ROYAL COACHMAN LODGE DILLINGHAM, ALASKA
DESTINATION BROCHURE ALL CONTENTS © TAILWATERS FLY FISHING 2014-2015
[ ROYAL COACHMAN LODGE ]
CONTENTS 4 6 12 16 20 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
RCL QUICK HITS +
LOCATION & TRAVEL
WOOD RIVER TIKCHIK STATE PARK & TOGIAK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. SIXTY-FIVE AIR MILES NW OF DILLINGHAM, AK (DLG) Guests travel commercially to Anchorage, AK and connect onward to Dillingham (DLG) on board Pen Air commercial mid morning. Guests typically must spend Saturday night in Anchorage before pushing onward to Dillingham Sunday morning. +
TYPE OF FISHING & SPECIES
Trophy Rainbow Trout, all five species of Pacific Salmon, Artic Char, Dolly Varden, Grayling, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, and the rare Sheefish. Anglers enjoy float trips, walk and wade trips, larger freestone rivers accessed with jet-sled Jon Boats, lake fishing, and more. +
SEASONALITY & WHEN TO GO
ROYAL COACHMAN 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 ROYAL COACHMAN LODGE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Royal Coachman’s laid back and flexible fishing program welcome’s anglers of all skill levels, genders and fishing preferences. RCL is the perfect lodge to consider for folks who are looking for a fly out operation with a small lodge and un-crowded Alaskan fishing… both are very rare these days! +
COST & EXPENSES
7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS FISHING IS $8,375 PER PERSON (BASED ON SHARED ROOM/GUIDE) GROUP DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE AT CERTAIN TIMES. PLEASE CALL US FOR DETAILS. Additional expenses include but are not limited to airfare to/from Anchorage; Accommodations while in Anchorage Saturday night prior to Sunday arrival at the lodge; Airfare to Dillingham, Alaska to/from Anchorage with the Pen Air; Rental fishing equipment: Applicable fishing licenses & King Salmon Stamps; Liquor (BYOB encouraged); Gratuities (10-15% of trip cost is customary)
THE
DESTINATION
The Royal Coachman Lodge is located in the heart of the world famous Bristol Bay region of Southwest Alaska. The lodge sits on the banks of the Nuyakuk River in the middle of the Wood River Tikchik State Park – the largest state park in the nation with 1.6 million acres of land. The Park is adjacent to the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. Both the Park and the Refuge provide exceptional fishing, but also offer some of the largest wildlife and birdlife populations in Alaska. During a week with Royal Coachman, guests will fish waters in the Park, the Refuge, and a variety of other rivers throughout southwestern Alaska. Royal Coachman is a small lodge by Alaskan standards, only catering to 10-12 guests per week. Their intimate and flexible program is designed to get away from the crowds now associated with so many Alaskan lodges these days. Their fisheries are un-crowded and you’ll have the river all to yourself. Royal Coachman focuses on a wilderness experience, and strive to fish areas no one else does. They carry nine different permits and leases to ensure that you will have outstanding fishing and the wilderness experience that has become so rare in many parts of Alaska.
|4|
ROYAL COACHMAN LODGE - ALASKA
This area of Alaska is accessible only by floatplane. Most fishing lodges in Alaska are located in small towns or native villages. But the Royal Coachman Lodge is 65 air miles north of Dillingham and totally isolated in the midst of a vast Alaskan wilderness. While its home water offers incredible fishing out the back door, Royal Coachman is a fly-out lodge that utilizes two DeHavilland Beaver aircraft to access an exclusive range of over 75,000 square miles targeting as many as twelve different species. When everything is fishing well, Royal Coachman almost has too many fishing options available. Imagine trying to decide whether to fish for 25 pound pike on the surface, fresh sea lice covered salmon near the coast, hiking small creeks for arctic char in the mountain lake streams, rainbows and dollies on the Nushagak, Agulapak, Kvichak, etc., or a mixed bag grayling, lake trout and rainbows on our home river. That’s the dilemma Royal Coachman guests must face each day. By hosting just 10 – 12 guests per week, Royal Coachman has the flexibility to go where the fishing is the best for what you want to fish for, not where a pre-determined schedule needs you to go. Additionally, they have bear viewing, hiking, and kayaking options for those who’d like a change of pace or just need a day to rest a sore fishing arm.
