RAPIDS CAMP LODGE ALASKA
DESTINATION BROCHURE ALL CONTENTS © TAILWATERS FLY FISHING 2014-2015
[ RAPIDS CAMP LODGE ]
CONTENTS 4 6 16 20 26 30
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
RAPIDS CAMP LODGE QUICK HITS +
LOCATION & TRAVEL
KING SALMON, ALASKA Guests travel commercially to Anchorage, AK and connect onward to King Salmon (AKN) on the lodge’s private Cessna Conquest or Cessna Caravan airplanes included in trip cost). Most guests opt to spend Thursday night in Anchorage before pushing onward to King Salmon on Friday, but travel all the way through to the lodge is possible in one day. +
TYPE OF FISHING & SPECIES
Trophy Rainbow Trout, all five species of Pacific Salmon, Artic Char, Dolly Varden, Grayling, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Halibut, Ling Cod and other saltwater species. +
SEASONALITY & WHEN TO GO
RAPIDS CAMP 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 RAPIDS CAMP LODGE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Rapids Camp is a great option for hard-core anglers as well as mixed groups looking for the “everything Alaska” kind of trip. 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. +
COST & EXPENSES
7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS IS $8295 PER PERSON. Rates are inclusive of all guided fishing and daily fly-outs, accommodations, meals, use of fishing equipment and waders/boots, and round trip air service between Anchorage and King Salmon, Alaska. Additional expenses include but are not limited to airfare to Anchorage, hotel accommodations in Anchorage when applicable, gratuities and bar tab.
(See RATES for details).
THE
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DESTINATION
ARGENTINA RAPIDS CAMP DOVES LODGE UNLIMITED - ALASKA- NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
King Salmon, Alaska is located three hundred miles southwest of Anchorage on the northwestern side of Katmai National Park, in what is known as the Bristol Bay area of Southwest Alaska. The majority of the rivers and streams in the area are found in the Bristol Bay watershed, which is world renowned for its runs of wild Pacific Salmon and thriving resident populations of rainbow trout, arctic char, arctic grayling, northern pike, lake trout and dolly varden. Rapids Camp Lodge is one of our most popular fly-out fly-fishing lodges located upriver from King Salmon on the bank of the Naknek River, a world famous trophy rainbow trout destination fishery. Guests fish the Naknek and, with the use of the lodge’s four aircraft (largest fleet in the business), hundreds of miles of rivers and creeks within close proximity to the lodge within nearby national and state parks and federal wildlife refuges which have little or no human development. Western Alaska is the last American frontier in the world of fly-fishing, and there is perhaps no better venue to experience the wonders of this amazing wilderness than Rapids Camp Lodge. Owner, Jerry Shults, purchased the property home to Rapids Camp Lodge from the U.S. Air Force in 1996. After building the lodge on the grounds of the old officer’s retreat, RCL has become one of the most complete and reputable fly-out operations in Western Alaska. Its family atmosphere, superior food and service, first-rate equipment and airplanes, and a world-class roster of tenured guides and pilots combine to create the greatest Alaskan experience available.
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THE
FISHING
Guests at Rapids Camp fly out daily aboard one of lodge’s four aircraft to numerous remote streams and rivers in the area. RCL operates the largest fleet well-maintained planes in the Alaska! With three DeHavilland Beavers on floats, a DeHavilland turbine driven Otter on floats and the option to convert one of the Beavers from floats to tundra tires, Rapids Camp guests are best equipped for accessing the areas remote fisheries and wildlife viewing areas. In the event of weather precluding flying, the incredible rainbow trout and salmon fishing of the Naknek River is right out the back door. In fact, numerous guests throughout the season will forgo a fly-out day for longer fishing hours and the convenience of the Naknek.
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The Naknek is home to some of Alaska’s largest Rainbows --- many exceeding 30 inches, and tremendous runs of all species of salmon. Rapids Camp guides are all well versed in the program and many have over a decade of experience fishing, guiding, and exploring Alaska. Nearly all the guides grew up fishing the famous salmon and steelhead rivers of the Pacific Northwest – and are well kept professionals with excellent manners and instructional ability. Whether you have your children in tow or are looking to learn to cast a spey rod, Rapids Camp guides can handle guests of all skill levels, ages, genders, and levels of physical fitness.
