Species
Trout, Rainbow Trout, King Salmon, Silver Salmon, Grayling, Northern Pike, Pacific Salmon, Chum Salmon
Destination Type
Fly Out Lodge
Fishing Style
Dry Fly, Jet Boat, Wading
Season
June - September
Fishing Days
6
Rate
$$$
Why We Go
  • Fish with owner Brad Waitman who has over 25 years of experience pilot-guiding clients in Alaska
  • Enjoy a small highly personalized lodge with a maximum of six guests each week
  • Experience a week with two fly-out days and four jetboat days on the Kvichak River
  • Take advantage of one of the greatest home pools in all Alaska, right in front of the lodge
  • Experience a hands-on, professional staff that we greatly trust
Overview

Igiugig Lodge (Ig-ee-AH-gig) sits on the outlet of Lake Iliamna where the immensely productive Kvichak (Kwee-Jack) River originates. For fly anglers, the Kvichak's most famous inhabitants are its supercharged steelhead-like rainbow trout. These fish grow to epic proportions in Lake Iliamna and return to the river each summer to fatten up. Although these high-flying rainbows are a huge draw, opportunities to target all five species of Pacific salmon, grayling, Arctic char, and even huge northern pike are also available at various times. The cozy Igiugig Lodge can accommodate up to six guests and offers a highly personalized and customizable experience. Each day, two anglers set out in a Cessna float plane to explore Alaska's backcountry while the other four anglers at the lodge have the opportunity to experience guided jetboat fishing on the mighty Kvichak. The guides and staff will discuss the fishing options and recommend the best plan to meet guest's angling goals for each day.

Pilot and guide Brad Waitman has over 25 years of experience flying in the Alaskan bush and guiding the waters of Bristol Bay. Brad's resume includes decades in the lodging business and over 5,000 hours of flight time. He's a certified First Aid and CPR First Responder and fully licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. The staff at Igiugig Lodge work hard to ensure that guests are comfortable and that every detail of their experience is attended to. With so many diverse fisheries available and species to target, the flexibility of this small Alaskan lodge makes it a Fly Water Travel favorite for warm Alaskan hospitality, stellar fishing, and a highly personalized experience.

Fishing Program

Located at the mouth of the Kvichak River, Igiugig Lodge provides easy access to some of the most powerful wild rainbow trout found anywhere in the world. The Kvichak is a large river but features miles of braids and side channels that offer a more intimate angling experience. Anglers access the Kvichak via jet-powered boats that are launched at the lodge and then motored downstream to the prime fishing grounds.

Anglers not spending the day on the Kvichak are flown out via float plane to numerous destinations surrounding the lodge. Typically rainbow trout are the primary target species, and anglers chase them on Moraine and Funnel Creek, Little Ku, Big Ku, American, Battle, Talarik and Brooks Rivers. Depending on conditions, fly anglers might also target the eager and stunningly beautiful Arctic grayling on the surface with dry flies. Northern pike, with some reaching the gargantuan proportions of 50 inches, also may be available. Arctic char and Dolly Varden can be numerous in certain systems and provide lots of great action as well as some of the most striking colors of any fish in Alaska. Though not in the system at all times, all five species of Pacific salmon (chinook, coho, sockeye, chum and pink) are found within the range of the lodge. Plan on a trip during the June-July time frame for chinook and August-September for coho. Conventional fishing for king salmon is also available on the Nushagak in later June and July.

Accommodations

Igiugig Lodge is a modest, home-style operation where the emphasis is placed on providing the best possible fishing venues, personalized service, and great food at a value. If white tablecloths and matching craftsman cabin decor are the goal, this down-to-earth operation might not be the perfect fit. The main lodge at Igiugig provides a comfortable respite so anglers can rest their arms, tie flies, read a book or watch a movie on the flat screen. Internet and phone are available, and guests stay in private cabins separate from the main lodge. They feature private bathrooms with a bathtub, heat, and unlimited hot water. Depending on the arrangement, cabins with either two twin beds or a single king are available.

