Lowdown

  • Established

    2010

  • Owner

    Nanci Lyon

  • Manager

    Rylie Booth

  • Tel

    907-246-2327

  • Open

    Jun-Oct

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $1,996 - $2,822

  • Minimum Stay

    2 days

  • Maximum Guests

    20

  • Works with travel agents?

    Yes

  • Great For

    Romance, Action & adventure, Peace & quiet, Pampering, Solitude, Diverse scenery, Large family reunions, Corporate Retreats
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Welcome to Bear Trail Lodge, our all-inclusive fishing lodge located in Bristol Bay Alaska, right on the Naknek river.

We specialize in fishing for all five species of salmon using both light conventional tackle, as well as fly.

Our fishing adventures in Alaska also target rainbow trout, grayling, Dolly Varden and Arctic char in numerous streams in the Bristol Bay region.

The lodge is just a short 20-minute flight from the famous Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park and we offer trips to Brooks for bear viewing, along with other wildlife and sightseeing options in the area.

When you visit Bear Trail Lodge, you will experience Alaska from the people who know it best. Learn about the land, the culture, and the customs of Alaska when you fish with our team of locals and honorary locals. Alaska is where we raise our families, participate in our community and embrace our unique heritage. This is not a seasonal adventure for us. This is our home. We invite you and your entire family to come see why staying at Bear Trail Lodge feels like you have finally come home.

Good time to go

June 8th is the beginning of our season, we operate through mid-October.

Children at the Lodge

Great for children aged 6 and over

We consider ourself a family-friendly/kid friendly fly fishing lodge and we offer discounts to kids aged 12 and under.

Activities

hiking

Games

pool table, puzzles, books, cornhole, and numerous card games

Baby Sitting Provided By

We do not offer a babysitting service, parents are expected to be responsible for their children while they are here.

Environmental & Social Practices

Community

The Bristol Bay Fly Fishing and Guide Academy is one of the most successful projects that the lodge supported back in 2009.

Lodge owner Nanci spearheaded this program when she saw a need for the lodge industry to connect with local communities, to bring more job opportunities to the region.

Being the only lodge owner who also lives year-round in the Bristol Bay region, Nanci realized the value of having residents of the area on her team as guides and stewards of the resources we all value.

This program invites the young adults of Bristol Bay to join us for a week-long class to learn about fly casting, fly tying, knots, fish habitat, customer service, field safety and numerous other things related to being a guide in the field.

The final exam involves students taking local residents into the field to help them catch a fish on a fly rod, something many of them have never experienced.

Successful completion has placed a number of participants in the industry as guides at Bear Trail, as well as at many other operations across the Bay.

Conservation

The entire lodge crew has been very proactive and adamant about Pebble Mine and the disaster it could bring to Bristol Bay.

Many of our staff as well as Nanci, Heath, Rylie and Wade have fought since word was received that the mine was a potential threat in the early 2000s.

So many letters have been written and testimonies shared about the hazards of mining in the pristine wilderness of Bristol Bay. Trips to Juneau and Washington D.C. have been made to educate our lawmakers about the dangers and potential irreparable harm the mine could bring.

With all the time and volunteer hours invested, we are grateful that at last we are very close to closing the book on this threat.

History

Bear Trail roots run deep in Bristol Bay, from advocacy, to ownership that honors and celebrates the very core of the region.

You'll have an unforgettable experience with our family, through the land, fisheries and wildlife we have worked so hard to protect.

Bear Trail Lodge is a family-owned and operated business that began back in 1985 when Nanci packed up her belongings on a whim, and headed off to Bristol Bay to make it her home and work as a fishing guide.

Your Manager, Rylie Booth

Rylie was born and raised in Bristol Bay, and is Heath and Nanci’s daughter – she has a wide knowledge of the area and its watershed.

She graduated college at the University of Montana with a bachelor's in Accounting and a bachelor's in business management. Rylie is also a graduate of the Bristol Bay Guide Academy, holds her Coast Guard license and has been a member of the Bear Trail guide team for seven years.

Your manager

Lowdown

  • Types of water

    Streams, Rivers

  • Types of Fish

    Rainbow Trout, Char, Grayling, Arctic char, chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, chum salmon, pink salmon, silver salmon. .

  • Fishing Experience Level

    Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

  • Guided Fishing Included in rates

  • Unguided Fishing not available

  • You can borrow

    Rods, Flies, Reels, Boots, Waders.

  • You can buy

    Hats.

  • Bring your own

    Rods, Flies, Reels, Boots, Hats, Waders, Fishing Nets.