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
THE
FISHING
The Royal Coachman Lodge has the distinct advantage of being a small operation located right on the river. This allows them to cater to both the serious and the more laid back fisherman. Flexibility is the key to their fishing schedule. Every evening the lodge manager will sit down with all guests and go over plans for the next day. With nearly 20 boats (aluminum Jon boats with 40HP jet units) scattered throughout the region, and many rivers where you do not need a boat, you will have an amazing number of fisheries to choose from everyday. You can drift fish from the boat or wade fish depending on your preference. If you are on a creek that does not
|6|
ROYAL COACHMAN LODGE - ALASKA
have a boat your guide will carry lunch in a backpack and you can wade fish the creek for the day. All they need to know is what species you would like to focus on for the day, and if there is a particular river that you would like to fish, and their team will help pick the best fishery for you. How many fly out lodges in Alaska take only ten guests a week? Unlike many lodges where guests are segregated from the lodge and guide staff when not on the water, Royal Coachman operates a small an intimate operation where you will get to know the crew. Between fishing all day with the
guides and eating dinner together, the team be-
different experience. The Nuyakuk is the home riv-
comes more your friends than just your guides.
er – and RCL is the only operation on it. The lodge sits on a grandfathered property in the Wood Tik-
Royal Coachman goes where the fishing is the best.
chik State Park. There is a class 5 rapid above and
It has taken decades of fishing in this area to master
below the lodge, and no roads within 60 miles. You
the timing of each fishery. Coachman will fly and
can only get to the lodge by floatplane (not by boat
fish an area that is 250 miles across. With the com-
or car). This means that if the weather prohibits fly-
bination of 25-30 fisheries and their local expertise,
ing, you will still enjoy great fishing. It also means
you will have the best fishing possible no matter
that when you are sitting at the fire pit looking over
when you come. The staff will sit down with you ev-
the river watching the sunset, you will never see an-
ery night and make sure that your next day of fish-
other boat go by.
ing meets your expectations. With only 10 guests, and so many great fisheries, it’s impossible to fish
THE DAILY ROUTINE… THERE IS NOT ONE!
them all in a week.
Each day begins with a hearty breakfast (if you are an early riser coffee is set out beforehand). An hour
Coachman guests catch 12 different species of
after your breakfast you will depart for the days
sport fish during their season. Whether you want to
fishing. The guides will pack a picnic lunch, or if
sight fish for King Salmon, throw a mouse pattern
desired they can do a streamside lunch of fresh
to a 25 +lb pike, drift fish for big rainbows, or catch
salmon (when available). The daily fishing schedule
a rare Sheefish, they can do it. Every day will be a
departure times are flexible to maximize your fish-
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
ing success. Pickup time will vary depending on the groups desired plans for the day. Remember that at the end of the day, if you have not gotten enough fishing in, you can always fish in front of the lodge. Dinnertime will be between 7 and 8 pm and all the anglers will return to the lodge one hour prior to dinner, so you’ll have time to shower, relax and enjoy hors d’oeuvres. You’ll enjoy a generous dinner served family style, followed by a gourmet dessert. On the Sunday exchange days, you can often get some morning fishing time in (usually unguided). WOOD RIVER-TIKCHIK STATE PARK All five species of Pacific salmon - king, sockeye (red), pink, silver, and chum - spawn in the Wood River and Tikchik systems. Rainbow trout, grayling, lake trout, arctic char, dolly varden, and northern pike are also present throughout the Park. During the week, you will fish for each of these species at different locations throughout the Park. The Park is home to a remarkable wildlife resource. Moose, caribou, and brown bear are found throughout the park. In addition to these large mammals, you will also see beaver, muskrat, otter, fox, wolverine, mink, and porcupine. There are also healthy populations of ground squirrels and marmots throughout the Park. Like much of Alaska, the birdlife in the Park is abundant. During the week, you will likely see a variety of ducks, gulls, bald eagle, golden eagle, arctic tern, various loons, spotted and least sandpipers, semi-palmated plover, willow ptarmigan, and spruce grouse. TOGIAK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE During your week, you will spend at least a couple of days fishing the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. Royal Coachman has three permits to operate within the Refuge. One permit allows them to fish the Ku-
