It's Not What You Expect, It's What You Inspect - Bear Trail Lodge, Alaska
You travel with Half Past First Cast because we are so much fun to be with and we go to great places that you should experience at least once (and then you get addicted and continue to join us). We take the guesswork out of your travels by make sure your expectations are met through our rigorous inspections – and wet still allow enough mystery that every moment is a thrill.
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Who is going to answer all the questions you have and really give you the answers you want to hear, rather than the clichés?
How do I get there?
What happens once we arrive?
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What am I not thinking about?
Half Past First Cast takes the guess work out of your journey.
This July 31 through August 4, 2023, we head back to Bear Trail Lodge for another spectacular journey to the last frontier. Pete and I are going a few days before and will be exploring Anchorage and Seward and most likely will be fishing for halibut. You are more than welcome to join us along with our friends Carl and Lisa Vicars, who are likewise are trusting us with their voyage. We will share our itinerary and you can plan accordingly or meet us at the Anchorage airport when we all board the plane to King Salmon for an unforgettable trip.
The Basics
Arrival – Once you land in King Salmon (roundtrip transportation from Anchorage (ANC) to King Salmon, is included in your reservation with the lodge), we collect our luggage and we are met outside, by a guide, staff member or one of the owners from the lodge. The ride to the lodge is 9 minutes. The town has one stoplight, it’s relatively new.
Accommodations – When you first walk into the main lodge, you are asked to take your shoes off. Walking up the few stairs, through the “mall” (the gift shop) and seeing the living room setting and the amazing view through the huge window, right away you feel like you are at home or at least the home you wish you lived in. Normally there is a dog or two hanging around = more comforts of home.
We are eventually dragged away to our rooms/cabins. Towels, linens and hot water are of course all provided. Ladies, bring your own hair dryer and hair accessories if you choose. There are shades on all the windows but it stays light really late so if you have a hard time sleeping when it’s light outside bring an eye covering mask, or wear your Half Past First Cast buff. Your laundry will be done daily.
What to bring – Warm but layered clothing (cold in the morning, t-shirt in the afternoon during some of the fishing months), camera, Go-Pro, waterproof jacket, gloves, hats, sunglasses, sunblock, lip balm, fishing license and ID. If you travel with a drone note the FAA regulations about flight restrictions in the Bristol Bay region.
Mosquito repellent and bear spray are included (guides carry bear spray and last time I asked and was told they have never had to use it).
You will need to purchase a fishing license, depending on when you go and you plan on catching and taking home king salmon you will need to purchase a stamp as well — If you forget to purchase, mention this at time of arrival and one can be purchased at the lodge.
Food – You won’t go away hungry and actually you just won’t go away. If there weren’t fish to caught and bears to see there is enough food for an army.
Breakfast is served buffet style includes hot and cold cereals, muffins, breads, fruits, eggs, French toast, pancakes, bacon, sausage, reindeer sausage, juices and coffee.
Lunch consists of sandwiches and soup. Yes hot soup in the middle of the last frontier. There may be an opportunity for a shore lunch if desired and can be arranged with your guide. Chips, candy and freshy-baked COOKIES also are included.
Dinner is a three-course extravaganza that you must save room for when indulging in the enormous appetizer spread. You will not believe the display of food laid out in front of the picture windows in the living room.
Make sure you hold back just a little more room for dessert. If you think the chef’s cookies are good you will be dreaming about the desserts until your next trip back.
Complimentary beer and bottled wine are also served.
The kitchen is open 24 hours in case you get hungry. Since all meals are prepared fresh daily. if you have specific dietary needs I can let the lodge know with 30 days notice to ensure they will have what you need and want upon arrival.
You all know my crazy eating habits and the chef was truly a champ when it came to making my special meals. Lettuce wrapped sandwiches for lunch and no sauces on my meals at dinner. I cheated with the appetizers but geez, I was on vacation!
There is no reason that your dietary restrictions should keep you from making the trip, just speak up OR ask me to speak up for you.
Typical Trip
Our planned itinerary looks like this, but like everything else it can be tweaked to your preferences:
Day 1: Fishing for salmon or trout on the Naknek River.
Day 2, 3, 4 etc.: Fly out excursions, hiking through the tundra to access remote streams or bear viewing at the Brooks waterfalls in Katmai National Park; or fly out to raft down small creeks or walk to streams and fish for char, grayling, dolly varden and trout.
Final day: Fishing for salmon or trout on the Naknek River.
Daily Schedule: Coffee at 5:30 am,breakfast at 6 am, out on the water or to your float plane at 7 am, lunch served shore side by your guide, back at the dock by 4:30 pm, cocktails and appetizers at 6:30 and dinner by 7 pm.
Information You Need to Know
Equipment, Guides – Waders and boots are provided, make sure you bring your own waterproof coat. Fishing is done by wading, drifting, casting or plugging. Conventional or fly fishing (or both, depending on target species and location) your choice. The guides are all experienced, resourceful, great educators and super nice and patient. If you have never fly fished before let them teach you, you can do it and I promise you won’t get all caught up with the line around your body, like in the comics.
Taking home fish - Make sure you tell your guide, when fishing on the river, that you want to take home fish. They will have it filleted, sealed, frozen and ready for you to take on the plane as a piece of luggage. If you happen to be staying a few days in Anchorage or the surrounding area after your visit to Bear Trail Lodge you can still take home fish. There is paid fish storage in the Anchorage airport.
Tips and bed tax – Tipping is not included in your package, nor is it mandatory or expected. You will see how hard everyone at Bear Trail Lodge works to make your trip extraordinary so suggested tips are 10 to 15% of your total cost. The tips are pooled and shared with all the personnel, guides, dock hands and housekeeping. There is a “bed tax” required by the borough of $15 per person per night that will be added to your invoice.
We have written about our trips to Bear Trail Lodge over and over and if you don’t want to take our word for it here are some other reviews that should seal the deal.
Contact me. The worst thing that can happen if you go with us is you’ll have to purchase an additional freezer for all the fish you are going to catch.