The Setting

At Bear Trail Lodge we are lucky to call Bristol Bay home where we are in one of the most diverse watersheds around. This allows our anglers to experience small streams with pocket water, floating excursions, hikes to our small streams, and huge rivers and lakes accessible via floatplanes and boats. 

The Fishing

Generally in the months of June and July you can expect some great trout fishing, chasing the smolt as they depart the rivers heading into the ocean with large, numerous trout feeding on them.

These trout can be effectively targeted using nymphs, streamers and even mouse and dry fly patterns if you're lucky!

We have an abundant chinook salmon run that you can target as well as a sockeye salmon run that takes place the month of July.  Bristol Bay has the worlds largest return of wild sockeye salmon and is notorious for the abundance of this species.

August is when our silver salmon enter the streams, these fish fight like none other and if you're lucky, you can even get them to eat a popper! August is also when the sockeye salmon begin to spawn in small streams far from the ocean. We access these areas via floatplane as the streams really turn 'on' in our numerous locations within an hour from our lodge.

September, is the month of the legendary giant rainbow trout, you have opportunities at targeting once-in-a-lifetime sized fish on our homewaters, or on numerous tributaries nearby due to the plentiful salmon spawning in the rivers. 

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Gourmet

  • Meals served

    meals roll with days activities, everyone eats together, scheduled meals

  • Alcohol

    BYOB, wine provided with dinner

  • Enjoy dining in

    dining room (casual attire)

  • You'll definitely love

    fresh daily bread, fresh daily desserts

  • Dietary restrictions catered for

    lactose intolerant, vegans, vegetarians, Gluten free, other

We believe in serving gourmet food and giving our guests a five-star dining experience during their stay.

All salmon and halibut served are locally caught and always wild.

Guest Favourites

  • Wild Alaskan sockeye salmon
  • Snow Crab
  • Prime Rib

Wines

We offer a rotating beer on tap, from local Alaskan breweries and a selection of red and white wines you are welcome to enjoy during your stay with us. 

Sample Menu

  • Appetizers

  • smoked sockeye salmon
  • charcuterie board
  • calamari

  • Entrées

  • fresh garden salad
  • Prime rib, mashed potatoes, garden veggies

  • Desserts

  • salted caramel cheesecake
  • creme brûlée
  • bread pudding

Lowdown

  • Address

    PO Box 221
    King Salmon
    Alaska
    99613
    USA

  • Remote Location

    Yes

Nearest Town - King Salmon Alaska

King Salmon Alaska has a population of 1000 (approx), and is situated 10 miles / 15 mins from the Ranch.

Facilities in King Salmon Alaska include: grocery store, church, school, post office, medical clinic, bank, atm, gas station, museum.

For shopping King Salmon Alaska offers: small hometown necessity shops.

Ranch shuttle

Yes, no fee

Nearest Airports

King Salmon Airport, King Salmon Alaska

Distance

8 miles / 15 mins

Airlines

Alaska, Aleutian Airways, private charter aircraft

Ranch shuttle

yes no fee

Private Air Travel

Nearest location(s)

King Salmon

Travel by

Airplane

Distance

8 miles

Ranch shuttle

yes no fee

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $1,996 - $2,822

  • Minimum Stay

    2 days

  • Preferred Arrival Day

    Any day is fine

  • Preferred Departure Day

    Any day is fine

  • Style of accommodation

    Luxury 5-Star

  • Packages available

    2 night, 3 night, 4 night, 5 night, 6 night, 1 week
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Bear Trail Lodge can cater for up to 20 guests. See below for details and indicative rates.

Cabin | 2 Day / 2 Night Package

Rates (Per Person)*

$5,645
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

2 nights

Description

Two-day, two-night package: Two days' fully-guided fishing or bear viewing, two nights accommodations. 

Rooms

1

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

hair dryer, seating area, plush bathrobes, washer / dryer

Entertainment

hot tub

Cabin | 3 Day / 3 Night Package

Rates (Per Person)*

$7,175
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

3 nights

Description

Three nights accommodations, three days fully guided-fishing or bear viewing. 

Rooms

1

Amenities

hair dryer, plush bathrobes, washer / dryer

Entertainment

hot tub

Cabin | 4 Day / 4 Night Package

Rates (Per Person)*

$9,325
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

4 nights

Description

Four nights accommodations, four days of fully-guided fishing and/or bear vieiwng. 