|8|
ROYAL COACHMAN LODGE - ALASKA
lukak River for salmon, one gives them access to the Togiak River, and the other permit authorizes them to fish the wilderness lake portion of the Refuge. The fishery resources of the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge are among the best in the world. Specifically, the rivers and lakes of the Refuge are home to resident populations of Rainbow trout, Arctic Char, Arctic Grayling, Lake Trout, Northern Pike, as well as 22 other fish species. The Refuge rivers and bays are also home to one of the world’s most robust anadromous fish resources in the world. All five species of Pacific Salmon are found within the Refuge and serve as the backbone for much of the terrestrial and aquatic life within the Refuge. In total, approximately 3 million Pacific Salmon are produced each year within the habitat protected by the Refuge management regimen.
The Refuge is also home to at least 30 species of terrestrial mammals and 201 species of birdlife. Ranging from Brown Bears and Caribou to the Little Brown Bat, the Refuge wildlife relies heavily on the habitat protections provided by the Refuge management regime as well as the continued health of the fishery resources within the Refuge. One of Royal Coachman’s underlying objectives at the lodge is to provide a quality fishing experience which emphasizes professional guiding, but also educates fishermen about the natural diversity of the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge.
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
THE
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Royal Coachman Lodge sits on the banks of the Nuyakuk River. Their small lodge caters to a maximum of 10-12 anglers per week (with 10-12 people on staff). This small number of guests and large staff helps to ensure that you will have the maximum amount of personal service and attention.
the creature comforts of home, along with spectacular views of the river and the rapids. The lodge can sleep 12 guests, so you will have a lot of choices from single cabins, to family cabins. 110 electricity is provided by diesel generator. The main lodge houses the kitchen, dining room
The Coachman has four finely furnished guest cottages, one and two bedrooms, and private baths. They also have one well-appointed bedroom in the main lodge. Each cabin or room has modern bath
| 12 |
facilities, independent heat, excellent beds, and all
ROYAL COACHMAN LODGE - ALASKA
and lounge, library corner, one guest room with a private bath, and massage room. Comfortable and cozy, this is where you will plan each following days excursions. You and your guides will sit around the fire, and decide what type of fishing you would like
to do, and plan the details of tomorrow’s outing. There is no pre-scheduled fishing program here. Custom tailoring each day’s fishing is one of the major advantages to Coachman’s personal approach to fishing Alaska. The Royal Coachman Lodge prides itself on the quality and abundance of the food that is available to its guests. Freshly baked bread, rolls, and pastries are served at each lodge meal. Fresh fruit and vegetables are always available. Dinner menus vary but typically include New York steak, turkey, prime rib, Halibut, a variety of Alaskan seafood, and similar items. Lunches are prepared by the lodge kitchen staff and are often times supplemented by fresh fish cooked on the stream bank. You won’t find better food at any fishing lodge in Alaska. Guest rooms are cleaned daily. The lodge does not have laundry service available for clients. Please do not plan on the crew having time to do personal laundry. Alcoholic beverages are not sold at the lodge. Given its location in the park, Royal Coachman is not allowed to sell alcohol, and alcohol is not included in the package. If you would like to place an order to have at the lodge when you arrive we can help you arrange it. If you do not order alcohol, there will be no alcohol available for your group. Tailwaters will assist in gathering your alcohol order and delivering it to the lodge.
