BRISTOL BAY LODGE DILLINGHAM, ALASKA
DESTINATION BROCHURE ALL CONTENTS © TAILWATERS FLY FISHING 2014-2015
[ BRISTOL BAY LODGE ]
CONTENTS 4 6 18 24 30 36
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
BRISTOL BAY LODGE QUICK HITS +
LOCATION & TRAVEL
DILLINGHAM, ALASKA BBL operates a traditional Saturday - Saturday and Monday – Monday schedule. If your reservation at the lodge is a Saturday-to-Saturday stay, you need to be in Anchorage on Friday in order to make the morning flight to Dillingham on Saturday morning with Pen Air. If your reservation for the lodge is Monday to Monday, you must be in Anchorage by Sunday in order to make the morning flight to Dillingham on Monday morning. (See SAMPLE ITINERARY for more Details) +
TYPE OF FISHING & SPECIES
RAINBOW TROUT, ALL FIVE SPECIES OF PACIFIC SALMON, ARTIC CHAR, DOLLY VARDEN, GRAYLING. Daily fly-outs and two overnights at remote camps. A mix of walk-and-wade fishing, jet-boats, and float trips. +
SEASONALITY & WHEN TO GO
BRISTOL BAY LODGE IS OPEN FROM THE MIDDLE OF JUNE TILL THE FIRST WEEK IN OCTOBER. Choosing a date to fish anywhere in Western Alaska 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 species available vary from month to month and may impact when you decide to visit. All months are excellent for viewing wildlife. (See WHEN TO GO for more details). +
IS BRISTOL BAY LODGE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Bristol Bay is a great option for hard-core anglers as well as mixed groups looking for the “everything Alaska” kind of trip. The lodge’s upscale accommodations make it a favorite with ladies and couples. While trips here center around fishing as the dominant activity, there is no better way to experience all of western Alaska’s scenery, landscapes and wildlife than on a fly-out fishing trip. It is a great option to consider for anglers of all skill levels, ladies, young children, conventional tackle anglers as well as fly fishers. It is also a great option to consider for folks wanting a mix of the fly-out experience combined with the remote wilderness experience in their two luxurious overnight camps. +
COST & EXPENSES
Rates are inclusive of all guided fishing and daily fly-outs, accommodations, meals, alcoholic beverages (BYOB encouraged), use of fishing equipment and waders/boots. Additional expenses include but are not limited to airfare to Anchorage, hotel accommodations in Anchorage, airfare to/form Dillingham with Pen Air, gratuities and fishing license.
(See RATES for details).
THE
DESTINATION
Founded in 1972, Bristol Bay Lodge sits on a wooded rise overlooking Lake Aleknagik and the surrounding mountains of Wood-TikChik Park. The lodge presides over a quiet scenic bay some 40 air miles northwest of the small, remote town of Dillingham, 300 miles west of the nearest connecting northwest road system. Bristol Bay Lodge is perhaps the most upscale lodge in the famous Dillingham area, and is an excellent candidate for ladies, families, and hard-core anglers alike. Bristol Bay Lodge is one of Alaska’s premier world-class wilderness fishing lodges. Strategically located in the heart of America’s largest state park, Bristol Bay Lodge has the distinct advantage of being utterly surrounded by pristine wilderness and dozens of spectacular fisheries. The lodge’s proximity to the watersheds within Wood-TikChik Park and Togiak National Wildlife Refuge means more fishing and less travel time, with flights averaging only 30 minutes. Abundant home water fishing is also minutes from the lodge. Just a short boat ride from the lodge’s front door is the world-famous Agulowak River, celebrated for its productive fishing for rainbows, grayling, char, dolly varden, and sockeye salmon.
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THE
FISHING
Bristol Bay Lodge has designed and fine tuned a fishing program that maximizes the opportunities in terms of variety of rivers fished, species caught and even methods of fishing during any given week. If you want to catch the same species all week long, BBL is not the lodge for you because their program does not provide for this. However, if you want the full Alaska experience, seeing lots of different rivers and catching many species in one day (and often as many as you could handle in one day or even a week), BBL is the lodge for you.