ARGENTINA RAPIDS CAMP DOVES LODGE UNLIMITED - ALASKA- NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
RIVERS & LAKES
SALTWATER PROGRAM
Dependent upon the specific rivers to be fished, on
In addition to the traditional river based programs,
any given day guests will most often walk and wade
guests may venture down and try their hand in the
streams and other times access more remote fishing
saltwater for halibut, salmon, lingcod, rockfish, yel-
areas by jet-boat after delivery to the area by aircraft.
low-eye, and many others. Their saltwater program
Fish species available throughout the season include
takes place at beautiful Geographic Harbor and the
the Pacific Salmon species of king, chum, sockeye,
waters around Kodiak Island, also a wonderful spot
pink and silver, as well as the resident fish species of
for viewing bears, humped back whales, orcas, seals,
rainbow trout, arctic char, dolly varden, arctic gray-
sea lions and tons of other marine and bird life. An-
ling, northern pike and lake trout. The lodge also
glers and guides typically take the turbine otter down
maintains custom jet boats on the Naknek as well as
to the coast where modern 26’ closed cabin Hewes
numerous smaller jet sleds stashed on various rivers
Craft boats are moored. It is a gorgeous flight over
throughout the region including two boats on the
Katmai to the saltwater bay, and well worth taking a
Kvichak and three boats on the Nushagak. Float trips
day off from the river. This is a wonderful addition to
in comfortable rafts are also part of the weekly rou-
the unique program, and is really something for ev-
tine depending on the season and anglers’ interests.
eryone to consider. Rapids Camp only conducts the
Southwestern Alaska offers an incredible diversity of
saltwater program when seas are calm, and this is a
fishing opportunities with eleven game fish species
great side trip for families as well as those interested
available throughout the season.
in witnessing a part of Alaska not frequented by other
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lodges. Geographic Harbor (or “Geo”) is one of the
rivers during the later half of September in search of
prettiest places on earth!
the largest rainbows on earth. Starting around September 20th, “The Swing” turns on when the largest
THE RIVERS:
lake run rainbows enter the river system. This event
Rapids Camp hits nearly fifty of Bristol Bay Alaska’s
allows anglers the world’s best chance for catching
best river systems. The following is a brief description
multiple 30+ inch rainbows. It is “steelhead style”
of the most popular spots --- but with four airplanes
fishing most often fished effectively with two-handed
(3 on floats and 1 on tundra tires) flexibility, safety,
spey rods while wading the gravelly shallow shelves
and speed also allows for easy access on many less-
and banks of this stunning freestone.
er known rivers that can seasonally fish off the charts and don’t have much competition from other fly-out
THE KVICHAK
lodges.
Dumping our of Lake Illiamna (the largest lake in Alaska), the Kvichak is also one of the most famous rivers in the world for harboring huge rainbows. The
THE NAKNEK
Kvichak is also big water, and a must do river with any
The Naknek is the home river. It is big water for big
trip to Alaska. Rapids Camp keeps two jet boats on
fish! The lodge is situated on the Naknek approxi-
the “braids” section of the river, a renowned stretch
mately fifteen minutes from the King Salmon Airport
of the river that lends itself to easier wading oppor-
just downstream of the rapids section of this massive
tunities and the ability to sight cast to huge rainbows
drainage, and approximately ten miles downstream
in the 25-32 inch range. The Kvichak also has a sim-
from the outlet at Naknek Lake. The river in front of
ilar run of chromed up rainbows during the annual
the lodge is very large allowing for easy float plane
June smolt migration as well as a September swing
access. It boasts of an enormous salmon run and
for huge steelhead-like rainbows in the main stem.