Hearty meals are served family-style in the main lodge. Breakfast includes all the fixings for hungry fisherman including eggs, bacon, potatoes, cereal, fresh fruit, and baked goods. Many guests opt for the fresh smoked salmon with bagels and cream cheese. Lunches are packed in coolers to take on the day's adventures and include fresh deli-style sandwiches, hot soup, chips, cookies, and fruit. Hot coffee, water bottles, and sodas are also a staple every day. For dinner, guests are treated to incredible Alaska staples like wild salmon, steak, king crab, BBQ chicken, and baby back ribs. Shish-kabobs, scampi, halibut, and a host of various sides are also on the menu during a stay at Igiugig Lodge. The homemade desserts and fresh baked bread are also Igiugig favorites.

Itinerary

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

Day 2: Saturday morning take a taxi or hotel shuttle to charter flight to Igiugig. The lodge will reserve space on the charter, rate to be paid on site. In Igiugig guests will be met by a representative from Igiugig Lodge who will boat them to the lodge. Once at the lodge, the staff will help guests move into their room and get settled in. Guests can then head out for an afternoon of fishing from the lodge.

Day 3-7: Six full days of guided fishing with 2 fly outs (weather permitting) and 4 lodge-based jetboat days.

Day 8: Guests will be boated to Igiugig to catch a return flight to Anchorage. Upon arrival in Anchorage guests will either transfer directly to the international airport for their flight home or points beyond.

Note: Please do not book a departing flight from Anchorage prior to 4

Rates & Details

2024 Rate: Per person based on double occupancy

7 night/6 day package (2 fly-outs): $8,900

Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, round trip transportation between Igiugig and the lodge, guiding, two fly-outs (weather permitting), any needed tackle, including waders, fly rods, and flies.

Not Included: Round trip airfare to Igiugig, fishing license (available online), alcohol, staff and guide gratuities.

Species: Rainbow trout, Arctic char, Arctic grayling, pike, five species of Pacific salmon

Season: June to September

Capacity: 6 anglers

Fly Water Q&A

Who is best suited to this destination? This is a great location for guests that appreciate a good value, a hardworking hands-on ownership team and a serious fishing program. If you are after the fanciest place, this is not it. This a sincere, down-to-earth operation that delivers. This is an angler’s lodge that focuses on showing each guest the best possible fishing throughout their season.

Where is the lodge? The lodge is located at the outlet of Lake Iliamna where the mighty Kvichak River originates. It is directly across the river from the small village of Igiugig.

How do I get there? Guests arrive in Anchorage on a Friday and overnight. The lodge coordinated charter flight will depart on Saturday and fly directly to Igiuigig where a lodge representative will meet you at the airport. They will transfer you via boat across the river to the lodge.

When should I go? June through September. Each month offers a different experience. For anglers wanting to swing flies for big rainbow trout, both June and late September stand out. All species of Pacific salmon can be targeted at Igiugig Lodge. June/early July are great for king and chum salmon, July is best for sockeyes and August offers silver salmon. Rainbow trout are available each month with August and early September being dominated by fishing egg patterns.

How will I fish? Depending on the week guests may be Spey casting for large trout or king salmon, drifting indicator rigs from the boat or sight fishing while wading small streams. At other times anglers might cast mice and dry flies to willing trout and grayling.

Is there wade fishing? Yes. The two fly out days will require wading and some walking unless flying to the Nushagak for king salmon. The home river days can be a combination of boat and wade fishing depending on guest preferences and seasonal timing.

