Bear Trail Lodge FAQs
I was introduced to Bear Trail Lodge in Bristol Bay, Alaska in 2019 by a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-wife-of-a-friend, and it has been one of the most meaningful serendipitous events of my life. Keith Combs and I visited the lodge that same year, then Hanna and I went back in 2020, and we brought four more friends in 2023. If you’ve never been to Alaska, you owe it to yourself to go -- whether you’re an experienced, passionate angler or not – and Nanci Lyon and her team provide an unparalleled way to enjoy their slice of paradise.
Hanna can set up your trip any time (they tend to book up far in advance, so inquire early), but in case you have questions here’s a primer that answers some of the basics:
Why should I go to Bristol Bay?
The Alaskan experience in general is exceptional for anyone who loves history, nature and the outdoors. Bristol Bay in particular is a remarkably easy-to-reach option for accessing a portion of this paradise for outdoorsmen or outdoorswomen, just a short flight from Anchorage but still generally undeveloped. It also has the largest sockeye salmon run in the world, plus access to many exceptional fisheries and wildlife viewing opportunities. Because it’s on American soil (or permafrost), Americans don’t need a passport to get there, and they speak English and of course use our same currency.
Isn’t Bristol Bay under attack?
For a period of time, the proposed Pebble Mine project threatened Bristol Bay’s salmon runs. After a long political tug of war, the project seems to be dead. Thus, the urgency of visiting isn’t as pronounced, but you never know what threats will arise in the future.
When should I go?
Bear Trail Lodge is open from June through October and while fishing is excellent throughout that span for different species, depending on what you want to target you may choose a particular month or even week. The summer months tend to book up fast because that’s when entire families can visit.
How do I get there?
There are direct flights to Anchorage (ANC) from many US cities at generally reasonable prices and a wide variety of times – on many major carriers. Once you’re in Anchorage, your package includes flights on a regional carrier to the King Salmon airport (AKN).
Why can’t I drive there?
Everything coming into King Salmon/Naknek has to arrive by plane or boat because there are no roads into Bristol Bay.
Can I get there in one day?
It is possible to fly into King Salmon the same day you leave your home in the Lower 48. For example, this year, due to the four hour time difference, we left Washington-Dulles (IAD) at 6am, flew to Chicago, then onto Anchorage, arriving shortly after noon local time. We could’ve caught an afternoon flight to King Salmon. However, we strongly recommend that you build in at least a day on the front end to enjoy Anchorage and/or other parts of the state. Otherwise, if you experience a delay on the front end you may miss your intrastate flight.
Can I get home in one day?
Yes. Many of the flights back to the contiguous 48 states are in the evening, after 8pm. Accordingly, it’s possible to fish a full day at Bear Trail Lodge, catch a late afternoon flight to Anchorage, and then move on to your flight/s home. There is a slight risk that weather will preclude that first flight, but we’ve never had an issue.
What airlines fly there?
We have flown to/from Anchorage on Alaska Air, United and American. Delta, Sun Country and Air Canada also fly there. Some flights may be seasonal, or only on certain days. The carriers handling short ANC-AKN round-trip seem to change every year. Alaska Airlines always seems to be on top of it, but in three trips I’ve flown Ravn, PenAir and Aleutian. The lodge will book the intrastate portion so you don’t need to worry about staying on top of the changes.
How do I get to the lodge from the airport?
A Bear Trail Lodge representative will meet you in the airport when you arrive. You can’t miss them – it’s a one-room building. From there it’s a 5-minute drive to the lodge.
What species can I catch?
The salmon runs on the Naknek (Bear Trail’s home river) are at specific times, so if you’re targeting a specific species, be sure to consult with us to make sure that your preferred ones are there. At various times you can catch and keep sockeyes, silvers and kings. There are also the pinks in even-numbered years and the less-desirable-to-eat chums. Depending on where you fish, you may also chase grayling, Dolly Vardens and the treasured rainbow trout.
What fishing license do I need?
You will need an Alaska Sport Fishing License (non-resident if you are from out of state) for the appropriate number of days. If you intend to fish for king salmon you will also need a king salmon stamp. You can buy your license at home and print it out, from a store in Alaska, or upon arrival at the lodge.
Do I need to be an experienced angler?
Definitely not. These fisheries have plentiful numbers and while an experienced angler will generally catch more than a novice, everyone will get on fish. The guides are all patient and skilled teachers who will take their time to hone your skills and put you in position to succeed. On our last trip, we took several anglers who’d never caught trout or salmon, and two who’d never fished at all, and everyone caught lots of fish.
Do I need to be a fly fisherman?
You need not fly fish at all when you visit Bear Trail Lodge, but some of the best flyouts are fly-only, so you’ll want to at least try it. Fortunately, as noted above, the guides are excellent instructors, and in many cases you won’t need to make long or highly-technical casts. Don’t be intimidated. Anyone can catch fish this way in Bristol Bay if they put their mind to it.
What gear do I need to bring?
While you may bring appropriate tackle if you have some favorites, the lodge has everything you need to catch the various species available on their waters – both fly gear and conventional gear, all appropriate lures/flies, and premium waders and boots to keep you comfortable.
Is it all wading?
On the Naknek and some of the flyouts you will fish out of large, aluminum, outboard-powered boats, so there’s no need to wade if that’s not your cup of tea. However, some of the best fisheries involve flyouts and consist entirely of wading. There are also flyouts where you’ll fish out of rafts or with a combination of raft/wading. Be sure to ask the staff which trips combine your best combination of fishing style and species.
Why do we need to fly out to different fisheries?