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
TRAVEL & ITINERARY ROYAL COACHMAN LODGE OPERATES ON A SUNDAY-SUNDAY 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 Saturday night in Anchorage at one of our recommended hotels the night prior to traveling to the lodge. The second leg of the trip, occurring on Sunday, is a one hour thirty minute ride aboard the local carriers Pen Air or Alaska Air to Dillingham, Alaska. From Dillingham, guests are transported by ground transfer approximately 45 minutes to nearly Lake Aleknagik – where the float plans will be waiting to load up and head into camp. The following Sunday guests are transferred back to Dillingham for the flight to Anchorage with Pen Air or Alaska Air. 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.
| 16 |
ROYAL COACHMAN LODGE - ALASKA
alcohol, fishing licenses, apparel purchased, and
SAMPLE ITINERARY
gratuities. At roughly 10:45AM guests will depart on the floatplanes for Aleknagik and onward to Dil-
SATURDAY Travel to Anchorage, Alaska. Spend the night in Anchorage at a recommended hotel. Hotel accommodations and meals are not included in package cost.
lingham. Guest will need to be on the Pen Air flight that departs Dillingham at roughly 1:45PM. This will arrive in Anchorage at roughly 3:15PM. We highly recommend you do not book a flight out of Anchorage
SUNDAY Guests will need to be on the Sunday Pen Air flight departing from Anchorage to Dillingham at roughly 11:30AM. After a 1.5 hour flight you will land at the Dillingham International Airport. A Royal Coachman Lodge representative will meet you at the
before 5:00PM. There is no additional overnight required in Anchorage en route back to the lower forty-eight, and most commercial flights are “redeye” overnight flights arriving home early the following morning.
airport. Guests are then transferred in the Royal Coachman Lodge’s 1970’s van to Aleknagik where lodge floatplanes will be waiting for you. This transfer takes about 30 minutes. The staff will pack the plane and leave for the lodge as soon as you arrive. Appetizers, and a healthy dinner will be served around 6:30PM. Upon arrival the manager will discuss the weeks itinerary, check and/or sell licenses, and guests will sign liability waivers. MONDAY-SATURDAY Full fishing days! Guests will generally have breakfast at 7:00AM and depart at 8:00 a.m. You will return around 6:00PM after a full day of fishing. Dinner is usually served at 7:30PM. Repeat! SUNDAY Luggage is packed onto the planes while guests have breakfast and flown to Aleknagik.
After the
luggage plane leaves guests will have time to settle up with the manager for bill which will include
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
WHEN TO GO ROYAL COACHMAN LODGE IS OPEN FROM EARLY JUNE
or stream with multiple grizzly bears doing a little
THROUGH OCTOBER 1.
fishing of their own.
Choosing a date to fish anywhere in Western Alas-
The annual salmon run plays a huge role in the pro-
ka is completely contingent upon which species of fish you would like to target. Royal Coachman 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
| 20 |
ROYAL COACHMAN LODGE - ALASKA
ductivity 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 Alaska’s dry fly-fishing for rainbows as well as swinging flies and trolling for Chinook Salmon. JULY (DIVERSITY IN SPECIES) – GREAT MONTH FOR “EVERYTHING ALASKA” July is a month noted for its huge variety of options including the peak of the king and sockeye runs as well as the addition of the chum and pink salmon. By the end of the month nearly every fish migration is in effect on some level, and July is a wonderful month for anglers looking to experience a sampling of nearly all the species and styles of fishing Alaska offers. AUGUST (SILVER SALMON) August is the month of the silver salmon (Coho), 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 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 antici-
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
pation of the conclusion of the gluttonous summer.
