Fishing Bear Camp

Describing a place as unique and special as Fishing Bear Camp is anything but easy. At its core this modest and endearing family-run Alaskan camp offers its guests just the right amount of roughing it and an opportunity to experience a remarkable diversity of true wilderness fly fishing.

Backed up against the surreal spires of the Wind River range, right in the heart of southwest Alaska's 1.6-million acre Wood-Tikchik State Park, Fishing Bear employs jetboats to fly fish a host of seldom seen small streams for hearty rainbows, abundant Arctic char and large surface oriented grayling. In addition to these smaller under the radar stealth systems, guests can enjoy trophy rainbow fly fishing sessions on the renowned Agulapak. For dry fly enthusiasts, lovers of solitude and exceptional scenery, or families in search of adventure and a rewarding introduction to the wonders of wilderness fly fishing, this is a place that leaves guests planning their return trip as they fly home.

Each morning after a hearty breakfast, guests will set out in pairs with their experienced guide, one guide for every two anglers, via jetboat for a full day fly fishing. Anglers will jetboat through the interconnected lake system to various streams throughout the heart of the park to fly fish select locations. Fishing Bear will customize each day based on the anglers' fishing goals. While most anglers will wade fish or hike, those who prefer to fish from the boat will have that option as well. The fly fishing venues are unlimited, as guests will be fishing the most diverse freshwater system of rivers, lakes and streams in all of Alaska. From Fishing Bear Camp, daily fly-outs are not required, with the nearest fishing access within 100 feet of each waterfront guest cabin.

Fishing Bear Camp, hand built by its owners, is a small family operated fly-in camp catering to a maximum of eight guests per week. The main dining has an atmosphere of relaxed, friendly comfort and guests may choose to enjoy meals indoors or on shore to experience as much fishing as possible.

The spruce and cedar built cabins have propane lights and heat. Guests cabins are complete with two single beds with top blankets, chairs, table, clothing shelves, and floor rugs. Guests will need to bring their own sleeping bag or sheets, and bath towel.

Each day begins with a hearty warm breakfast and lunch is served riverside by the guides. The camp likes to make an event out of dinner and prepares all meat entrees on the outdoor grill. Fresh salads and homemade breads complement each night's entrée along with a variety of side dishes and desserts.

Day 1: Arrive Dillingham and overnight at Beaver Creek B&B (independently arranged, not included).

Day 2: Take a scenic charter float plane flight from Dillingham to the camp (arranged by lodge, not included in package). Upon arrival at Fishing Bear Camp, guests will move into their waterfront cabin and then head out for a full day of guided fishing.

Days 3-7: Five full days of guided fishing.

Day 8: After breakfast guests will have time to finish packing their gear. Guests will depart the camp in the morning for the charter flight to Dillingham and beyond. Return flights from Dillingham should not be scheduled to depart before 3:00 PM.

2024 Rate: Per person based on double occupancy

• 6 night/6 day package: $5,750 plus estimated $750 round trip charter flight

Included: Accommodations and meals at the camp, guided fishing, airport meet and greet in Dillingham, ground transportation in Dillingham, fly fishing rods, reels, flies, leaders, tippets, etc.

Not Included: Round trip airfare to Dillingham, round trip float plane flight from Dillingham to the camp, accommodations and meals in Dillingham, alcohol, staff and guide gratuities, fishing license, towel

Species: Rainbow trout, Arctic char, grayling, pike, sockeye salmon

Season: Late July to early October

Capacity: 8 anglers

Who is best suited to this destination? This is a great venue for all anglers, beginner and advanced, young, and old. The facility is very simple and modest, so we like to say it’s a camp with just the right amount of roughing it.

Where is the lodge? Fishing Bear Camp sits on the shore of Lake Beverly at the mouth of the Peace River within the 1.6 million acre Wood-Tikchik State Park just north of Dillingham, AK.

How do I get there? Guests fly into Dillingham, AK on Sundays and overnight at the Beaver Creek B&B. On Monday AM, the B&B will transfer you to the float plane for the charter flight into the camp.

When should I go? The camp operates from Late June through September. June has long days filled with great streamer and mouse fishing. Some of the largest pike are also available early. By Mid-July consistent dry fly fishing happens for trout and grayling, and the pike fishing continues. August offers high catch rates with egg patterns for trout, char and grayling as the sockeye begin to spawn in many small streams around the interconnected lake system. September offers the best numbers of char along with the largest and healthiest rainbow trout of the season.

How will I fish? The camp does some fishing out of the boat, but they rely mostly on wade fishing. During certain times some longer off-trail hiking trips to remote tributaries are also available. Most weeks have opportunities to fish dry flies for trout and grayling, and during mid-August through early September the egg fishing can be great. Streamer tactics take a good number of fish early and late in the season as well.

