the objectives set forth in the National Wildlife Refuge system’s directive to, among other things, conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural diversity. Its northern border is the Yukon Delta National Wilderness Refuge. Its Eastern border is the Wood Tikchik Lakes and Wood Tikchik State Park. The southern border is Bristol Bay and the western border runs 50 miles inland of Goodnews and Platinum until it bisects the Kuskokwim Bay coastline. Several villages fall within
|4|
ARGENTINA ALASKA WEST DOVES - ALASKA UNLIMITED - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
the refuge’s boundaries including Eek, Quinhagak,
Over 200 bird species nest in the refuge including
Platinum, Goodnews, Manokotak and Togiak. The
golden and bald eagles, peregrine falcons, murres,
refuge is mainly comprised of coastal flats, river
numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds.
flood plains & high tundra plains. Two mountain
Willow and cottonwood make up the scrub forests
ranges run through the refuge-- the Kilbuck range
along the riverbanks and the tundra is flush with li-
and the Ahklun range. Both are heavily eroded by
chen, berries, dwarf trees and grasses.
ice, wind and water, and their highest peaks are less Alaska West is certainly not the “fanciest” opera-
than 4,500 feet high.
tion in Alaska…not even close. The Alaska West The area is habitat to over 48 mammal species,
experience is all about the fishing. Of course they
31 land-bound including caribou, wolves, moose,
provide comfortable and clean accommodations,
brown and black bear, foxes, beaver, muskrats,
fabulous food, and excellent service, however the
minks, river otters, voles and porcupines. 17 marine
spirit of a trip with Alaska West is to spend a lot
mammals live in the refuge including sea lions, wal-
of time of the water fishing hard. Your pocketbook
ruses and whales. Three main river drainages host
will also not suffer when booking a trip with Alaska
all five species of pacific salmon, rainbow trout,
West, as their price tag is not nearly what anglers
Dolly Varden, arctic grayling, arctic char and pike.
shell out for a traditional fly-out lodge these days.
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
THE
FISHING
The Kanektok is a river system with many different
outfitted comfortably with ample storage, remov-
characters… The headwaters of the Kanektok are
able chairs, and can access the skinniest of water…
a tiny trickle on a gravel bar and it dumps into the
delivering anglers conveniently to every beat of the
Bering Sea one hundred miles later as an impres-
river. The water on the Kanektok is always very easy
sive navigable river flowing at several thousand
to read, with first time anglers identifying the gravel
CFS. It is an extremely winding river mainly lined
bars loaded with char, the pods of salmon stacked
with cottonwoods and willow trees. The lower sec-
up in back eddies, or the logical cut banks holding
tions of the river demand a little more fishing ‘drift
the rivers famous leopard rainbows.
style’ on board one of the lodge’s fleet of aluminum boats (equipped with jet propelled 40 HP out-
The Bristol Bay watershed is most famous for its
boards) - however wading opportunities are com-
amazing run of all five species of salmon in addi-
mon on the lower sections as well. Upstream from
tion to world renowned rainbow trout fishing. Oth-
the lodge the river has a much wider, shallower
er anadromous species such as Dolly Varden and
braided section that is ideal for wading. Boats are
Arctic char congest the river in huge numbers,
| 64 |
ARGENTINA ALASKA WEST DOVES - ALASKA UNLIMITED - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
not to mention loads of grayling. The Kanektok is
Kanektok to spawn each summer providing Alaska
known as a river that receives epic runs of all salm-
West guests with one of the most consistent fisher-
on species as well as exploding trout populations.
ies for this acrobatic species.
The Kanektok is one of the few fisheries in Alaska where everything an angler needs resides in ONE
No Alaskan experience would be complete without
spot‌ no need to invest in expensive fly-out trips
targeting big rainbows, and the Kanektok is home
each day.
to a huge population of the eclectically spotted leopard rainbow trout throughout nearly all sec-
Spey or two-handed fly rodders from around the
tions of the river. Trout are consistently taken using
world with attest that the Kanektok is ground zero
a variety of methods including egg patterns, leach-
for chasing kings. The character and style of the
es, and most notably the Kanektok offers some of
river sets up perfectly for experienced and novice
western Alaska’s best mouse fishing when condi-
anglers to have success with the mightiest of all the
tions are favorable.