Wildlife encounters and photographic opportu-
September and early October offer the angler the
nities are everywhere including daily sightings of
best opportunity to catch a real legendary monster
bears as well as wolves, moose, bald eagles, and
Alaskan Rainbow.
other bird life. Royal Coachman is by no means a pretentious “fly fishing only” program. Beginner
ALASKAN WEATHER
anglers are welcome and encouraged to use spin-
The weather is about the only thing you CANNOT
ning equipment instead of fly-rods if required to
count on with your trip to Alaska. Guests must plan
make guests more comfortable and successful.
on every type of weather to occur at anytime. Daytime temperatures range from cool to hot and rain
BEARS & OTHER WILDLIFE
showers can occur at any moment. On any given
Get ready to see a lot of bears! Wood Tikchick
day you could see hot weather turn to cold, calm
& Togiak have one of the densest populations of
turn to windy, and sunny to rainy almost before your
brown bears in Alaska. First time Alaskan anglers
eyes. If you decide to visit Alaska a rain jacket is an
are blown away, but by the end of the week bears
absolute must. Typically, June and July are a little
are almost an afterthought. Nearly every river sys-
warmer and drier than August and September.
tem is flooded with brown bears during the annual summer run of salmon. You will share the river with
NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES Although fishing is the predominant activity at Royal Coachman, we encourage non-angling companions to visit the lodge as well. Perhaps the best way to see Alaska’s beautiful countryside, wildlife, and wilderness is on a fly-out fishing trip. Although daily activities are oriented around fishing, guests at RCL can detour to enjoy some wildlife viewing, hiking, and kayaking options for those who’d like a change of pace or just need a day to rest a sore fishing arm.
| 22 |
ROYAL COACHMAN LODGE - ALASKA
bears doing fishing on their just about every day. Coachman guides are well versed in bear etiquette, and will train anglers on the proper protocol when bears are encountered. Although the guides are armed with shotguns in bear country, bad bear incidents are super rare in Alaska. They are actually very docile creatures as well as a memorable and integrated part of the Alaskan fishing experience.
WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM
RATES »» $8,375 PER PERSON (BASED ON SHARED ROOM/GUIDE) Group discounts are available at certain times. Please call us for details. WHAT’S INCLUDED: 7 Nights double occupancy accommodations at Royal Coachman Lodge; 6 Days guided fly-out fishing with shared guide (weather permitting); Housekeeping service; All meals and non-alcoholic beverages; All ground and air transfers between Dillingham Airport and Lodge; Flies WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED: Roundtrip airfare to/from Anchorage, Alaska; Accommodations while in Anchorage Saturday night prior to Sunday arrival at the lodge; Airfare to Dillingham, Alaska to/from Anchorage with the Pen Air; Rental fishing equipment: Applicable fishing licenses & King Salmon Stamps; 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, outfitters and lodges which it represents. ROYAL COACHMAN 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 90 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 at least 90 days prior to trip dates. Refunds are not granted for non-flying days due to weather or reasons out of the lodge’s control. Hotel rooms, or food expenses due to weather delays getting to the lodge in Dillingham or Anchorage are not Royal Coachman’s or Tailwaters Travel’s responsibility. 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.
| 26 |
ROYAL COACHMAN LODGE - ALASKA
TRAVEL INSURANCE! Given the inherent strict refund policies associated with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress
We will provide you with more detailed information
the importance of obtaining travel insurance to
about travel insurance from our sponsored provider,
protect your investment.
Travel Guard, when you book a trip with Tailwaters Travel.
Travellers can obtain coverage for pre-existing
We can conveniently process a very comprehensive
health problems (related to yourself, your family,
insurance policy for you in-house after asking a few
business partners, or your travelling partners),
simple questions.
emergency evacuation, lost baggage, delay, life insurance packages; even “no questions asked” or
CALL TODAY TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT:
“for work reasons” coverage.
(214) 219-2500 OR (888) 824-5420
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