some of the largest rainbows in Alaska. Upstream of the lodge a few clicks the river chokes down in width and becomes more wade friendly from shallow
UGASHIK NARROWS
shelves and along the willow lined banks. 22-28 inch
Tributaries of both these lake systems hold huge
rainbows are par for the course on the Naknek, with
Char; we regularly have guests catch 35-inch trophies
numerous 10 pound + specimens coming to hand
--- oftentimes several fish over thirty inches a day
throughout the season.
per angler. Unlike many places where char of these proportions are found, RCL is within easy striking dis-
Early season smolt runs offer incredible rainbow op-
tance. Ugashik is accessed by float plane on one of
portunities as huge trout will move out of the lake
the lakes and anglers easily wade the one mile con-
busting bait balls. The middle parts of the season
necting stream loaded with thousands of char feed-
offer consistent bead/egg fishing for bows, and the
ing on salmon roe. It is like shooting ducks on the
salmon runs for all sub species are enormous in “The
pond and a really fun distraction from the hard-core
Nak”. Experienced anglers from all over the world
rainbow fishing.
will make a fall pilgrimage to the Naknek and Kvichak
BROOKS & BROOKS FALLS
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ARGENTINA RAPIDS CAMP DOVES LODGE UNLIMITED - ALASKA- NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
You know that iconic National Geographic image of the bear catching the salmon in the air? The Brooks River contains the world famous Brooks Falls, where bears enjoy a perennial feast of salmon as they ascend the falls. This is a tremendous opportunity to see one of nature’s great spectacles. Brooks offers bear-viewing platforms to assist visitors in viewing and avoiding the bears. These platforms give you an elevated view of the bears in total safety and are a must see for photographers. The Brooks River can also provide excellent rainbow and sockeye fishing for anglers, provided the bears allow you to fish. At peak bear times there can be so many bears as to make fishing difficult, but the river is loaded with zillions of 18-28 inch rainbows. BATTLE CREEK Starting in late July, Rapids Camp will begin frequenting these two mainstay drainages. Although they can get a bit crowded at times, guides will conduct a float trip down the solitude rich upper stretches or stake
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out a proper beat of river on the lower sections bang away at the hundreds of glutinous rainbows slurping on spawning sockeye. The rainbows in Battle are constantly on the move with fresh fish moving up and down the numerous, windy, runs of the system. Right when you think you have fished out the hole, break for lunch and before you know it four more big targets visibly move into your spot. MORAINE CREEK The Moraine Creek flows 15 miles from Spectacle Lake to Kukaklek Lake. Funnel Creek is its major tributary. The Moraine has the reputation of having some of the biggest rainbow trout in and around the Katmai National Park and Preserve. This stream consistently produces the largest trout of the season outside of the Naknek and Kvichak, with some fish exceeding 30 inches. Views of surrounding glacial valleys, wildlife, and river scenery also help make the Moraine one of the most popular spots for Rapids Camp guests.
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AMERICAN American fishes great all season and is another river loaded with feisty 18-26 inch rainbows and char up to 27-28 inches. It is a steep drainage and is also a great spot to consider if you are interested in some mouse fishing. Some of the most beautiful hikes and often the best dry fly fishing in the state.
ARGENTINA RAPIDS CAMP DOVES LODGE UNLIMITED - ALASKA- NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
THE KULIK
it each year are not! The Little Ku has good numbers
Kulik is one of the most beautiful fly-out destinations
of big rainbows and can have a lot of bears. The Lit-
within the Katmai region. Surrounded by mountains,
tle Ku offers plenty of walking, however the appeal
the river is a little more than a mile long and drains
for those who endure the walk is the opportunity to
Kulik Lake into Nonvianuk Lake. Kulik is a great fishery
catch big native trout without the crowds.
providing good numbers of aggressive trout ranging to 25 inches, with the average fish being 17-18 inches.
THE SMOKEY RIVER
During peak times Kulik can be a little crowded at
Tucked down the Alaska Peninsula the “smokey” gets
times, but on most days, the river is generous with
a generous run of Kings without the corresponding
fish, elbow room, and wilderness scenery. Rapids
number of anglers. Small, clear and intimate is a rare
Camp operates unique float trips down the Kulik. It is
find when it comes to the King of salmon. Perfect for
a high volume style of fishing with medium sized fish,
the angler who wants to experience great fly fishing
but is a great place for those looking to rack up the
for kings but not have to get stuck without options to
easy numbers.
fish for other species. The perfect day trip to catch a king on a fly.