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Each day’s fishing is scheduled the evening before and the destination board is posted showing your pilot, guides, destination, species available, time of departure and your fishing companions for the day. This allows you time for conversing with guides, manager Steve Laurent and pilots so that you can fine-tune tackle, flies and preparations for the following day’s adventure. In addition, Bristol Bay Lodge guests have the opportunity to fish two of Alaska’s most renowned rivers, the Agulowak and the Agulopak, inside Wood-TikChik Park. These rivers provide produc-
ARGENTINA BRISTOL BAYDOVES LODGE, UNLIMITED BRISTOL BAY, - NORTHWESTERN ALASKA ARGENTINA
tive fishing for rainbows, gray-
ies that can offer excellent small
last casts on the river that runs
ling, char, and dolly varden all
water rainbow trout and dolly
only yards in front of camp.
summer long. They are also host
(and great silver) fishing at dif-
to the single largest sockeye
ferent times of the year.
Much of Alaska’s best fishing
run anywhere in the world. On
water is accessible only by float-
average, several million fish re-
After spending an evening at the
plane. Bristol Bay Lodge flies
turn to the Wood-TikChik lakes
lodge, you will depart for one of
guests to their fishing destination
system and associated rivers
two fishing destinations that will
in legendary DeHavilland Beaver
each year. The first sockeye are
later involve an overnight experi-
floatplanes. These airplanes are
usually caught around the 4th of
ence at one of BBL’s two outpost
comfortable and reliable, earn-
July. Dry fly fishing, nymphing,
camps. Spending the first day
ing the nickname “workhorses
and streamer fishing are all pro-
fishing one location, you will then
of the North.” Each aircraft is in
ductive techniques at different
be transferred by plane to either
excellent condition and all are
times during the summer and
Birch or Rainbo Camp. Upon ar-
well maintained throughout the
our guides will assist you with
rival at Birch or Rainbo Camp, you
entire season. Bristol Bay Lodge
choosing the best technique
will be greeted by a permanent
employs three pilots through the
and flies.
staff consisting of two guides and
summer. BBL pilots have more
a cook who will offer you a light
than three decades of experience
overnight
snack and beverages. Dinner is
flying in Alaska and some have
camps, the lodge also main-
typically served at 7:00pm, allow-
flown for BBL for more than 16
tains two separate spike camps
ing for several hours of fishing
years. Jet boats are also kept on
(small resident camps for guides
time before dinner if you are so
many different rivers during the
allowing us to be in touch with
inclined. After a meal served in
season for easy access to the
the movements of the fish on
the dining tent, guests can enjoy
most productive fishing waters.
daily/hourly basis and get cor-
some time to relax or make a few
Beyond
exclusive
rect weather information) on the Togiak River inside the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. One camp is based on the lower river and one within the wilderness boundary on the upper river. The camp on the lower river offers fishing for all five species of Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, and also a prolific run of dolly varden. The upper river camp is dolly varden and silver salmon heaven! Both Togiak camps are near several smaller tributar-
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ARGENTINA BRISTOL BAYDOVES LODGE, UNLIMITED BRISTOL BAY, - NORTHWESTERN ALASKA ARGENTINA
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THE
GUIDES
THE
ACCOMMODATIONS
Catering to up to 26 guests per week, the lodge’s well-appointed facility offers casually elegant wilderness living filled with creature comforts and an atmosphere of camaraderie. The main lodge houses a completely equipped professional kitchen. The dining room, large living room with bar area, the library and a huge fly tying bench laden with everything one needs to tie quality flies suited to the surrounding rivers. The iconic see-through fireplace is fronted by a panoramic view of Lake Aleknagik. Bristol Bay Lodge has eight bedrooms in the main lodge as well as a fully equipped fly and tackle shop. Guests can arrive with nothing but a waterproof jacket and be fully outfitted. In warm weather the lodge’s decks are the favorite gathering places for appetizers, cocktails and weekly barbecues. The hot tub and sauna get lots of use after fishing – relaxing sore muscles. Set around the lodge, but private in every regard, are four cedar cabins, often used for small groups or families. Each cabin is different offering its own character, yet all offer scenic views of Lake Aleknagik, slightly fragrant with the scent of cedar as you would expect of true wilderness cabins.
