Who is best suited to this destination? This is a great destination for nearly anyone interested in Alaska. The lodge is fully capable to handle the most experienced anglers’ preferences, but also very family friendly. The fishing possibilities are diverse, and the grounds offer many amenities to enjoy if a guest would rather stay back and relax. From early July through the end of the season, some of the best bear viewing in the state is close by.
Where is the lodge?Kulik Lodge is located within Katmai National Park. The grounds sit near at the outflow of the Kulik river where is dumps into Nonvianuk Lake after originating from Kulik Lake.
How do I get there? Guests arrive in Anchorage, either the day prior or in time to catch their lodge coordinated and included charter flight. Currently guests will fly via a Pilatus PC-12 to King Salmon, AK where you will transfer to a float plane for the remaining 20-minute flight, landing in the mouth of the Kulik river. The lodge is working on their own runway and soon, the PC-12 will be able to land there eliminating the need to transfer through King Salmon, AK.
When should I go? The lodge has a very diverse program and can reach productive fisheries through their entire season, the first week of June to the last week of September. Trout fishing is great in any month. Those seeking king salmon will enjoy June through early July. Those interested in bear viewing and wanting to take home some sockeyes will enjoy July, while August into early September is best for silver salmon and trout hunters. Late September brings some of the largest and best trout fishing of the entire season.
How will I fish? The lodge can cater to all skill levels of fly anglers and even some conventional anglers. The lodge can arrange an itinerary based on any preferences, from wading small trout rivers to trolling conventional tackle for king salmon on the Nushagak in June/July.
Is there wade fishing? Yes, if guests prefer to wade for the entirety of their trip, that can be accommodated. Conversely, the lodge also has several jet boats stashed around the region and can cater to this less willing to walk and wade.
Where will I fish? Their home river is the Kulik. It is a clear and productive trout fishery throughout the season. While it is a short system, the lodge is the only operation allowed to operate jet boats on this system, this helps with covering water. Fly out days add to the fishing diversity. The lodge has unique concessions on several Katmai Park rivers, allowing jet boat access to famous waters like lower American creek and lower Moriane creek while also having boats stashed on wonderful systems like the Kvichak, Kamishak and Nushagak. The lodge has one of the most diverse fishing programs in the state and mostly short flight times to many productive fisheries.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? A short walk from your cabin allows access to the Kulik River. Flights of 10-minutes to an hour can have anglers to many other productive systems.
What type(s) of fish will I catch? The lodge a truly diverse fishing program and willing and able to target nearly every freshwater species Alaska is known for. Most are happy to target the rainbow trout, but all five species of salmon can be caught at various times of the season. Char, grayling, Dolly Varden, Northern Pike and even a rare Lake Trout may be caught while fishing with Kulik Lodge.
How many fish will I catch? Typically, a good angler should expect dozens of trout interactions in any day. Salmon fishing can vary dependent on conditions and timing, but overall sockeye and silver salmon should offer lots of catching.
Will I see other anglers? Yes, the home river will get some attention from other lodges as well. On fly out days expect the numbers of other anglers to vary depending on your willingness to hike or where you choose to fly and fish. Some fisheries are just too good not to share with others.
What are the guides like? The guides here are friendly and hard working. There is a mix of experience levels with some having guided in Alaska over 10 years and some on year 1 or 2. The program offers a great mentorship, and this keeps the level of professionalism high.
What are the physical demands? The physical demands are low, but guests do need to be able to get in/out of boats and planes. The ability to wade in mostly easy conditions is also nice.
Are there any special skills required? No.
Does the lodge provide equipment? Yes, the lodge can provide all the needed equipment.
What is your favorite setup for the trip? A 9-foot 6-weight for trout and 9-foot 8-weight for salmon.
What are the top flies? June through early August – Morrish Mouse and Dali Llama
August and September beads and flesh.
What are the options if water conditions become challenging? While flying out can be hindered in foul weather, the Kulik River is always an option as it flows clear throughout the season.
What is a typical day like? The evening prior the head guide will talk to each group and post the schedule of meeting times and fishing destinations. Guests staying on the home river can take a relaxed approach while those flying out will have a more detailed meeting time. Guests awake and wander over to the main lodge for coffee and breakfast any time between 6 – 9AM. After breakfast, guest’s wader up, grab their rods and meet your guide for the day. Those flying out will pack their lunch while those staying on the home river can return to the lodge for their midday meal. Guests return from fishing around 5PM followed by cocktails/appetizers at 6PM and dinner around 7PM. The following day’s schedule will be posted once again after the head guide discusses your options and preferences with each guest.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? The lodge has a true historic feel, being the first fly out fishing lodge and in operation since 1950. The log style cabins, and main lodge offer a unique look into the past, but also updated for a high level of comfort. The vibe is friendly, fun, and relaxed and the staff very accommodating and professional.
Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge? The staff is all very friendly and willing to share and help. There is a head guide and head of hospitality available on site to answer any fishing or lodge related question.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals are served in the main lodge and food is plentiful and of a very high quality. Breakfast has several made to order dishes available each morning, while cereal’s, fruit, yogurts, drinks, and many options self-served. Lunch at the lodge is family style with great soups and sandwich fixings with side salads set out. For fly out guests’ lunch will be packed and taken to the river. Appetizers and complimentary cocktails are served around 6PM. Family style dinners have all guests and guides feasting together while telling stories of fishing days and sharing experiences and smiles.
What is the alcohol policy? Beer and wine, as well as cocktails are included.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? Guests are housed in cabins with private bathrooms/showers. Most are double occupancy and while small, well-appointed, and comfortable. There are a couple cabins able to cater to groups or families. All have turn down service each day.
Is there internet and/or cell service? There is no cell service but there is satellite Wi-Fi for simple emails and a lodge phone available for emergencies.
Are there other activities? The lodge offers a free fly out to Brooks Camp for bear viewing during July and at an additional cost for August and September.
Are there any other expenses? Fly out days can be added on site for $450 per person. While there is a two-person minimum to fly, most days even a single angler can find someone to pair up with if interested in flying for the day.
Do I need a visa? No
Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances? There are dangers associated with flying, boats, and wading rivers. There are bears in the region, but the guides are trained to deal with them and overall, not a threat if guests are aware of their surroundings. It is a remote environment, so guests should not take any unnecessary risks. Biting bugs can be annoying, especially early parts of the season.
We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center for Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.