THE NUSHAGAK The grand daddy of all Alaska King Salmon Rivers.
COASTAL RIVERS
RCL keeps three boats at the Nushagak river ready
Flying along the coast and seeing the fish before you
and waiting for anglers who want to have a hand at
land just up the beach is the ultimate in fly-out fly
the largest of the salmon sub species. Getting there
fishing. Rapids Camp Lodge visits all the most pro-
is simple, a spectacular quick jump in the Otter.
lific coastal drainages of the Alaskan Peninsula. The wheeled beaver allows this access to some of Alas-
BIG KU
ka’s most remote fisheries filled with freshest salmon
The Big Ku is a wide-open, larger river with beautiful
possible as they enter the river system from the salt.
views of the lake and surroundings. The Big Ku is a great early June trout fishery where trout lay in wait ready to attack clouds of salmon smolt as they make
ALL FISHING EQUIPMENT PROVIDED:
their migration to the ocean. Trout fishing remains
Other than a few necessities such as sunglasses and
good until hordes of adult sockeyes ascend the Lake
a rain jacket, Rapids Camp Lodge can provide all
in early July. Rainbow fishing is replaced by excellent
the necessary gear for their guests. The lodge main-
sockeye fishing. Rapids Camp can also access certain
tains high quality rods, reels, waders, etc at no extra
spots that offer a unique opportunity for early season
charge. All flies, leaders, tippet and other tackle are
anglers to wade fish swinging flies for king salmon.
also included in the trip cost. You can show up at RCL with close to nothing and expect to be fully outfitted
LITTLE KU
upon arrival.
The Little Ku is a small tannic colored stream that empties into the west end of Kukaklek Lake. It is the smaller of the two rivers but the trout that return to
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THE
ACCOMMODATIONS
Following a long day on the water, anglers are able to relax and enjoy exceptional accommodation and amenities at Rapids Camp Lodge. The facility’s traditional log cabin style buildings are tastefully decorated and tailor made for a luxurious Alaskan wilderness experience. The lodge sits on a bluff perched above the Naknek. The floatplanes and pier is a one-minute walk right out your back door! The lodge houses their guests in eight spacious double occupancy bedrooms with private baths. The ten acre property sits directly on the banks of the Naknek River. Meals are taken in the lodge’s main building adjacent to the comfortable great room equipped
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with satellite TV, open bar, and high speed wireless internet. Compared to other wilderness fishing lodges, RCL has a huge advantage in being connected to town by a road. This accessibility to daily flights from Anchorage allows their world-class chefs to pamper guests with meals of the freshest ingredients. They serve only the finest meats and wild game (duck, Kobe beef, venison, etc.), have access to the freshest salmon and halibut on earth, and have fresh produce delivered weekly. The lodge employs two full time professional chefs that turn out phenomenal meals from fresh seafood to prime rib. Honestly, the meals
ARGENTINA RAPIDS CAMP DOVES LODGE UNLIMITED - ALASKA- NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
at Rapids Camp Lodge are perhaps the best we have enjoyed at any fishing lodge…anywhere. Desserts are delicious, the bar is always well stocked, and the wine selection is always top notch. Guests help themselves to local draft beer from the bar and the lodge has several excellent California, Chilean, and other imported wines as part of every meal and cocktail hour. While out for the day you will be fed a hot shore lunch of Salmon (weather and bears permitting). If you are rafting or hiking the chefs will send along a delicious picnic lunch. If you are fishing on the NakNek expect a nice hot lunch at the lodge. Other amenities include a private reading room and a workout facility. There is a full time professional masseuse on staff at the lodge for evening relaxation after a long day on the river. Rapids Camp Lodge is as nice as any fly out fishing lodge in Alaska, and we encourage our customers to understand this is not a “roughing it” kind of experience. The most high maintenance women will be comfortable in the lodge’s facilities. THE OWNER’S CABIN Cohesive parties of four may request staying in the lodge’s “owner’s cabin” on the property if available. This two bedroom cabin grants guests a little more privacy and square footage as well satellite TV and a small kitchen. CAPACITY: The lodge capacity is traditionally 16 anglers per week. However, cohesive parties of four may have access to the lodge’s “owners cabin” just up the hill from the main lodge building. See “Accommodations” section for further description. If guests are staying in the owners cabin, the lodge will operate with 20 anglers per week.