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THE OUTPOST CAMPS Bristol Bay Lodge offers a totally unique opportunity for guests to enjoy two intimate, comfortable (recently upgraded) outpost camps on very rare private water. Imagine just four guests, or six from time to time if an intact group, enjoying the comfort of a private camp on private water with incredible fishing. You can fish all night under the midnight sun or just enjoy sitting around the campfire in the middle of nowhere but with a full staff and full communications in case of emergency. It does not get better than this and this is what Bristol Bay Lodge, with its international experience in remote operations, do best. Guests fish other rivers during the day, rotate into one of the outpost camps at about 5 pm, spend 24 hours there, then return to the lodge the following evening. Â Bristol Bay Lodge maintains exclusive leases on the two most exceptional river fisheries in all of the Bristol Bay Region. Northwest of the lodge is Birch Creek Camp. Directly west of the lodge is Rainbo Camp, located on the tidewater/confluence of two exceptional rivers. This overnight experience is often what is remembered as one of the highlights in a trip of a lifetime. Â Both camps have fixed beds with fresh linens warm full sized sleeping bags, fleece liners, heaters, running water, and full service lavatory. Each camp also has three guest tents that accommodate two fishermen per tent, as well as a main cook tent that is used for serving breakfast and dinner plus a central meeting place for sharing fishing stories and relaxing over a cocktail. Both camps are staffed with two experienced guides as well as a camp chef to take care of all of your needs.
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BRISTOL BAY LODGE, BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA
FACILITY AT CAMPS Each of the camps has a unique charm and distinctly different types of fishing but both are equipped with heated ‘Weatherport’ tents built on stable wooden platforms. With fully framed beds, proper mattresses, high-quality sleeping bags with sheet liners and fleece blankets, high-quality pillows and linens, the nights are cozy, warm and comfortable. The dining tents are spacious (for pre-dinner gathering, after-dinner fly tying or cards) and contain all necessities for the preparation of hearty meals. There is also a hot-water shower and flush WC facility. Each camp has its own boats and motors and radio and satellite communication as well as a fully experienced resident staff of two guides and a chef. Both camps have and will be visited by all guests each week. Waterproof bags will be provided to guests to use for the week for storage while traveling to our day and overnight excursions. CAPACITY: 26 Guests Per Week Maximum
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TRAVEL & ITINERARY BBL OPERATES A TRADITIONAL SATURDAY - SATURDAY
and Monday-to-Monday bookings should be on
AND MONDAY – MONDAY SCHEDULE.
these flights:
If your reservation at the lodge is a Saturday-to-Sat-
EN ROUTE TO THE LODGE –
urday stay, you need to be in Anchorage on Friday
ALASKA AIRLINES FLIGHT #251 (OPERATED BY PENAIR)
in order to make the departing flight to Dillingham
Departs Anchorage at 8:00am and arrives Dilling-
on Saturday morning. If your reservation for the
ham at 9:30am
lodge is Monday to Monday, you must be in An-
chorage by Sunday in order to make the departing
DEPARTING THE LODGE –
flight to Dillingham on Monday morning. This is a
Alaska Airlines flight #252 (operated by PenAir)
must for both domestic and international guests. It
Departs Dillingham at 10:00am and arrives Anchor-
is imperative that you are on the following flights
age at 11:30am
detailed below in order to connect with the sched-
uled transfers to and from the lodge on your days
Upon arrival in the port city of Dillingham, you will
of arrival and departure. Both Saturday-to-Saturday
be greeted by Bristol Bay Lodge staff. At the airport
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ARGENTINA BRISTOL BAYDOVES LODGE, UNLIMITED BRISTOL BAY, - NORTHWESTERN ALASKA ARGENTINA
it is required that you claim your luggage which
DEPART ANCHORAGE (ANC)
will be loaded and accounted for prior to depart-
ON PEN AIR FLIGHT #251 @ 8:00AM
ing for the lodge. Bristol Bay Lodge is roughly 35
ARRIVE DILLINGHAM (DLG) @ 9:30AM
miles inland. Guests are transported down the lake road (40 minutes - roughly 20 miles), then board
Upon arrival in the port city of Dillingham you will
large covered boats for the stunning ride up Lake
be greeted by Bristol Bay Lodge staff. At the air-
Aleknagik to the lodge. Upon arrival you will be
port it is required that you claim your luggage
escorted to the main lodge where you will be of-
which will be loaded and accounted for prior to de-
fered lunch. Afterward there will be an orientation,
parting for the lodge. Bristol Bay Lodge is rough-
following which, you will be shown to your room or
ly 35 miles inland. Guests are transported down
cabin. Every guest will have the opportunity to go
the lake road (40 minutes - roughly 20 miles), then
fishing on his or her arrival day.