Where will I fish? Four days will be spent jet boating from the lodge and fishing the Kvichak river. Two days guests will fly with Brad as your pilot and head guide. Brad wi ll share his knowledge and have his anglers fishing the best water at the best time no matter what species is the target. They are dozens of possibilities on the fly-out days.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? Right out the front door of the cabins is one of Alaska’s best pieces of trophy trout water. On fly-out days, you may fly 10-45 minutes.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? Rainbow trout, Pacific salmon, Dolly Varden, grayling and northern pike.

How many fish will I catch? Double digit days for rainbow trout are common. If targeting king salmon, a couple fish in the day is great. Silver salmon can be numerous with 15 or more fish possible with the right conditions. Add grayling, Dolly Varden and char in the mix and guests are typically very satisfied with the number of fish caught.

Will I see other anglers? Yes, the region has a fair amount of pressure. The lodge is not incredibly remote, but their location offers incredible trophy trout fishing. Flights on the fly-out days are typically short and to high quality systems.

What are the guides like? Brad and his two guides are incredibly knowledgeable, hardworking, and just plain “fishy”. Along with those characteristics, they are truly competent and know how to operate in Alaska.

What are the physical demands? There is some walking and wading involved, especially on fly out days for trout. Overall, the trip can be designed around your preferences and is not rigorous.

Are there any special skills required? No

Does the lodge provide equipment? Yes. I feel it is best to bring your own waders and rubber soled boots. If that is not possible the lodge can take care of all your needs with advanced notice.

What is your favorite setup for the trip? Early and late in the season, I like a light Spey or switch rod in the 6- to 7-weight range for the large trout. King salmon fishing requires 13- to 14-foot 8 or 9-weight Spey rods or 9-foot, 10-weight single hand rods. Other salmon species and pike can be targeted with a 9-foot 8-weight. If guests had to bring one rod, a 10-foot 7-weight is a great choice as it will cover most bases.

What are the top flies? I feel it best to rely on the lodge to supply the needed flies. Early season trout fishing the Dali Llama is a staple and I would never be without a Morrish mouse. Beads get the most work during the salmon spawn. The last couple weeks sculpin and flesh take fish on tight lines. King anglers should have intruder style flies in pink, chartreuse, blue, black, and purple or combinations of any of these colors. Size 1 trailing hooks are my favorite. For silver salmon anything pink and a favorite is the starlight leech. For surface fun, try some pink poppers or wogs.

What are the options if water conditions become challenging? The home river simply cannot blow out. Flying may be hindered by weather, so staying back and fishing the Kvichak is always an option.

What is a typical day like? Coffee is on early, around 6AM. Breakfast is served around 7AM. About 8AM guests depart the lodge for fishing. Two anglers will get in the plane with Brad and four will jump in the jet boats to fish the home river. Guests return to the lodge between 5 and 6PM. Appetizers are out upon return and dinner served around 7PM.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? The lodge is casual with guests and staff dining together each day. The staff is very friendly and accommodating.

Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge? Owner Brad Waitman is the man in charge and every aspect of his lodge is to his standards. He is always within earshot.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Dinner is served in the main lodge. There is a professional chef on staff to prepare all meals. Expect meals to be of high quality. Breakfast is served family style with staples like eggs, bacon, sausage, and such. Lunch is usually a hot soup, sandwich and chips, snacks. Appetizers are typically tasty and well thought out. Dinner includes Alaska staple like crab legs, halibut, salmon, and prime cuts of meat. Sides and salads round out the dinner with desert always being a treat.

What is the alcohol policy? Guest’s are free to bring along any alcohol they prefer.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? Guests stay in cabins spread around the property. All cabins have twin beds, 24-hour power and heat with full bathrooms. They are comfortable and spacious.

Is there internet and/or cell service? Yes, there is internet available. It is best for simple emails as bandwidth is limited. Do not expect there to be cell service, but the lodge has a land line that guests are free to use with their own calling card.

Are there other activities? No.

Are there any other expenses? The round-trip charter flight between Anchorage and Igiugig is around $600 per person. Guide gratuities and fishing licenses.

Do I need a visa? No.

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