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TRAVEL & ITINERARY Rapids Camp Lodge operates on a Friday - Friday schedule. The first leg of the trip is accomplished by guests reaching Anchorage, Alaska, which is serviced by numerous commercial carriers. Most guests will need or want to spend that Thursday night in Anchorage at one of our recommended hotels the night prior to traveling to the lodge. ANCHORAGE TO KING SALMON ON THE LODGE’S PRIVATE PLANE! The second leg of the trip, occurring on Friday, is a one hour thirty minute ride (285 miles) aboard the lodge’s private plane from Anchorage to King Salmon, Alaska. No need to travel commercially from Anchorage to King Salmon Airport. The cost of round trip air between Anchorage and King Salmon IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP COST. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will have time to get unpacked and get oriented before getting your fishing license meeting your guide and getting outfitted for any necessary gear.
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ARGENTINA RAPIDS CAMP DOVES LODGE UNLIMITED - ALASKA- NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
*SHORTER WEEK FISHING PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE
SAMPLE ITINERARY
BASED UPON AVAILABILITY. SEE PACKAGES AND PRICES
THURSDAY Travel to Anchorage, Alaska. Spend the night in An-
FOR DETAILS.
chorage at a recommended hotel. Hotel accommodations and meals are not included in package cost.
*On some occasions it is possible to fly directly through to King Salmon via Seattle, Washington with Alaska Airlines. Please inquire for details if you would
FRIDAY Travel to King Salmon on board the lodge’s private plane! Upon arrival at the lodge, you will have time to get unpacked and get oriented before getting
like to avoid spending the night in Anchorage the Thursday prior to the Friday arrival at the lodge.
your fishing licenses. That evening you will meet your
BEST PLANE : GUEST RATIO IN ALASKA
guides and get outfitted for any necessary gear.
RCL ensures the ability to deliver great trips by owning three DeHavilland Beavers on floats and one Turbine Otter on amphibious floats. Enough cannot be
SATURDAY – THURSDAY Fishing days! Each morning will begin with breakfast, served between 6:AM and 7:AM. After breakfast, get your gear and meet your guide. Planes will depart lodge at beginning at 7:30 - 8:00 AM. After fishing, planes, boats, and anglers will return to the lodge between 4:30 and 5:30PM. Cocktails and hors d’ouevres will be served before dinner, which is usually sched-
said about this fleet of airplanes! Unlike nearly every other operation in Alaska, will this many planes (accommodating only 16-20 guests max), there is always a seat on a plane for guests at Rapids Camp. No need to wait your turn – just hop on the plane with your guide and go.
uled for 7:30PM.
The Beavers 2297R, 95RC and the Otter 205RC, have
Guests at Rapids Camp are booked on a full week fly
restored to a like new condition. As with all aspects of
all been stripped down to bare metal and completely
out package that includes six fly out trips if desired. Many guests often prefer the local fishing on the Naknek in front of the lodge.
the RCL program, Mr. Shults has spared NO expense. We are confident that no other lodge has planes quite so spectacular. With the only heated hanger in King Salmon, RCL’s planes are kept immaculate and maintained to the highest standards.
FRIDAY Departure day. Guests check out of the lodge after breakfast and are shuttled to King Salmon Airport (20 minutes) and are flown back to Anchorage on the lodge’s private plane. There is no additional overnight required in Anchorage en route back to the lower forty-eight, and most commercial flights are “red-eye” overnight flights arriving home early the following morning.
