Included / Not Included: –
Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, guided fishing, limited selection of flies and/or terminal tackle, transportation between Quinhagak and the lodge.
Not Included: Airfare to/from Anchorage, accommodations and meals in Anchorage, round-trip charter flight between Anchorage and Quinhagek , alcohol, staff and guide gratuities. A limited amount of loaner equipment is available and may be reserved in advance.
Travel Logistics:
Arrival Information: To get to Alaska West you need to make flight arrangements to Anchorage, Alaska. All anglers will need to overnight in Anchorage. (Hotel not included in package)
Getting to the Lodge: Take a charter flight to Quinhagak. (Charter flight is pre-arranged and is an additional cost). In Quinhagak, you will be met by members of the Alaska West staff and transported by jet boat approximately 25 minutes upstream to the camp. Anglers will typically arrive at Alaska West between 4:00 and 5:00PM.
Departure Information: On your departure day you will be transported by jet boat to Quinhagak and take a charter flight back to Anchorage.
Travel Cash:
As a guideline we recommend that each guest travel with approximately $500-$700 for staff & guide gratuities, etc.
Gratuities:
We recommend guide and staff gratuities of approximately 10% of your package price. Tips are pooled and may be given to the head guide at the end of your stay to be distributed amongst all the staff. Alaska West strongly prefers cash for tips, but credit cards are also accepted.
Fishing Licenses:
We recommend that your purchase your fishing licenses online prior to your trip as it is easier than purchasing them at camp. Please use the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game website and purchase a 7 day non-resident fishing license, print the licenses and bring them with you.
If you prefer, you may purchase the license once you get to camp.
Climate:
The weather in southwest Alaska is highly variable. Anglers should always come prepared for cold rainy conditions, especially early and late in the season. July is typically the warmest month, with cooler temperatures in June and August. Typical daytime temperatures range from 40-70 degrees.
Medical Facilities:
The closest medical facility, a small hospital, is in Bethel. However, major medical issues are referred to Anchorage. Guests have the responsibility to disclose any special medical, physical, or dietary needs to the lodge ahead of time. Alaska West will provide Global Rescue Emergency Rescue Services coverage for your stay at their lodge.
Power and Communications:
There are no electrical outlets in the tent cabins. For charging camera batteries, there are electrical banks in the lounge tent. Please rely on battery powered devices.
There is intermittent internet connectivity and cell phone service. There is a business phone that can be used to call out long distance – please have a calling card for long distance charges or you may call collect.
Clothing:
As the climate is extremely changeable and a wide range of temperatures and conditions can be expected, we recommend layering clothes. Anglers should be prepared with thermal underwear, fleece/soft shell jacket, and a rain jacket. Fingerless gloves are nice for cold mornings, and bring along a warm hat for early and late season fishing. Synthetic fabrics are preferred to cotton. Dress at the lodge is neat but casual.
Laundry:
Laundry service is not available, however, in case of emergencies, laundry service can be provided. There are hand washing sinks in each of the bathrooms.
Beverages/Alcohol:
The village of Quinhagak is ‘dry’. This means that it is illegal to possess alcohol within city limits. Violators of this tribal law face fines and/or embarrassment. Alaska West does not provide alcohol to their anglers. They respect local residents’ alcohol issues. Please call us at 800.552.2729 for more information on this sensitive issue.
Tackle/Equipment List:
Tackle for Rainbows:
Rods: Trout; 9-10 ft. 4-7 wt. rods
Reels: Any well-made reel with at least 100 yards of backing.
Lines: Trout; Weight forward floating lines are the norm but if you are fishing in June, July, or September bring along sinking tip lines such as the Mastery wet tip type 4, Teeny 200, or the Rio Versi-Tip in the appropriate weights.
Leaders/Tippet: Trout; 9-10 ft tapered leaders in 2X- 5X (four or five of each) and tippet to match.
Flies: Alaska West provides flies to their anglers free of charge, but if you decide you’d tie or bring your own, here are some recommendations. Flesh Fly. Cotton candy, Sculpin #2-6 Brown and olive, Mice #2-6, Egg patterns: Plastic beads in 6 to 10 millimeter diameter in various colors of pink to orange, Leeches #2-8 in olive, brown, purple, white and black in sizes 2 to 8.
Tackle for Silver Salmon:
Fly Rods: We recommend 7 weight to 9 weight quality rods with actions that are well suited for casting in windy conditions.
Reels: Durable reels with a medium to strong disc drag are necessary. Spool capacity should be at least 150 yards of 20 pound backing.
Lines: A floating line along with at least one sink tip is usually best. Sink tips should be 5 feet to 15 feet with a medium to fast sink rate.
Leaders/Tippet: 10 to 15 pound monofilament.
Tackle for King Salmon:
Fly Rods: 10 weight to 12 weight rods are recommended, with 9 weight being on the light side. In most cases the line and flies are heavy so high modulus good quality rods are best. Spey or two handed rods are also a popular alternative because of their power and line control capabilities.
Reels: We recommend very durable reels with a strong disc type drag and a large spool capacity of at least 200 yards of 30 pound backing.
Lines: 100 to 500 grain, fast to extra fast shooting heads, and sink tips of 15 to 30 feet are all very common. Versatility is important. An interchangeable shooting head system is a good way to address varied water conditions.
Leaders/Tippet: Leader should be abrasion resistant monofilament of 15 to 20 pound strength.
Waders & Boots: Chest high breathable and or neoprene waders with felt soled wading boots. No studs or cleats please, as they damage the aircrafts and boats.
Miscellaneous: Polaroid fishing glasses, needle nose pliers or hemostats for releasing fish, nippers, camera and lots of film, insect repellent and a head net if you are sensitive to bugs, sunscreen, a waterproof bag for your day gear, hat, bandana, split shot, and tape measure.