board large covered boats for the stunning ride up Lake Aleknagik to the lodge. Upon arrival you will
SAMPLE ITINERARY
be escorted to the main lodge where you will be offered lunch. Afterward there will be an orientation, following which, you will be shown to your room or
FRIDAY OR SUNDAY (DEPENDING UPON YOUR TRIP SCHEDULE) TRAVEL TO ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (EXACT FLIGHT ITINERARY TBD) ARRIVE ANCHORAGE (ANC) ON MID-AFTERNOON FLIGHT FROM HOME.
fishing on his or her arrival day. FISHING DAYS (SUNDAY-FRIDAY OR TUESDAY-SUNDAY). SIX FULL FISHING DAYS! Each morning will begin with breakfast, served be-
Upon arrival in Anchorage take the complementary shuttle to the Millennium Alaskan Hotel. In the baggage claim there is a telephone with a direct line to the concierge. Let them know you have arrived and they will send a shuttle to pick you up. Spend the night in Anchorage at the Millennium Alaskan Hotel.
tween 6:00AM and 7:00AM. After breakfast, get your gear and meet your guide. Planes will depart lodge at 8:00AM. Lunch is taken in the field, and planes will return to the lodge between 5:00 and 6:00PM. Cocktails and hors d’ouevres will be served before dinner which is usually scheduled for 7:00 – 8:00PM. Please double check these times with the lodge staff as they are subject to change.
SATURDAY OR MONDAY Take a hotel shuttle back to the terminal at the Anchorage Airport to catch Pen Air flight to Dillingham.
cabin. Every guest will have the opportunity to go
Bristol Bay Lodge operates DeHavilland Beaver float planes --- as many of the fishing areas are accessed exclusively by airplane. In addition to the standard fly-out fishing options, Bristol Bay Lodge
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also operates two “outpost camps” offering rustic yet comfortable overnight accommodations at either the Birch Creek or Rainbo Camps. Guests are typically scheduled to spend one night in each camp during the week. DEPARTURE DAY (SATURDAY OR MONDAY) There is no fishing on departure day. You will need to check out of the lodge sometime in the morning and settle any incidental charges such as gift shop purchases or fishing licenses that you have charged to your room. This is also the appropriate time to distribute your gratuity to the lodge staff and guides. This gratuity should be given directly to the lodge manager. Following checkout guest are transferred back to the Dillingham Airport to make commercial connection back to Anchorage as follows: DEPART DILLINGHAM (DLG) ON PEN AIR FLIGHT #252 @ 10:00AM ARRIVE ANCHORAGE @ 11:30AM Upon arrival in Anchorage you should pick up your luggage and go to the appropriate check-in counter for your connecting flight home. Guests may need to take a cab from the general aviation terminal to the commercial terminals to make the connection. DEPART ANCHORAGE (ANC) ON OVERNIGHT “RED-EYE” FLIGHT. (EXACT FLIGHT ITINERARY TBD)
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BRISTOL BAY LODGE, BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA
www.tailwatersflyfishing.com WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
WHEN TO GO BRISTOL BAY LODGE IS OPEN FROM EARLY JUNE THROUGH EARLY OCTOBER. Choosing a date to fish anywhere in Western Alaska is completely contingent upon which species of fish you would like to target. Fishing in general is excellent any time in the season but the conditions and species available vary from month to month and may impact when you decide to visit. All months are excellent for viewing wildlife, and anglers often find themselves sharing the river or stream with multiple grizzly bears doing a little fishing of their own. The annual salmon run plays a huge role in the productivity of the fishing. Every summer millions of Pacific Salmon return to their home streams to spawn and die, contributing in this natural cycle of life that maintains the health and productivity of the fishery.
