Hoodoo Sport Fishing Lodge

Located on the extreme northwestern tip of the Alaska Peninsula sits one of the most remote sport fishing lodges in the state. Hoodoo Sport Fishing Lodge is on the only privately-owned land on the Hoodoo River (also called the Sapsuk River). Due to its remoteness and limited access, the Hoodoo River has remained one of Alaska’s most unspoiled fisheries. Combining a robust and wild salmon system with excellent guides and comfortable accommodations makes this a unique and sought-after fly-fishing destination.

The lodge sits approximately ten miles from the Bering Sea, with easy access to the Hoodoo River, which has excellent runs of ocean-bright chinook, sockeye, and coho salmon. There are also some resident rainbow trout and Dolly Varden for guests to pursue. Easily wadable and accessed by jetboat, this river offers anglers the best of species diversity on a river made for the swung fly. Guests target king and chum salmon in June and July swinging flies with Spey rods, and strip flies for silvers in August and September.

Hoodoo Sport Fishing Lodge sets the daily schedule around anglers’ desires and the best fishing opportunities at that time. Each evening, the head guide, discusses the fishing options with guests for the next day, and guides will have the boat ready on the dock each morning. In addition to departing the lodge to fish by jetboat, guests have the options to experience a fly-out day trip to Hoodoo Lake for Dolly Varden fishing, or a one or two night fly-out adventure to a nearby wilderness river for salmon fishing. Nights spent away from the lodge are at comfortable, secluded tent camps complete with electricity and heat. These options will be discussed with guests when they arrive at Hoodoo where they can decide which choices are optimal considering the season and guests’ preferred interests. Most guests will fish two anglers per one guide, but during silver season three anglers can fish with one guide if preferred. Jet boats are used to travel the river and all fishing can be done while wading.

King salmon are targeted in June and July with most anglers casting Spey rods in the down and across manner. The river is not overly large, so single hand rods can also be used with success. Silver salmon anglers will cast and strip streamers or popping surface flies. For anglers that want to take a limit home, both sockeye and silver salmon can be harvested. Hoodoo Sport Fishing Lodge has its own fish processing facility, complete with commercial vacuum packaging equipment and freezing facilities. They will filet, vacuum pack, and freeze one complimentary, 30-pound box of fresh fish for each guest to fly home with.

The spacious lodge is comfortably-furnished with lounge and wet bar, open dining area, full-service kitchen, a loft area for fly tying, laundry services, and seven private guest rooms with full showers and bathroom facilities. All double-occupancy rooms have one queen and one single bed. Single rooms can be secured with an extra fee, dependent on availability. There is a separate reading and relaxation area adjacent to the guest rooms as well. The large, heated entryway, designed for getting wading gear on and off, also doubles as a drying area for wet gear. The lounge is large enough for all guests and is often the go-to spot to tell tales after each day’s fishing. All buildings have both hot and cold running water and electricity available around the clock. The entire Hoodoo facility is connected by a boardwalk that runs from the lodge to the floating dock.

Breakfast includes both hot and cold cereals in addition to the chef’s main entree. Riverside lunches usually consist of varying types of cold and hot sandwiches, homemade soups, and fresh fish cooked stream side (weather permitting). Dinners are of the highest quality and include such entrees as prime rib, fresh salmon, halibut, shrimp, chicken, and pork. Each evening, a variety of appetizers and desserts are served as well.

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

Day 2: Board lodge coordinated charter flight to Nelson Lagoon (included in package). A Hoodoo staff member will meet guests and then they will be transferred to the lodge by wheel equipped aircraft.

Days 3-8: Six full days of guided fishing using custom jetboats.

Day 9: Depart the lodge in time to get to Nelson Lagoon for flight to Anchorage and home or points beyond.

2025 Rates: Per person based on double or triple occupancy

King Salmon Season:

7 night/6 day package:

• $7,250 plus $2,200 round trip charter flight (2:1 client/guide ratio)
• $6,650 plus $2,200 round trip charter flight (3:1 client/guide ratio)

Grand Slam Season:

7 night/6 day package:

• $6,250 plus $2,200 round trip charter flight (2:1 client/guide ratio)

Silver Salmon Season:

7 night/6 day package:

• $7,250 plus $2,200 round trip charter flight (2:1 client/guide ratio)
• $6,650 plus $2,200 round trip charter flight (3:1 client/guide ratio)

Private room: $500 (limited availability, first come/first serve)

Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, round trip flights between Anchorage and Cold Bay, transportation between Cold Bay and Hoodoo Lodge, open bar featuring beer, wine, and a limited selection of liquor.