Rooms

1

Amenities

hair dryer, plush bathrobes, washer / dryer

Entertainment

hot tub

Cabin | 5 Day / 5 Night Package

Rates (Per Person)*

$11,390
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

5 nights

Description

Five nights accommodations, five days of fully-guided fishing and/or bear vieiwng. 

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

hair dryer, plush bathrobes, washer / dryer

Entertainment

hot tub

Cabin | 6 Day / 6 Night Package

Rates (Per Person)*

$12,860
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

6 nights

Description

Six nights accommodations and six days of fully-guided fishing and/or bear viewing. 

Rooms

1

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

hair dryer, plush bathrobes, washer / dryer

Entertainment

hot tub

Cabin | 7 Day / 7 Night package

Rates (Per Person)*

$13,975
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

1 week

Description

Seven nights accommodations and seven days of fully-guided fishing and/or bear viewing

Rooms

1

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

hair dryer, seating area, plush bathrobes, washer / dryer

Entertainment

hot tub

Booking Policy

We require a $500 per person deposit upon booking. After the first half of the year, 50% of the trip balance is due, the reamining 50% is due 60 days prior to your trip.

Cancellation Policy

Deposits are refundable until January 1 after which they become NON-REFUNDABLE, but will be TRANSFERABLE to the following year's season, less the $500 per person administrative fee and new year pricing.

It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance for your trip to our lodge and there are no refunds for missed days due to weather, flight delays or other events out of our control.

Please verify that the above trip information is correct and that you understand the cancellation policy by signing and returning a copy to us.

Included in your stay

meals, activities, ranch shuttle, lodging, Transportation to and from Anchorage Alaska and the airport, packaging and freezing of any salmon you decide to keep during your stay, fully guided fishing, fly-outs, use of lodge amenities.

Extras

Tax

Bed tax, fishing license, items of a personal nature (purchases from our gift shop or massages from our staff masseuse during your stay).

Gratuity

If you enjoyed your stay we generally see anywhere from 12-15% the tips are pooled to the entire staff that made your trip possible, we are a team at Bear Trail Lodge and believe everyone plays a role in making your trip great.

Massage

We have a masseuse on staff, massages are an additional cost of $2/minute.

Yoga

N/A

Guided Fly Fishing

Included in the package pricing

Lowdown

  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi.

  • Business Services

    printers.

Onsite

Shopping

We do have a gift shop that includes fishing basics, like sunscreen, bug spray and bug nets.

We also have lots of Simms and Patagonia gear for sale; rain coats, warm fleece layers, some kids shirts and gifts to take home to the family.

Water based Activities

hot tub

Spa

relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, We have a masseuse on staff that our guests are welcome to schedule with while they are here.

Additional Services

Corporate Retreats

For groups of under 20.

We offer corporate retreats: lodge buyouts begin at 16 guests and can accommodate over 20 for a corporate group.

Corporate retreat fishing lodge packages are flexible and you can choose anything from three-day package, up to seven days and longer. 

Local Attractions

Brooks Falls

Brooks Falls, located in Katmai National Park, is an incredible and unique location allowing guests to fish for native rainbow trout, while also seeing the bears in their natural habitat.

You will also see a beautiful waterfall! The water is crystal clear, allowing guests to also view the salmon as they make their way, jumping upstream and up the famous Brooks Falls to their spawning grounds.

Distance

30 miles / 30 mins

Ranch shuttle

Float plane ride included in package pricing

Highs

  • The fishing here is spectacular, you can fish for all five species of pacific salmon, catch arctic char, dolly vardon, grayling and trophy-sized rainbow trout!
  • If you're super pleased with your catch and want to show it off to and share it with family and friends at home, Bear Trail Lodge vacuums seals, professionally boxes and freezes your catch in a fish box ready for your journey back. More details on their website!
  • You can pack light! As a full-service luxury lodge, Bear Trail Lodge has nearly everything you might need for your Alaskan fishing adventure, including spinning and bait-casting rods, fly fishing spey rods, fly fishing rods and reels, flies, waders in various sizes for all, wading boots in a range of sizes for all, bath towels, soaps, shampoo and basics, food & beverages.
  • If you're looking for some 'unique' accommodation in Alaska, Bear Trail Lodge has a cozy and luxurious guest yurt!

Lows

  • Bear in mind that trips are designed around the time of year that you would like to visit Alaska. Not all adventures are open, available, or safe during the entire season. Decide what time of year you want to visit, and they'll tell you what fishing is available based on species. Alternatively, if you know what species you want to fish, they can tell you when to plan your trip.