You don’t have to fly out – indeed, much of the season you could have a fantastic experience entirely on the Naknek – but if you’re up to the task they provide exceptional variety, some virgin fisheries, and unmatched wild scenery.
Do the flyouts cost extra?
The flyouts are included in the package price.
Is there fishing at the lodge itself?
Yes, as noted above there are salmon runs on the Naknek and in the fall some of the trophy trout fishing is there as well. We’ve caught silvers and sockeyes within sight of our cabin.
Who are the guides?
Bear Trail Lodge uses a highly-trained team of guides who are experienced in all facets of the fishing and trained to keep you safe and informed. Many of them have been here for more than a decade (including Nanci’s husband Heath and daughter Rylie). Quite a few have also graduated from the Bristol Bay Fly Fishing & Guide Academy, a program Nanci was instrumental in developing that helps local/native youth develop the skill set to lead clients to successful outcomes in the outdoors. Typically there is one guide for every two clients.
Will I fish with the same guide every day?
You will typically switch guides every day, or at least fish with more than one during your stay, depending on availability and the type/s of trips you want to take. They are all personable, skilled and responsible.
How much clothing do I need to bring?
The lodge will wash, dry and fold your laundry every day, so you don’t need to go overboard on basics, but you will need to have clothes for a range of conditions. Even if you’re headed to Bristol Bay in the middle of summer, it can be cold and wet or hot (up to 80 degrees) and dry, often in the same day. Accordingly, it pays to dress in layers, including a quality rain jacket, polarized sunglasses and a wide brim hat.
What if I forget something I need?
The lodge has some items available for sale, including sun block, insect repellent and a variety of quality clothing from companies like Simms and Patagonia. While the towns of Naknek and King Salmon are small, there are a few stores if you need something not available at the lodge.
What is the price of a trip?
Prices vary depending on the length of the trip.
What does the trip include?
The trip includes accommodations, food and drink, transportation to/from Anchorage, guided fishing, appropriate fishing equipment (including waders and boots), along with fish to take home in some circumstances.
What is not included?
Transportation between Anchorage and home, fishing license/s, any items of a personal nature, souvenirs, and tips. While gratuities are not mandatory, typically clients choose to provide 10 to 15% of the total cost for great service. Tips are pooled and shared with all Bear Trail Lodge personnel, to include guides, dock hands, and housekeeping.
What are the meals like?
Bear Trail Lodge has multiple professional chefs and the food is plentiful and excellent. The day starts with a hefty buffet breakfast consisting of eggs, meats, fruits, pancakes and other baked goods. Lunch is served on the water, including sandwiches, chips, fresh-baked cookies and sometimes soup or side dishes. Your guide will also have a bag of treats for midday snacks. During the 5pm happy hour there are hot appetizers to go with your drinks and fish stories, and a multi-course gourmet dinner is served in the dining room at 7. Menus often include local ingredients like halibut, shrimp and crab legs. There is beer on tap and wine available. There’s also an “open fridge” policy if you get a midnight craving.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
With appropriate notice, the staff can alter meals to fit dietary preferences or restrictions. For example, Hanna tried to limit carbs by asking for a lettuce-wrapped sandwich on flyouts instead of a sandwich on bread. (Note: she still ate the cookie).
What are the accommodations?
Bear Trail Lodge can accommodate up to 28 guests in a variety of settings, including eight guest cabins, a yurt that sleeps six (note: the yurt often has a waiting list), and several rooms in the lodge. All accommodations have full electricity, private bathrooms with limitless hot water, and daily housekeeping service. There is wi-fi in the main lodge.
Can I bring fish home?
Yes! If you catch salmon in season on the Naknek or several of the other rivers you can take them home. The lodge staff with vacuum seal, freeze and pack your catch in insulated boxes as part of your package price. Then you can check them through as an additional piece of luggage, subject to additional baggage charges, if any.
What can I do with the fish if I’m not leaving right away?
There is an onsite freezer in the Anchorage airport where you can store your fish for a fee. Many local hotels will also provide temporary fish storage.
Is it safe?
Every activity at Bear Trail Lodge is undertaken with guests’ safety in mind. You will be fully briefed about what each day entails, all necessary safety equipment is provided and readily accessible, and the guides are trained to take care of any problems – minor or major – promptly and effectively.
Are there other things to do besides fish?
The Bristol Bay region has tremendous wildlife viewing opportunities. One that we’ve enjoyed twice is a visit to Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, where you can watch the legendary brown bears much on salmon (you can also fish there). Some of the other trips include The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and flying out to the beach when the walruses are around.
What about “in town”?
There are a couple of bars and restaurants in Naknek and King Salmon but not much in the way of “tourism.”
Will I see bears?
We make no guarantees, but we’d be very surprised if you did not see bears on your trip to Bear Trail Lodge. On two of three trips, we’ve seen them crossing the river while sitting in the lodge while drinking beer. We’ve also seen them elsewhere on the Naknek, on multiple flyouts and of course on our trips to Brooks Falls.
Should I take out trip protection for my trip to Bear Trail Lodge?
We’re not experts on trip protection plans or travel insurance, but the people at Global Rescue can inform you about what you need and what it will cost. Reach out to them before your Alaska trip – or any vacation – and they’ll take you down the right path.
Can I add on some days to the front or back end of the trip to do other things?
We strongly recommend seeing as much of Alaska as you can on each trip, subject to your time limitations, seasonal options and your budget. We’ve stayed in Homer, Seward, Whittier and Girdwood on our past couple of trips and can offer suggestions in those places, and we can do the research on other opportunities upon request.
Most importantly, if you think this trip is up your alley, email us today and let’s figure out how to get you to Bear Trail Lodge as soon as possible.
