Welcome to your Fly Water Travel trip guide. We’re excited to help you prepare for your upcoming adventure! Inside, you’ll find everything you need: your to-do list, travel logistics, destination notes, and a curated tackle guide tailored to your trip.
Getting Ready
We’ve created a quick checklist of essential tasks to make sure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. If questions come up or you need anything at all, just give us a call, we’re here to help every step of the way.
To-Do List:
✓ Arrange flights to/from Anchorage, Alaska
✓ Arrange accommodations in Anchorage (if applicable)
✓ Send Fly Water Travel Anchorage flight and hotel information
✓ Arrange flights to Iliamna with Lake and Peninsula Air
✓ Purchase an Alaska fishing license
✓ Complete personal online guest registration form and sign waiver
From how to get there and what documents you’ll need to tipping guidelines and destination details, this section covers the practical information to ensure smooth travels.
Getting to the Lodge:
To get to Intricate Bay Lodge, guests will need to arrange travel to and from Anchorage, Alaska (ANC). From Anchorage, guests will need to arrange their round trip charter flight with Lake and Peninsula Air to Iliamna State Airport (ILI), which is not included in your package. After landing in Iliamna, an Intricate Bay representative will pick you up and fly you 20 minutes in their floatplane to the lodge.
Arrival Day:
There are technically two days that can be considered as arrival days. Below we have outlined both of these days:
- Anchorage Arrival: Guests arrive the day prior to their lodge transfer, and overnight at their elected accommodations in Anchorage (not included in package).
- Intricate Bay Lodge Arrival: This morning, you will need to arrange transport to Lake and Peninsula Air's office for your charter flight to Iliamna State Airport (ILI). The flight time varies on routes and weather, so expect anywhere from 1-2 hours. When you land in Iliamna, a representative from the lodge will be ready to help you with your luggage and transport you to the lodge via a 20 minute float plane ride. At the lodge you'll be given a brief tour of the property, shown to your accommodations, and prepare for your upcoming fishing days.
Departure Day:
Your last day at Intricate Bay is still a fishing day. After a day on the water you will return to the lodge around 4 PM for your float plane flight back to Iliamna, where you will begin your journey home.
Lake and Peninsula Air Flight:
The round-trip charter flight between Anchorage and Iliamna is operated by Lake and Peninsula Air, and is not included in your package price. Please call or email them to book your flight, and let them know you will be visiting Intricate Bay Lodge. The cost is $620 roundtrip, and can be paid on site upon arrival to their office in Anchorage. Your flight includes 50lbs on luggage, and you will be billed at $1.07 per extra pound. Cancelling or rescheduling a flight will result in a 10% fee.
Lake and Peninsula Air
1740 East 5thAvenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Phone: 907.345.2228 or toll free 888.741.2228
Email: lakeandpenair@gmail.com
Recommended Travel Agent:
Alicia Regueiro, Holdy Tours
800-446-1111 or 925-927-6617
alicia@holdytours.com
Anchorage Hotels:
Hotel Captain Cook
939 W 5th Ave
This is a luxury hotel located in downtown Anchorage.
Lakefront Anchorage Hotel
4800 Spenard Rd.
Set on the shores of Lake Hood, the busiest seaplane base in the world, the Lakefront gets high marks for its great Alaskan feel. The hotel has a full bar and restaurant and offers airport shuttles.
Courtyard Marriott
4901 Spenard Rd.
With its short drive from the airport and convenient shuttle, this is a great option. The hotel offers a small bistro that is open for breakfast and dinner.
Puffin Inn
4400 Spenard Rd.
This is the least expensive option closest to the Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC). We suggest requesting a room in the updated wing. They offer a convenient airport shuttle and a complimentary continental breakfast.
Anchorage Restaurants:
Glacier Brewhouse
737 5th Avenue
Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
3300 Old Seward Hwy
Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse
610 W 6th Avenue
Snow City Café
1034 W 4th Ave
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°F - 70°F.
Clothing:
As the climate is extremely changeable and a wide range of temperatures and conditions can be expected, we recommend layering clothes. Typical fishing clothing consists of synthetic long underwear, fleece jacket and pants, hooded sweatshirt, and a good fishing rain jacket. Fingerless gloves are nice for cold mornings and bring along a warm hat for early and late season fishing. For anglers made particularly uncomfortable by biting insects, pack along a mosquito head net if visiting during the first half of the season.
Travel Cash:
As a guideline, we recommend that each guest travel with approximately $1,500 -$2,000 for staff and guide gratuities, alcohol, etc.