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TURBINE OTTER
WHEELED BEAVER
Originally known as the “King Beaver” the
At certain times during the season, the
Otter is based on the same principles, but
lodge will convert one of the Beavers
larger in size, than the three Beavers. The
on pontoons to be equipped with tun-
Otter is one of 26 planes in the world ret-
dra tires. The converted wheeled plane
rofitted with a 1000hp Garret Turbine en-
opens up territory simply not available
gine to increase performance and range.
otherwise.
Set up to fly with instruments, there is no safer way to get around Alaska. It also can
The lodge continues to locate new land-
accommodate up to 10 passengers com-
ing areas on coastal rivers and other inac-
fortably allowing for large groups to visit
cessible locations – a whole new ball game
the saltwater program cohesively.
when compared to the limitations of the traditional float plane. Imagine strolling
THREE BEAVERS ON FLOATS
in a small clear river where 5-pound Dolly
RCL owns three DeHavilland DHC-2
Varden or chrome Silver Salmon jump on
Beavers on floats, probably the most fa-
your line every cast. The wheeled plane
mous bush planes in the world. “Cherry”
provides the kind of flexibility to reach ar-
is often the word used to describe their
eas not considered by other lodges. Note
planes. Perfect for groups of 4 guests and
that the wheeled plane may or may not
2 guides, you will fly in style and comfort
be in use during your stay at the lodge.
with RCL.
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RAPIDS CAMP LODGE - ALASKA
www.tailwatersflyfishing.com WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
WHEN TO GO Rapids Camp Lodge is open from early June through October 1. Choosing a date to fish anywhere in Western Alaska is completely contingent upon which species of fish you would like to target. Rapids Camp Lodge is open from early June through early October. 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, and anglers often find themselves sharing the river or stream with multiple grizzly bears doing a little fishing of their own.
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The annual salmon run plays a huge role in the productivity and style of 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. JUNE (DRY FLIES & KING SALMON) The month of June is marked by the arrival of the mighty king salmon and the mass exodus of salmon fry heading down stream to the ocean. Trout fishing during this period is typically very excellent and perhaps the best time of the year to experience some of
ARGENTINA RAPIDS CAMP DOVES LODGE UNLIMITED - ALASKA- NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
Alaska’s dry fly-fishing for rainbows as well as swing-
Alaskan Rainbow over thirty inches on the Naknek or
ing flies and trolling for Chinook Salmon.
the Kvichak. Both rivers are also excellent venues for learning the two-handed or spey cast while swinging
JULY (DIVERSITY IN SPECIES) – GREAT MONTH FOR
flies for the big boys.
“EVERYTHING ALASKA” ALASKAN WEATHER July is a month noted for its huge variety of options
The weather is about the only thing you CANNOT
including the peak of the king and sockeye runs as
count on with your trip to Alaska. Guests must plan
well as the addition of the chum and pink salmon. By
on every type of weather to occur at anytime. Day-
the end of the month nearly every fish migration is in
time temperatures range from cool to hot and rain
effect on some level, and July is a wonderful month
showers can occur at any moment. On any given day
for anglers looking to experience a sampling of near-
you could see hot weather turn to cold, calm turn to
ly all the species and styles of fishing Alaska offers.
windy, and sunny to rainy almost before your eyes. If you decide to visit Alaska a rain jacket is an absolute
AUGUST (SILVER SALMON)
must. Typically, June and July are a little warmer and
August is the month of the silver salmon (Coho), the
drier than August and September.
