If you want to experience wild and pristine lands and experience the best wild rainbow fishing on the planet, you might want to consider Big Ku Lodge. The owners of Royal Wolf Lodge Chris and Linda Branham have just completed a very comfortable out-camp lodge at Big Ku. The new lodge offers limited fly out and trips of shorter duration, designed for outdoor individuals who do not want to fly every day as well as those with a busy schedule that just want to take a few days off and still reap the benefits of the best rainbow fishing in Alaska, all within walking distance of thier cabin. The land around the outlet of Kukaklek, or the Big Ku, is within Katmai National Park Preserve and is also private. It belongs to the Igiugig (Ig-ee-og-ig) Native Corporation, a native village corporation established during the land settlements with the aboriginal native peoples of Alaska. The Branham’s secured a long term lease on the property giving them lease rights to over five-thousand acres. It includes all the prime lands downstream on both banks of the river and miles of the shoreline along the lake, thus giving their guests unlimited access to the best rainbow fishing throughout the whole season. The lodge facilities include a main cabin, with living, dining room, full bath and kitchen, plus two separate cabins, bedroom and private bath. The buildings stand on a high bluff overlooking the river and lake. It is open tundra country with scattered brush and small spruce trees. You will see brown bear, wolves, caribou, moose, eagles, and loons from the comfort and security of your private cabin.
Big Ku Lodge Travel:
To get to Royal Wolf’s Big Ku Lodge you will need to make flight arrangements to Anchorage, Alaska. All anglers will need to overnight in Anchorage the evening prior to arriving at the lodge and are responsible for making these reservations.
On Friday you will take a charter flight from Anchorage to Igiugig with ACE Passenger Charter Service. This flight is scheduled to leave at 11:30AM. Check-in Time: 1 hour before flight, no later than 10:30AM:
ACE Passenger Charter Service
Anchorage International Airport, South (or Main) Terminal,
Lower Level, Gate A13 (Grant Aviation sign)
Phone: 907.334.5100
Toll Free: 888.722.0232
The return flight on the following Friday arrives back in Anchorage at about 2:00PM. Please allow extra time in Anchorage before connecting home as weather related delays are common in bush flying. DO NOT SCHEDULE ANY FLIGHTS BEFORE 4:00PM.
Note: While the lodge will make your flight reservations to Igiugig for you, you will pay the lodge for these tickets at the end of your stay. We anticipate that these tickets will cost approximately $480 per person. With fuel prices in dramatic flux, these rates are subject to change.
The allowable baggage weight per person is 60 pounds maximum. Dividing your gear into two soft bags is advisable. Baggage length may not exceed 36” and rod cases may not be over 5’ in length. Baggage should be checked in at least 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
Big Ku Lodge Fishing:
Royal Wolf’s Big Ku Lodge fishes some of the select waters of the greater Iliamna/Katmai region of Bristol Bay. These waters include Moraine Creek, Battle Creek, American Creek, Kulik River, Brooks River, but emphasizes fishing the Big Ku which is under private lease. While all five species of pacific salmon, arctic char, Dolly Varden, and grayling abound in these waters, Royal Wolf is first and foremost dedicated to providing their clientele with the unparalleled trophy rainbow fishing. Three day packages include one fly out while four day packages include two fly outs (weather permitting). Short daily fly-outs in well-maintained floatplanes take anglers to the stream where they will access the water by raft, jet boat or foot. Royal Wolf also has some of the states most experienced and productive guides. Big Ku is a large system and can fish well with spey rods especially early and late in the season.
Big Ku Lodge Accommodations:
Big Ku Lodge can accommodate 6 guests in two new duplex cabins overlooking Kukaklek Lake. All cabins have heat, private baths and comfortable beds. Meals are served in the main lodge. All accommodations are double occupancy. While Big Ku Lodge is not fancy, it is comfortable and it has one of the best and most dramatic locations we have seen.
Big Ku Lodge 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. Typical daytime temperatures range from 40-80 degrees.
Big Ku Lodge 2008 Rates:
$2750.00 (Three days with one fly out)
$3850.00 (Four days with two fly outs)
$5850.00 (Seven days with three fly outs)
Included:
Transportation from Igiugig to the lodge and the return to Igiugig, fly-outs, (weather permitting) personal guides, and/or pilot, use of boats and rafts, instruction, fishing licenses, flies, and all meals and soft drinks.
Not Included:
Airfare to and from Anchorage, hotel and meals in Anchorage, airfare to and from Igiugig (approximately $480 round trip from Anchorage, payable in check or cash at the end of your stay), hard alcohol (please feel free to bring your own bottle), fishing gear equipment and staff gratuities.
Alaska