Reel Action Alaska Lodge operates as a small, full-service single occupancy tent lodge on the lower portion of the Kanektok River. Only one mile from tidewater, the camp location was carefully chosen to provide guests with a front row seat on some of the freshest, chrome bright fly fishing action in Alaska. Some of the best holding water for fresh king, silver, chum and pink salmon is found right in front of the lodge.

A remarkably diverse fishery, the Kanektok River is perfectly suited to both single-hand and Spey rod angling. This is truly one of Alaska’s premier opportunities to target both king salmon and silvers on the fly. What makes the fishing experience especially unique is that in addition to having some of the best access to chrome bright salmon, Reel Action also has a tremendous rainbow trout fishery in both the lower and upper river. Kanektok River leopard rainbows are very top-water oriented, easily enticed with a mouse pattern skimming across the surface. High catch rates, easy wading and open back-casts are the norm. Anglers will fish two per guide and move about the river system in 18-foot jetboats.

Located in southwestern Alaska near the coastal village of Quinhagak, Reel Action Alaska is perfectly situated along the banks of the Kanektok River with the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. The Kanektok River is a healthy system with runs of all five species of Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and grayling. Anglers will fish the lower 20-miles of river most days, and will spend one day on the upper section in the Togiak National Refuge Wilderness area.

Downriver from the lodge is the tidewater where kings, silvers, chums, sockeye and pink salmon first hold when they enter the river. The lower river includes many gravel bars and a shallow depth that makes it perfect for swinging flies for salmon. The upriver sections allow wading side channels to fly fish for rainbows and grayling, targeting salmon in smaller water, drifting classic day-long beats, and working extremely productive Dolly Varden flats.

A Special Use Permit allowing access into the Togiak National Refuge Wilderness Area. This is a unique addition to their fishing program as this is a remote portion of the river few others ever see. Each guest will have one full day of fishing this remote section of river with owner and head guide, Paul Jacob. On the upper section, guests can expect to catch rainbow trout, Dolly Vardon, chum, silver salmon and Arctic grayling.

Guests will access each section in 16- to 18-foot flat-bottomed Jon boats. Depending on the day and location, anglers may fish from the boat, anchor to swing or strip flies, drift with a dry fly for trout, or use the boats to access various locations for walk and wade fishing.

This full-service tent lodge has been designed to provide guests with all the comforts needed for living in the bush. The heated dining and lounge tent is spacious and contains a TV and DVD player, plenty of tables and chairs to relax, a dart board, two fly-tying tables, and plenty of cold drinks and coffee. Guests will eat three meals per day and can choose to eat in the dining tent or have a shore lunch to maximize fishing time. The master chef curates thoughtful meals usually including steak, salmon, or wild game.

Guests can enjoy kicking back in the screened lounge tent, complete with comfortable lounge chairs, while watching passing wildlife and leaping salmon, or admiring the distant mountain ranges. The shower tent has an on-demand water heater with hot and cold running water, as well as a sink and vanity mirror. The restrooms are outhouses that are cleaned and maintained daily and are conveniently located on paths central to guests’ tents.

Customized spacious, single-occupancy Weatherport tent cabins with wooden floors and rugs are the sleeping quarters. These wall tents are super strong and waterproof. They are furnished with a padded cot, a quilt with high-quality sleeping bag, soft pillows, dresser, lantern, mosquito coil, clean linens for showering, clothes hangers, windows with screening, and plenty of storage room for luggage and gear. Guests with wet gear may use the drying tent to prepare their gear for the next day’s fishing.

Day 1: Arrive Anchorage and overnight at elected accommodations (independently arranged, not included)

Day 2: Depart Anchorage and fly to Quinhagak (independently arranged, not included). Guests will be met by a camp representative and transferred to camp (included in the package). Guests will have time to get settled and prepare their gear for the following days of fishing.

Days 3 - 8: Six full days of guided fishing

Day 9: Depart for home or points beyond.

2024 Rate: Per person based on double occupancy

• 7 night/6 day package: $7,500

Included: Accommodations and meals, guided fishing, rods, flies and all terminal tackle and transportation between Quinhagak and the lodge

Not Included: Round trip airfare from guests’ hometown to Quinhagak, Alaska, fishing licenses, travel insurance, waders, boots, clothing and guide or staff gratuities

Species: Five species of salmon, rainbow trout, char, grayling

Season: June – September

Capacity: 10 anglers

Who is best suited to this destination? Anglers who appreciate productive fishing and simple accommodations. This is one of the best river systems to swing flies for king salmon based on its size, gravel bar nature and productive runs. The river can offer anglers a diverse fishing experience with great numbers of all five species of salmon and productive rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing.

Where is the lodge? The tent camp is located two miles upstream of the native community of Quinhagak in remote western Alaska. The river originates in the Togiak Wildlife Refuge and terminates at the Bering sea.

How do I get there? Guests will fly to Anchorage and overnight, or conversely, they can arrive and connect to the mid-morning flight to Bethel, Alaska. In Bethel travelers will connect to the lodge coordinated flight to the community of Quinhagak. In Quinhagak the lodge representatives will meet guests at the airport, collect baggage and transfer to the boats. Once boats are loaded, a short ride upriver to the lodge is the final leg of the journey.