Is there wade fishing? Yes, most of the fishing is done while wading. With that said, the lodge can also cater to those who rather fish from the boat on most of their days. Its best to expect some walking and wading, although not overly physical.

Where will I fish? The lodge fishes the lake for pike and many tributaries of the interconnected lake system within the Wood Tikchik State Park for trout, char, and grayling. They can access numerous under the radar small streams and larger thoroughfares including the renowned Agulapak, Wood and the Peace Rivers.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? From only a couple minutes to about 45 minutes in the boat. They have an extensive inter-connected lake system, with many tributaries, so there are lots of areas to explore.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? Rainbow trout, Arctic char, grayling, northern pike, sockeye salmon

How many fish will I catch? Catch rates depend on what anglers may be targeting. Trophy pike fishing might have one hooking only a couple a day, while trout, grayling and char can be quite productive. For folks that are trout hunters, having double digit days is common.

Will I see other anglers? Many small streams will offer solitude, but on the larger systems, especially the Agulapak, guests should expect to see other anglers. The area is quite remote, so expect some quiet and solitude can be found.

What are the guides like? The guides here are all hard working, down to earth and have the willingness to cater to their guests needs. 

What are the physical demands? While the physical demands are not overly challenging. Guests must be able to get in and out of boats and walk and wade at certain times. The wading is simple, and the distances guests walk can be kept short or lengthened if there is a willingness and ability to hike further.

Are there any special skills required? No

Does the lodge provide equipment? The camp can provide rods, but we encourage guests to bring their favorites along. All the needed flies and terminal tackle can be supplied. Guests will need to bring their own waders and rubber soled boots, along with a sleeping bag or some sheets for the bed. If brining sheets, the camp can supply cover blankets. I personally prefer to bring along a sleeping bag. Packing along a towel is also needed.

What is your favorite setup for the trip? The best overall trout rod would be a 6- weight. Having a lighter rod for dry fly grayling fishing, say a 3- to 4-weight is nice. If pitching streamers early or late in the season, a 7-weight is a good bet to help turn over the larger flies. Pike fishing is best with an 8-weight as the flies can be large and hard to turn over.

What are the top flies? Always bring some Morrish Mouse patterns, Dali Llama’s in black/white, beads to imitate the eggs and traditional dry flies like parachute Adam’s and elk hair caddis in size 14 to 16.

What are the options if water conditions become challenging? While some of the smaller streams can get a bit high with heavy rains or extreme meltwaters, they rarely blow out. The rivers in between the lakes stay clear throughout the year so there are always fishing opportunities. If guests would like to kayak or hike to take in the scenery, they are always welcome.

What is a typical day like? Breakfast is served around 7:00AM, then guests’ wader up and depart for fishing around 8:00AM. There is no rush here as there is little competition. Lunch is typically served on the river unless fishing close to the lodge. Dinner is on by about 7:00PM. The schedule may change a bit depending on the season.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the camp? The overall vibe is relaxed and comfortable. The camp is run by a very down to earth, hardworking family who make the extra effort to ensure their guests have a great time. They continue to receive the highest marks from their guests, and we have the highest confidence their ability to show folks a great Alaska adventure.

Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the camp? Justin Johns is the owner/operator and is on hand to show guests the best possible trip he can. His son Conner and daughter Kia can also make appearances to help around the camp, even guide and do some of the cooking.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? All meals are served in the main camp dining area. All guests and staff will dine together. Meals are mostly family style, well-proportioned and hearty. There are lots of fresh baked breads, BBQ meats and side dishes. Many of the vegetables are grown on site in the camp’s own greenhouse. There are always snacks like cookies or brownies set out along with coffee tea and hot cocoa. The camp cannot cater greatly to special diets due to the remote area but are happy to do their best with advanced notice.

What is the alcohol policy? Guests are free to bring along their favorite spirits. If a large amount of beer or wine is needed, please give advanced notice and we can assist with an order.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? Guests stay in small double occupancy wooden cabins. They have heat and lights when the generator is operating. Each cabin has two twin beds with pads. The bathroom facility is behind the four cabins and there are three stalls all with a toilet.

Is there internet and/or cell service? The camp does have limited internet via satellite, best for only simple emails. Cell phones will not work.

Are there other activities? Kayaking and hiking. Swimming if the weather is super warm and you enjoy cold water.

Are there any other expenses? Guide gratuities. The overnight and meals in Dillingham along with the round-trip charter flight are not included in the package.

Do I need a visa? No.