Igiugig Lodge 

Alaska

The Igiugig Lodge (Ig-ee-AH-gig) sits on the bank of Lake Iliamna near the mouth of the ruggedly beautiful Kvichak (Kwee-Jack) River . For fly anglers, the Kvichak’s most famous inhabitants are its supercharged steelhead-esque rainbow trout. These fish grow to epic proportions in Lake Iliamna and return to the river each summer to fatten up. Although these high flying rainbows are a huge draw, opportunities to target all five species of salmon, grayling, arctic char and even huge northern pike are also available at various times. The cozy Igiugig Lodge can accommodate up to six guests and offers a highly personalized and customizable experience. Bookings for the entire lodge can be made exclusively available with a reservation of only four guests. Each day three anglers can set out in a Cessna floatplane to explore Alaska’s backcountry, while two others stay behind for a guided jet-boat experience on the mighty Kvichak. The guides and staff will discuss your fishing options and recommend the best plan to meet your angling goals for each day.

Pilot and guide Brad Waitman has over 25 years of experience flying in the Alaskan bush and guiding the waters of Bristol Bay. Brad’s resume includes decades in the lodging business and over 5,000 hours of flight time. He’s a certified First Aid and CPR First Responder and fully licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. His wife Brenda is a third generation Alaskan native and will work to ensure that you’re comfortable and that every detail of your experience is looked after. With so many diverse fisheries available and species to target, the flexibility of this small Alaskan lodge makes it a Fly Water favorite for warm Alaskan hospitality, stellar fishing for super charged rainbows and a highly personalized experience.

Locations:
Igiugig Lodge is located near the small village of Igiugig in southwestern Alaska at the outlet of Lake Iliamna and the source of the Kvichak River. Flight time from Anchorage is about 30 minutes.

The time in Alaska is 1 hour earlier than the US Pacific Time Zone.

Fishing Program:
Located right at the mouth of the Kvichak river, Igiugig Lodge provides easy access to some of the most powerful wild rainbow trout found anywhere in the world. The Kvichak is a large river but features miles of numerous braids and side channels that offer a more intimate experience. Anglers access the Kvichak via a jet powered boat that’s launched at the lodge and then motored downstream to the prime fishing grounds.

Anglers not spending the day on the Kvichak are flown out via floatplane to numerous destinations surrounding the lodge. Typically rainbow trout are the primary target species. Anglers chase them on Moraine and Funnel Creek, Little Ku, Big Ku, American, Battle, Talarik and Brooks. Depending on conditions fly anglers might also target the eager and stunningly beautiful arctic grayling on the surface with dry flies. Northern pike with some reaching the gargantuan proportions of 50 inches also may be available. Arctic char and Dolly Varden can be numerous in certain systems and provide lots of great action as well as some of the most striking colors of any fish in Alaska. Though not always available at all times, all five species of Pacific Salmon (Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Chum and Pink) are found within the range of the lodge. Plan on a trip during the June-July time frame for Chinook and mid August-September for Coho. Conventional fishing for King salmon is also available on the Nushagak in later June and July.

Region:
The Bristol Bay watershed boasts pristine wilderness, majestic views, enormous rainbow trout, five species of salmon, arctic char, grayling, pike and trout, as well as the second largest national park in the United States. Katmai National Park consists of 4.2 million acres of virtually untouched wilderness where moose, caribou, and wolves still roam freely. The greater Bristol Bay region is also the heat of the most productive wild salmon habitat on earth and this inland migration of ocean-fed biomass underpins the health of the entire ecosystem.

Accommodations and Meals:
Igiugig Lodge is modest home-style operation where the emphasis is placed on providing the best possible fishing venues and personalized service and great food at a value. If white tablecloths and matching craftsman cabin décor are what you are after, this down to earth operation might not be the perfect fit.

The main lodge at Igiugig provides for a comfortable respite for anglers to rest their arms, tie flies, read a book or watch a movie on a 40” flat screen. Internet and phone are available and guests stay in private cabins separate from the main lodge. They feature private bathrooms with a bathtub, heat and unlimited hot water. Depending on the arrangement, cabins with either two twin beds or a single king are available.

Hearty meals are served family style in the main lodge. Breakfast includes all the fixings for hungry fisherman including eggs, bacon, potatoes, cereal, fresh fruit and baked goods. Many guests opt for the fresh smoked salmon with bagels and cream cheese. Lunches are packed in coolers to take with you on your day’s adventures and include fresh deli-style sandwiches, chips, cookies and fruit. Hot coffee, water bottles and soda are also a staple every day. Fresh caught fish served streamside is an option on some days. For dinner, guests are treated to Alaska staples like wild salmon, steak, king crab, BBQ chicken, and baby back ribs. Shish-kabobs, scampi, halibut and a host of various sides are also on the menu for your stay. The homemade deserts and fresh baked bread are also Igiugig favorites.

Complete Trip Details