When should I go? June and the first two weeks of July offers the best king salmon fishing and some of the best mouse fishing for rainbow trout. In July the trout fishing continues while offering chum and sockeye salmon. The first of August marks the start of the silver salmon season with rainbow trout and great numbers of Dolly Varden.

How will I fish? King season is dominated by swinging flies while wading with Spey rods. Guests can also anchor and fish from the boats with single hand rods in certain circumstances. Trout fishing can be a mix of walking and wading side channels or braids, and casting while drifting in the boat in the main river channel. Silver salmon season offers lots of wading and casting while stripping streamers.

Is there wade fishing? The guides can certainly cater entirely to a wade-only preference, but a mix of boat and wade fishing usually covers the opportunities a bit better if guests are willing.

Where will I fish? The Kanektok river. The river runs nearly 100 miles from its headwaters to the Bering sea. Guests can expect all but one day to be on the lower 20 miles below the Togiak Wildlife Refuge boundary. Each guest will have the opportunity to fish one day above the boundary due to the camp’s special use permit.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? The tent camp is riverside, and fishing may begin within sight of camp. Conversely, the two guests that are fishing above the Togiak Refuge boundary will be spending the first hour or so on a scenic boat ride.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? At various times, all five species of salmon are available. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden along with some grayling also in the mix.

How many fish will I catch? Good king angling will have a handful of encounters in the day. Trout anglers should expect consistent fishing with double digit days possible for persistent anglers. If targeting silver salmon or Dolly Varden in August, guests can expect dozens of fish on a good day.

Will I see other anglers? There are two other outfitted camps on the lower river and another in the middle section. Expect to see other boats from the local native community as well. While there are other boats and anglers, the fishing remains productive on a river large enough to enjoy the experience.

What are the guides like? Paul Jacob is part owner and head guide. Paul will be the guide while fishing above the Togiak Refuge boundary. He is an experienced professional and highly skilled guide. His crew follows suit and are hardworking, professional, and mentored well.

What are the physical demands? Some walking and wading is required, but overall, the physical demands are low.

Are there any special skills required? There are no special skills required to fish this river.

Does the lodge provide equipment? The lodge can supplement rods and reels but it is best for anglers to arrive with the pertinent equipment. Flies and terminal tackle are also available from the guides, but again having a small selection is best as the remote setting makes it difficult to resupply equipment during the season.

What is your favorite setup for the trip?

General sizing follows:

• King salmon – 12- to 14-foot. 8- to 9-weight Spey rods with Skagit style heads and various “T” tips.
• Rainbow trout – 9-foot 6-weight with floating line
• All other Salmon – 9-foot 8-weight with floating line

What are the top flies? For king salmon large intruder-style flies in blue, black, pink, chartreuse and orange tend to work quite well in size 1 to 1/0 stinger style hooks. For rainbow trout a Morrish Mouse in size 6 will not disappoint. For silver salmon, a Starlight Leech in pink for subsurface fishing and any pink foam popper pattern for surface presentations.

What are the options if water and weather conditions become challenging? This is a one river camp so there are no other options if the conditions become challenging. It is a rare event to not have productive and fishable conditions.

What is a typical day like? Breakfast is served in the dining tent around 6:00AM. Fishing days start between 7:00 and 7:30AM. Boats will transport guests to prime locations and guests will either wade or fish from the boat depending on the target species, guest preference or specific situation. Lunch is a packed lunch served riverside. Guests return to camp between 5:00 and 6:00PM. Appetizers and dinner will follow guests’ arrival to the lodge.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge?

The tent camp has a casual and relaxed atmosphere.

Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge? Paul Jacob is owner and head guide, and guests can expect him to be on site.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Camp meals are served in the large dining tent and are family style. Meals are hearty, filling, and prepared by a professional chef. Expect breakfast basics like eggs, pancakes, sausage, and bacon. Lunch is either served back at camp if guests are near or packed for the day and served on the river. Lunches usually consist of a sandwich, chips, fruit, and snacks. Dinner is a mix of protein main dishes with salads and sides.

What is the alcohol policy? The camp is within the native community of Quinhagak. This is a dry community, so guests are not permitted to bring alcohol and lodge is not able to provide alcohol.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? This is a tent camp style lodging experience. Guests will have their own Weatherport tent with cot and sleeping pad. There is a table and chair in each guest tent with hangers and space for gear. These tents are simple and provide ample protection from the elements. There is a large dining tent where meals are served. A screened lounge tent offers a relaxing space, and the drying tent will have guests’ gear warm and dry for each fishing day. There is a shower tent with on demand hot water, sink and vanity. The camp has outhouses that are cleaned and maintained daily. If guests need generator power for a C-Pap machine, the lodge offers transportable 2000-watt Honda generators.

Are single accommodations available? If so, is there an up-charge?

Each guest will have their own tent included in the rate.

Is there internet and/or cell service? Most cell phones will not work here. There is simple satellite Wi-Fi, but only good for simple emails.

Are there other activities? This is a fishing focused camp and there are no other activities.

Are there any other expenses? Plane flights to/from Quinhagak are not included along with fishing license, king stamps and gratuities.

Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances? This is a remote community with limited services. Medical issues will require a flight to either Bethel or Anchorage. Guests should not take any unnecessary risks. There are bears and other wildlife in this region, but overall rare and not an issue. In fact, it is rare to see bears or moose as the tend to flee due to the native community actively hunting those animals. There are biting insects and guests should be prepared. There are inherent risks with operating boats as well.