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 and focused rainbows, dolly varden and char gorging below spawning salmon. SEPTEMBER (RAINBOWS!) 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 end of the month and the biggest rainbows are still on the move feeding on anything they can grab in anticipation of the conclusion of the gluttonous summer. September and early October offer the angler the best opportunity to catch a real legendary monster
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NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES
mer run of salmon. You will share the river with bears
Although fishing is the predominant activity at Rap-
doing fishing on their just about every day. Rapids
ids Camp, we encourage non-angling companions to
Camp Guides are well versed in bear etiquette, and
visit the lodge as well. We frequently send families
will train anglers on the proper protocol when bears
and small children to the lodge every season and it
are encountered. Although the guides are armed
is a total homerun. Perhaps the best way to see Alas-
with shotguns in bear country, bad bear incidents are
ka’s beautiful countryside, wildlife, and wilderness is
super rare in Alaska. Since 1996, Rapids Camp Lodge
on a fly-out fishing trip. Although daily activities are
has not had a single run-in with an aggressive bear.
oriented around fishing, guests at RCL can detour to
They are actually very docile creatures as well as a
enjoy some wildlife viewing, an Eskimo village, go on
memorable and integrated part of the Alaskan fish-
a hike, etc...
ing experience.
Wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities
It is also possible to see wolves, moose, otters, foxes,
are everywhere including daily sightings of bears as
bald eagles, tons of other bird life, and all the marine
well as wolves, moose, bald eagles, other bird life,
species such as whales or even orcas when partici-
and all of the marine species associated with the salt-
pating in the saltwater program. Photographers and
water fishing program. Rapids Camp is by no means a
non-anglers will love the accessibility to these spe-
pretentious “fly fishing only” program. Beginner an-
cies provided by the largest fleet of aircraft in Alaska.
glers are welcome and encouraged to use spinning equipment instead of fly-rods if required to make guests more comfortable and successful. BEARS & OTHER WILDLIFE Get ready to see a lot of bears! Katmai National Park has one of the densest populations of brown bears in Alaska (more than 2000). First time Alaskan anglers are blown away, but by the end of the week bears are almost an afterthought. Nearly every river system is flooded with brown bears during the annual sum-
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RAPIDS CAMP LODGE - ALASKA
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RATES ALL PRICES BASED UPON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY/PARTICIPATION »» 7 Night / 6 Day Package - $8,295 Per Angler »» 4 Night / 3-1/2 Day Package - $6,295 Per Angler (Monday-Friday) *PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT SHORT WEEK ITINERARIES. OFTENTIMES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. WHAT’S INCLUDED 7 Nights double occupancy accommodations at Rapids Camp Lodge; Airfare to King Salmon, Alaska from Anchorage with the lodge’s private aircraft; 6 Days guided fly-out fishing with shared guide; Daily transportation via aircraft to rivers, streams, lakes, and wildlife viewing areas; Daily housekeeping and midweek laundry service; Three meals per day from a daily menu; All transfers between the King Salmon Airport and Lodge; Use of chest waders, fly rods & reels, flies, tackle; Preparation of all harvested game in approved shipping container for traveling home. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED Roundtrip airfare to/from Anchorage, Alaska; Accommodations while in Anchorage Thursday night prior to Friday arrival at the lodge (when applicable); Alcohol at the lodge (with the exception of wine with dinner); Applicable fishing licenses; Use of lodge telephone and fax; Souvenirs; All applicable gratuities (10-20% of trip cost is customary). TERMS & CONDITIONS Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. Rapids Camp Lodge’s policy follows: A non-refundable fifty-percent (50%) 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. 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 RAPIDS CAMP DOVES LODGE UNLIMITED - ALASKA- NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA
TRAVEL INSURANCE! Given the inherent strict refund policies associated
We will provide you with more detailed information about
with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress the
travel insurance from our sponsored provider, Travel
importance of obtaining travel insurance to protect your
Guard, when you book a trip with Tailwaters Travel.
investment.
We can conveniently process a very comprehensive insurance policy for you in-house after asking a few simple
Travellers can obtain coverage for pre-existing health
questions.
problems (related to yourself, your family, business partners, or your travelling partners), emergency
CALL TODAY TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT:
evacuation, lost baggage, delay, life insurance packages;
(214) 219-2500 OR (888) 824-5420
even “no questions asked” or
“for work reasons”
coverage.
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FIND US:
TAILWATERS FLY FISHING CO. | 47 | |4|
TRAVEL DEPARTMENT
2416 MCKINNEY AVE
DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
DALLAS, TX. 75201
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
(888) 824-5426
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