Gratuities:
The following are guidelines, and all gratuities are up to the discretion of the individual guest. Gratuities can be given directly to the lodge owner, Brian harry, at the end of the fishing week for distribution to guides and lodge staff. Cash is greatly appreciated.
- 15% of the total trip cost
Fishing Licenses:
Fishing licenses are not included and can be purchased in advance HERE. Licenses can also be purchased on-site at the lodge. Guests need to have the following:
- Alaska sport fishing license (seven days, beginning on arrival day at the lodge)
Note: Alaska requires that anglers carry their fishing license and identification on them while on the water. Please be sure to print a copy of the license.
Cell Coverage and Wi-Fi:
- Cell Coverage: While there can be a faint signal at the lodge, it is best not to rely on cell signal while on the property. There is a lodge landline in case of emergencies that guests are welcome to use.
- Wi-Fi: Available throughout the lodge.
Power:
The lodge has 24-hour power.
Laundry:
Laundry services are not available, please pack accordingly.
Water:
Filtered water is readily available, but tap water is also acceptable to drink.
Beverages/Alcohol:
- Beer, Wine and Alcohol: Not included in the package, but available for purchase
- Soft Drinks and Mixers: Included in package
Note: Since Intricate Bay Lodge holds a liquor license, guests are not allowed to bring their own alcohol per Alaska State Law. Please contact Brian Harry for more information on Intricate Bay's alcohol policy.
Travel and Health Considerations:
Insect repellent and a head net are recommended, especially through mid-August. Bears are also very common, and your guides are trained to work around them.
Medical Facilities:
The closest medical facility is in Iliamna, but is not capable of handling serious conditions. For emergencies, the nearest medical facility is in Anchorage, which is about a one to two hour flight from the lodge. Guests have the responsibility to disclose any special medical, physical, or dietary needs to the lodge ahead of time. In emergency situations, a charter flight may be required to reach a medical facility. Guests may want to consider medical evacuation coverage. We recommend Global Rescue.
Recommended Medical Evacuation Carrier and Insurance Provider:
Global Rescue
Here you’ll find everything you need to be ready on the water. You’ll find our preferred setups, favorite flies, recommended packing list, and notes on tackle available at the lodge.
Intricate Bay Lodge Tackle Overview
We recommend traveling to Intricate Bay lodge with 2 setups. The first being a 9 foot 6 weight trout rod. This will cover the vast majority of trout as well as grayling and Dolly Varden you'll find in the systems in the Bristol Bay region. The second is a general salmon setup. Depening on the time of year, guests will have the chance to chase numerous species of pacific salmon. As an overall salmon rod, we prefer a 9 foot 8 weight, paired with a strong drag.
Intricate Bay Lodge Provided Equipment:
- Rods/Reels/Lines: Intricate Bay has loaner rods and reels available for guest use. Please notify Fly Water Travel in advance of your trip so we can let the outfitter know you'll need gear.
- Flies: Flies are included in the package price. Guests are also welcome to bring or tie their own. For a list of flies that work in Alaska, please see the bottom of this page.
- Waders & Boots: Waders and boots are provided. Guests are also welcome to bring their own but be sure that they are not felt soles as these are not allowed or legal in Alaska.
Intricate Bay Lodge Trout Setup
If we were only allowed to bring one trout rod to Alaska, it would have to be a 9 foot 6 weight with a fighting butt. Since many of the flies thrown in Alaska can be larger, a 6 weight is able to handle these with much more grace than a lighter rod. In addition, the trout in the region are also known to be larger than average, and having the backbone of a 6 weight helps tremendously when attempting to land the fish of a lifetime. The added fighting butt allows more control of the fish and reduces arm fatigue during the fight. Rods should be paired with a good freshwater reel, with at least 100 yards of backing. We prefer all around, weight forward floating fly lines since a variety of techniques can be employed. Since the trout are bigger in Alaska than most other places, we recommend leader and tippet primarily in the 2X - 4X range. Conveniently, this setup will also function great for both Arctic Char and Dolly Varden.
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Regular price $1,100.00Regular priceSale price $1,100.00 -
TROUT 4/5/6
Classic / Full Frame
Regular price $425.00Regular priceSale price $425.00 -
Elite Gold
All Around - Go-To
Regular price $129.99Regular priceSale price $129.99 -
Powerflex Trout Leader
All Around - Go-To
Regular price $5.99 – $13.99Regular priceSale price $5.99 – $13.99
Intricate Bay Lodge Salmon Setup
While the trout fishing in Alaska is world class, most anglers know the state for its salmon fishing. Alaska offers great fishing for 5 of the pacific salmon; Silvers, Kings, Chum, Pinks, and Sockeye. For an overall Alaska salmon rod, we find a 9 foot 8 weight gets the job done in the majority of scenarios. Rods should be paired with high quality reels with a strong drag, and at least 200 yards of backing. Flies can be successfully fished both subsurface and on the surface, and a weight forward floating fly line matched with the correct rod weight will be a good bet. Since salmon are a very strong fish, we recommend that guests fish no less than 16lb leader and tippet.