salmon with two-handed fly rods and conventional gear. Of course you could walk across the river on the backs of sockeye, pinks, and chums nearly all summer long, however late July through the end of the season brings the cooperative and aggressive silver salmon to the Kanektok. Thousands upon thousands of silver (coho) salmon return to run the
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
THE
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Alaska West facility is a “luxury tent lodge.” It is made up of a combination of permanent and semi-permanent structures, and is designed to combine comfortable living, eating and lounging areas with a location right on top of a phenomenal river. DINING TENT The dining tent is a spacious 24’x 60’ heated structure with wood floors and is always kept neat and clean. The kitchen has the state of the art equipment such as gas ranges, convection oven, microwave, refrigerators and freezers. LOUNGE TENT The lounge is great place to relax after a full day of fishing. This large heated tent is furnished with comfortable chairs and tables. At your disposal are a refrigerator with cool soda, juices and mixers, poker chips with cards, board games, dart board, magazines, books, map board, telephone, satellite television and an online camp computer. There is a fly tying bench with a limited supply of fly tying materials and vises.
| 20 4||
ARGENTINA ALASKA WEST DOVES - ALASKA UNLIMITED - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
DRYING TENT After returning from your day’s fishing adventure this tent serves as a place for you to hang your wet waders, coats, boots and anything else you don’t want wet or dirty in your sleeping quarters. GAZEBO/VIEWING DECK This split-level wood structure has a great river view. The bottom area is open-air and enclosed with fine mesh bug screen. This is a great place to sit and enjoy the midnight sun without being bothered by our little biting buddies. Directly above is the viewing deck. Bring your camera-- the sunsets can be breathtaking! SHOWERS AND RESTROOMS/OUTHOUSES Showers have hot and cold running water with a sink basin and chair. They are cleaned daily. The restrooms are indeed outhouses. They too are cleaned daily and they are strategically located near your tent cabin. TENT CABINS/SLEEPING QUARTERS Your heated tent cabin is furnished with two single beds with full bedding and pillow, clean shower linen, nightstand, hang-down bug net, lantern, carpeted floor and clothes hangers. Housekeeping staff come through daily to make beds, empty trash and tidy up to ensure your new home stays neat and clean.
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
TRAVEL & ITINERARY ALASKA WEST OPERATES ON A 7 NIGHT / 6 DAY FRIDAY - SUNDAY WEEKLY SCHEDULE. For most guests the first leg of the trip to Alaska West is accomplished by guests reaching Anchorage, Alaska, on the Saturday prior to the Sunday arrival at camp. Guests will overnight in Anchorage at one of our recommended hotels. The second leg of the trip, occurring on Sunday, is on board a round-trip charter service with Era Aviation from Anchorage with a connection in Bethel to the little village of Quinhagak, at the mouth of the Kanektok. Once in Quinhagak, anglers travel upstream approximately 25 minutes by jet boat to the lodge facility. There is no fishing on the day of arrival.
SAMPLE ITINERARY SATURDAY Anglers travel to Anchorage for overnight at a recommended hotel. SUNDAY Anglers travel on board a ninety minute private charter departing at 9:30AM to the local native village of Quinhagak after a short layover in Bethel. Upon arrival in Quinhagak, anglers are met by a representative from Alaska West and transported upriver 25 minutes to the Alaska West facility. Anglers usually arrive around 5:00PM, unpack and rig gear, have a cocktail, and get prepared for the next six days of fishing. There is no guided fishing on the day of arrival.
| 26 4||
ARGENTINA ALASKA WEST DOVES - ALASKA UNLIMITED - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
MONDAY - SATURDAY Six full days of guided fishing on the Kanektok! SUNDAY Guests follow a similar procedure flying back to Anchorage with a layover in Bethel on board a private charter flight arriving back into Anchorage early afternoon around 2:30PM. Most flights from Alaska to the lower forty-eight are overnight red-eye flights which depart in the evening, allowing plenty of time to catch a connection onward home. Guests originating in the Pacific NW can easily make it home Friday night.
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
WHEN TO GO ALASKA WEST OPERATES FROM EARLY JUNE
ly the ticket. Sculpins, leeches, big flesh flies, and
THROUGH THE FIRST WEEK IN SEPTEMBER.
some opportunistic mouse fishing can make the
Fishing in general is excellent any time in the sea-
early season a home run!
son but the conditions and species available vary from month to month and may impact when you
MID SEASON (MID-JULY THROUGH MID-AUGUST)
decide to visit.
This is generally the peak time for trout numbers. A wide variety of techniques applied in lots of
RAINBOW TROUT SEASONALITY
different water all produce fish. Side channels,
EARLY SEASON (MID-JUNE THROUGH MID-JULY)
spawning beds, mid-river snags, shelves and the
During this period, the Kanektok isn’t yet clogged
couch water get fished and the fish tend to do
with salmon. Rainbows are hungry after a long
their part. Beads, flesh in a range of sizes, and the
cold winter, and they’re really opportunistic feed-
standard leech and sculpin patterns remain favor-
ers. Covering lots of water with big flies is general-
ites. Mousing is awesome.
| 32 4||
ARGENTINA ALASKA WEST DOVES - ALASKA UNLIMITED - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
BONUS: SILVERS, CHUMS, PINKS, SOCKEYE, DOLLIES,
AUGUST – MID SEPTEMBER
GRAYLING!