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ARGENTINA BRISTOL BAYDOVES LODGE, UNLIMITED BRISTOL BAY, - NORTHWESTERN ALASKA ARGENTINA
JUNE (DRY FLIES & KING SALMON)
end of the month and the biggest rainbows are still
The month of June is marked by the arrival of the
on the move feeding on anything they can grab
mighty king salmon and the mass exodus of salmon
in anticipation of the conclusion of the gluttonous
fry heading down stream to the ocean. Trout fish-
summer. September and early October offer the
ing during this period is typically very excellent and
angler the best opportunity to catch a real legend-
perhaps the best time of the year to experience
ary monster Alaskan Rainbow.
some of Alaska’s dry fly-fishing.
ALASKAN WEATHER
JULY (DIVERSITY & GREAT WEATHER)
The weather is about the only thing you CANNOT
July is a month noted for its huge variety of options
count on with your trip to Alaska. Guests must plan
including the peak of the king and sockeye runs as
on every type of weather to occur at anytime. Day-
well as the addition of the chum and pink salmon.
time temperatures range from cool to hot and rain
By the end of the month nearly every fish migration
showers can occur at any moment. On any given
is in effect on some level, and July is a wonderful
day you could see hot weather turn to cold, calm
month for anglers looking to experience a sam-
turn to windy, and sunny to rainy almost before your
pling of nearly all the species and styles of fishing
eyes. If you decide to visit Alaska a rain jacket is an
Alaska offers.
absolute must. Typically, June and July are a little
warmer and drier than August and September.
AUGUST (SILVERS) August is the month of the silver salmon, the most acrobatic and eager of the five pacific salmon species. Although pinks and chums are still around in August, the silver salmon steal the show. As the silvers make their grand entrance, most other species are on their spawning beds and the rainbows, char and dolly varden are in tow feeding non-stop on the protein enriched salmon eggs. Fishing technique during august typically revolves around feeding egg patterns to eager, one track minded, rainbows, dolly varden, and char gorging below spawning salmon. SEPTEMBER (TROPHY RAINBOWS!) The silver salmon are still around by mid September, but the highlight of the month are the huge rainbows! After a full summer of feeding on salmon eggs and flesh, rainbows are at their fattest weights of the year. The salmon runs are complete by the
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NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES Although fishing is the predominant activity at Bristol Bay Lodge, we encourage everyone to visit the lodge. Perhaps the best way to see Alaska’s beautiful countryside, wildlife, and wilderness is on a fly-out fishing trip, or at one of the lodge’s outpost camps. Although daily activities are oriented around fishing, guests at BBL can detour to enjoy some wildlife viewing, go on a hike, etc... Beginner anglers are encouraged to use spinning equipment instead of fly-rods if required to make guests more comfortable.
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BRISTOL BAY LODGE, BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
RATES »» 7 NIGHT / 6 DAY PACKAGE....................$8150 PER ANGLER PRICE INCLUDES: 7 Nights double occupancy accommodations at Bristol Bay Lodge; 6 Days guided fly-out fishing with shared guide; Housekeeping and laundry service; Three meals per day from a daily menu; Happy hour wine and beer; All transfers between the Dillingham Airport and Lodge; Use of chest waders, fly rods & reels; Preparation of all harvested game in approved shipping container for traveling home PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Roundtrip airfare to/from Anchorage, Alaska; Accommodations while in Anchorage Friday night prior to Saturday arrival at the lodge; Airfare to Dilingham, Alaska to/from Anchorage with the Pen Air Flights #251 & #252; Applicable fishing licenses; Liquor (BYOB encouraged); Use of lodge telephone and fax; Souvenirs; All applicable gratuities (10-15% of trip cost is customary) TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides and lodges which it represents. Bristol Bay Lodge’s policy follows: A fifty-percent non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm all reservations. All trips must be paid in full 60 days prior to departure day. All trips booked within 60 days from departure must be paid in full. A deposit may be transferred to another person who is not booked at the lodge for the current season. Deposits are refundable for cancellation only after/if the cancelled space has been filled. Refunds are not granted for non-flying days due to weather or reasons out of the lodge’s control. 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 acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund, and responsibility clauses.
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ARGENTINA BRISTOL BAYDOVES LODGE, UNLIMITED BRISTOL BAY, - NORTHWESTERN ALASKA 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.
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TRAVEL DEPARTMENT
2416 MCKINNEY AVE
DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
DALLAS, TX. 75201
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
(888) 824-5420
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