The Royal Coachman Lodge has the distinct advantage of being a small operation located right on the river. This allows them to cater to both the serious and the more laid back fly fisherman. Flexibility is the key to the fly fishing schedule. Every evening they sit down with guests and go over the plans for the next day. With nearly 15 boats scattered throughout the region, and many rivers where you do not need a boat, you will have an amazing number of fisheries to choose from every day. All they need to know is what species you would like to focus on for the day and then they will help pick the best fishery for you.
Each day begins with a hearty breakfast (coffee is set out beforehand for early risers). An hour after your breakfast you will depart for the day’s fishing. The guides will pack a picnic lunch, or if desired, they can do a shore lunch of fresh salmon (when available). The daily fly fishing schedule departure times are flexible to maximize your angling success. Pickup time will vary depending on the groups' desired plans for the day. Remember that at the end of the day, if you have not gotten enough fishing in, you can always fly fish in front of the lodge.
Each river that the guides fish is different. They use Jon boats with 40 hp jet units on the rivers that have boats stashed. They fly fish from the boat or wade fish depending on your preference. If you are on a creek that does not have a boat, your guide will carry lunch in a backpack and you can wade fish the creek for the day.
Dinner time will be between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. All the anglers return to the lodge one hour prior to dinner, so you’ll have time to shower, relax and enjoy hors d'oeuvres. A generous dinner is served family style, followed by a gourmet dessert.
On the Sunday exchange days, you will usually get some fishing in. Please keep in mind that they use the transfer days to prepare for the next guests, so fishing time is limited.
Located on the Nuyakuk River in the middle of the Tikchik State Park (the largest state park in the U.S.), the Royal Coachman Lodge offers tremendous flexibility and solitude. They have two exclusive permits in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge and nearly 20 boats cached throughout the best fishing locations in the Bristol Bay Region. The sheer numbers of fish that this region supports is mind boggling. It contains all five species of Pacific salmon; Kings, Silvers, Sockeye, Chum, and Pinks, along with seven species of freshwater game fish; rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic char, Arctic grayling, northern pike, lake trout, and sheefish. You will chase these fish in a variety of waters from very small streams to large rivers, lakes, and the thoroughfares that connect them.