Not Included: Round trip airfare to Anchorage, accommodations and meals in Anchorage, fishing license, king salmon stamp (if applicable), staff and guide gratuities

Species: Five species of Pacific salmon, Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, steelhead

Season: June to October

Capacity: 14 anglers

Who is best suited to this destination? Anglers interested in targeting salmon in a remote environment with very comfortable accommodations will most enjoy this destination.

Where is the lodge? The lodge is located on the Hoodoo River (also known as the Sapsuk or Nelson River) about 60 miles east of Cold Bay, Alaska.

How do I get there? Guests arrive in Anchorage and overnight. The next morning the lodge coordinated charter will fly guests to the lodge.

When should I go? June and early July are king focused weeks, mid to late-July can offer a chance at all five species of salmon and August to mid-September are silver salmon focused.

How will I fish? Anglers can target salmon with both single and two-handed rods. Most presentations are on a tight line, whether that is swinging flies down and across or casting and stripping streamer-style tactics.

Is there wade fishing? Most if not all fishing is done while wading.

Where will I fish? Guests will fish the Hoodoo River and have the option to fly to Hoodoo Lake for Dolly Varden and trout, or to fly to North Creek, another small salmon river. There are two main rivers, with all but one day spent on the home river via jetboat. During king season the home river has more limited space (about eight or so miles) due to the state operated weir blocking several upriver miles. During the silver season there are more river miles to cover.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? The lodge is riverfront and takes only a few minutes for guests to be fishing productive water.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? All five species of salmon depending on timing and some Dolly Varden and rainbow trout are available.

How many fish will I catch? A good day of king salmon angling results in a good angler having a handful of encounters. Silver salmon season will have most guests catching dozens of fish in a day.

Will I see other anglers? Most other anglers will be at the same lodge and guides will be strategic about spreading out, but there is a camp upriver that hosts six guests and has two boats.

What are the guides like? The guides here are experienced and licensed by the Coast Guard. They are trained in First Aid/CPR and all are great fly fishing instructors.

What are the physical demands? There are no challenges physically, but guests do need to get in and out of boats and will need to be prepared to wade.

Are there any special skills required? In king salmon season guests with good casting skills will have more success.

Does the lodge provide equipment? The lodge can supplement rods and reels with advanced notice but its best to arrive with everything you need.

What are the top flies? During king salmon season using intruder style flies with a larger profile and a mix of dark and bright colors will be best. Black, blue, and purple work best for dark colors and pink, chartreuse, and orange for bright patterns. It is also recommended to have both unweighted and weighted patterns.

What are the options if water and weather conditions become challenging? The river is not very susceptible to blow outs, but wind and weather conditions can make fishing challenging at times. Due to the remote location, flights in and out can be affected by foul weather.

What is a typical day like? Coffee is ready by about 6:00 AM each morning, and breakfast is served at 7:00 AM. Guests meet their guide around 8:00 AM. For those flying out, Rod Schuh (lodge owner and pilot) will inform you of the flight time. Days of fishing are spent jetboating the home river and stopping in prime locations to wade and target salmon. The fly out days will be spent walking and wading. Lunch will be served on the river. The fishing day ends around 5:00 PM with a return to the lodge. Appetizers and cocktails are enjoyed for an hour or so, then dinner is served around 7:00 PM.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? The lodge is casual, spacious, and very comfortable.

Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge? Rod Schuh is the owner and pilot. He is in and out during the week, flying guests and supplies.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? All meals are prepared by a professional chef and the quality is high. Breakfast and dinner are served in the dining area of the lodge, while lunches are served riverside by the guides. Expect typical breakfasts with eggs, pancakes, and several sides. Lighter items like fruit and cereal are also available. Lunch typically is a sandwich, with hot soup, chips, and a few snacks. Dinner is a full course meal with high quality meats, salads, and sides. Expect some great local seafood for dinner as well.

What is the alcohol policy? Guests are free to bring along their favorite spirits. The lodge typically does have some alcohol available, but it can be a bit inconsistent and is a good idea to arrive prepared.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? The rooms are all within the main lodge. The standard room consists of two beds and is well appointed. Multiple bathrooms are shared.

Are single accommodations available? If so, is there an up-charge? Single rooms may be available but dependent on the week. Guests interested in single occupancy will need to inquire in advance, and there is an up-charge to secure a single room.

Is there internet and/or cell service? There is no cell service, and there is simple satellite Wi-Fi and phone system.

Are there other activities? This is a fishing focused lodge, but on a fly out day guests can take a scenic walk on the beach and enjoy wildlife viewing.

Are there any other expenses? The only on-site additional expense will be gratuities.

Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances? Weather can delay flights and there are inherent risks associated with boating and wading in rivers. Guests should also be aware of their surroundings as bears and moose are also in the area. Guides are trained and know how to deal with a wildlife encounter.