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Regular price $1,100.00Regular priceSale price $1,100.00 -

Enforcer 7/8
Saltwater Specific
Regular price $600.00Regular priceSale price $600.00 -
Premier OutBound Short Fly Line
Power Cast / Shooting Line
Regular price $99.99Regular priceSale price $99.99 -
Fluoroflex Steelhead/Salmon Leader
Fluorocarbon - Spooky Salmon/Steelhead
Regular price $16.99Regular priceSale price $16.99 -
Fluoroflex Strong Tippet
Fluorocarbon - Spooky Fish / Strongest
Regular price $17.99 – $49.99Regular priceSale price $17.99 – $49.99
Support Your Local Fly Shop
If you need assistance with assembling your gear for your upcoming travels, we encourage you to support your local fly shop. This curated list of tackle is handpicked for your destination by our experts and can serve as your shopping list to get your ready for your next adventure. Find your local Far Bank dealer.
Intricate Bay Lodge's Recommended Flies
Intricate Bay Lodge provides guests with flies during their stay. If you were to bring or tie some of your own, here are some common patterns that work well throughout the season.
Trout, Char, and Grayling
- Dolly Llama - Olive/White (Sizes 2-4)
- RIO's Morrish Mouse - Natural (Sizes 4-6)
- Beads - Peach and Roe (6mm - 10mm)
- Flesh Fly - Peach, Cream, and White (Sizes 2-8)
- RIO's Morrish Sculpin - Black and Olive (Sizes 2-4)
- Stimulator - Orange and Yellow (Sizes 8-12)
Silver, Chum, Sockeye, and Pink Salmon
- Starlight Leech - Pink (Sizes 1-2)
- Pollywog - Pink (1/0-2)
- Clouser Minnow - Chartreuse and Pink (Sizes 1-2)
- Egg Sucking Leech - Black/Purple and Blue/Black (Sizes 1-2)
- Flash Fly - Pink and Pink/White (Sizes 1-2)
Suggested Packing List
We understand packing for an adventure is not easy. On a trip like this it is very important to have everything you need and nothing you do not. Because of the varying weather conditions in Alaska, it is important to have a wide variety of clothing options.
Documents:
Plane tickets, itinerary, photo ID, credit card, cash, fishing license
Socks:
Four pairs of wool or synthetic socks to wear under your waders. Two pairs of camp socks.
Shirts:
Two or three long sleeve, hooded fishing shirts. One or two camp shirts.
Undergarments:
Two pairs of synthetic long underwear to wear beneath your waders. One mid-weight and one heavyweight. These can be worn by themselves or together, depending on conditions.
Hats:
Two fishing or baseball hats. One warm wool hat.
Rain Jacket:
One high-quality rain jacket. Either a waterproof or a high-quality Gore-Tex jacket. Make sure your jacket is large enough to fit over some layers of clothing and the coat/jacket you plan to wear.
Warm Layers:
Two warm insulating layers. Synthetic fleece is good. It is best to avoid cotton.
Camp Shoes:
One pair of shoes for around the lodge
Gloves:
One pair of warm fishing gloves for early or late in the season. These can also be used to keep the bugs off your hands.
Buff:
One facial sun protector. This can also be used to keep the bugs off your face.
Sunglasses:
One pair of polarized sunglasses. It is great to have a lens cleaner and a soft cleaning cloth as well.
Sunscreen:
One bottle 30+ SPF
Lip Balm:
One tube of 30+ SPF lip balm
Insect Repellent:
Insect repellent and a lightweight head net
Backpack:
One waterproof backpack or boat bag for day gear
Camera:
Camera with extra batteries and a waterproof case/bag
Headlamp:
One small LED headlamp with batteries
Toiletries Kit:
Toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, razor, lotion, mini shampoo bottle, anti-inflammatory, sleep aid, earplugs, band aids, anti-bacterial ointment, antihistamines, Gold Bond powder and Pepto.
Contact Taylor Goodhue
Taylor is a native Oregonian who has been passionate about fly fishing for as long as he can remember. Prior to joining Fly Water Travel, he worked with Confluence Fly Shop in Bend, Oregon, where he served as an instructor, guide, and sales associate. His deep love for both travel and the sport has taken him across the globe in pursuit of a wide variety of fish species.