Hard fighting chums are still around through mid August, however this is predominantly the month
Late Season (Mid August - Early September)
of the silver salmon, which is the most acrobatic
Time to look for Big Jerry. Kanektok rainbows get
and eager of the five pacific salmon species. The
fatter and fatter as the season goes on, so late is
silvers continue to pour into the river system until
good if you’re hoping for the fish of a lifetime. The
the lodge closed in early September.
trout tend to be a little more concentrated later in the season, so it’s important to spend your time in the right water. Side channels are less of a factor as the river drops. Upriver spawning beds and lower river snags are favorite spots. The couch water on inside bends still produces. A variety of flies get fished, but beads and smaller flesh patterns are the stars in the late season. BONUS: silvers, silvers and more silvers!
SALMON & CHAR RUNS JUNE The month of June is marked by the arrival of the mighty king salmon. This is the time to try a hand at swinging flies for these giants. Although king salmon will hang around for the month of July, the last two weeks in June and first two weeks in July are considered prime time. Chums and zillions of pinks also begin arriving in great numbers toward the end of the month. JULY July is a month noted for its huge variety of options including the peak of the chum runs as well as the addition of the pink salmon --- and the beginning of the silver run. Throw in the longest days of the season, mild weather, the dollies, char and grayling --- and you have one of the best all around months fishing the Kanektok.
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
ALASKAN WEATHER The weather is about the only thing you CANNOT count on with your trip to Alaska. Guests must plan on every type of weather to occur at anytime. Daytime temperatures range from cool to hot and rain showers can occur at any moment. On any given day you could see hot weather turn to cold, calm turn to windy, and sunny to rainy almost before your eyes. If you decide to visit Alaska a rain jacket is an absolute must. Typically, June and July are a little warmer and drier than August and September.
NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES Fishing is the predominant activity at Alaska West.
| 34 |
ALASKA WEST - ALASKA
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
RATES BASED ON SHARED ROOM / GUIDE
»» 7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing - $5,995 per person WHAT’S INCLUDED 7 Nights double occupancy accommodations; 6 Days guided fishing with shared guide; Daily housekeeping; Three meals per day including non-alcoholic beverages; Loaner fly rods & reels, flies, tackle (bringing your own gear encouraged but not necessary with notice). WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED Roundtrip airfare to/from Anchorage, Alaska; Roundtrip charter service from Anchorage to Quinhagak, Alaska ($740 per person); Accommodations while in Anchorage Saturday night prior to Sundy arrival at the camp; Alcohol; Applicable fishing licenses; Use of lodge telephone and fax; All applicable gratuities TERMS & CONDITIONS Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides and lodges which it represents. Alaska West’s policy follows: A $500 deposit is required to hold all reservations made outside of 180 days from the trip. This $500 deposit is fully refundable for thirty days following receipt of deposit. 180 days prior to scheduled trip, a 50% deposit less the $500 deposit is due to confirm each angler’s spot. 30 days prior to the trip full payment is required. All monies received within 180 days from trip are NON-REFUNDABLE. Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.
| 40 4||
ARGENTINA ALASKA WEST DOVES - ALASKA UNLIMITED - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
TRAVEL INSURANCE! Given the inherent strict refund policies associated
We will provide you with more detailed information
with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress the
about travel insurance from our sponsored provider,
importance of obtaining travel insurance to protect
Travel Guard, when you book a trip with Tailwaters
your investment.
Travel. We can conveniently process a very comprehensive
Travellers can obtain coverage for pre-existing health
insurance policy for you in-house after asking a few
problems (related to yourself, your family, business
simple questions.
partners, or your travelling partners), emergency evacuation, lost baggage, delay, life insurance
CALL TODAY TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT:
packages; even “no questions asked” or “for work
(214) 219-2500 OR (888) 824-5420
reasons” coverage.
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM FIND US:
TAILWATERS FLY FISHING CO.
| 47 | |4|
TRAVEL DEPARTMENT
2416 MCKINNEY AVE
DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
DALLAS, TX. 75201
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
(888) 824-5420
Palometa Club - Ascension Bay, Mexico ARGENTINA DOVES UNLIMITED - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
ALL CONTENTS © TAILWATERS FLY FISHING 2014