Royal Wolf Lodge

Strategically located on a 120-acre inholding within the heart of Katmai National Park’s finest trout waters, Royal Wolf Lodge is one of Alaska’s finest fly-out fly fishing operations. In terms of location, Royal Wolf is hard to beat. Short flying times to the region’s premier watersheds including the Moraine, Funnel, Big Ku, Battle, American and the Kvichak are guaranteed, as is quality home water in the event of poor flying conditions. Widely recognized for their strategic fly fishing program, Royal Wolf Lodge is also a “repeat” location for some of Alaska’s most experienced and productive guides including Dave Goodhart and Scott O'Donnell. Idyllically set overlooking a private lake, Royal Wolf features charming, rustic cabins with baths. Fine meals are served in the comfort of the main lodge. For the serious rainbow fly fishing enthusiast, Royal Wolf Lodge is without question one of the state’s premier destinations. Spaces are limited so early bookings are encouraged.

Royal Wolf Lodge fly fishes all of the premier waters of the greater Iliamna/Katmai region of Bristol Bay. These waters include Moraine Creek, Battle Creek, Big Ku, Little Ku, Kulik River, Brooks River, and the American River as well several smaller walk and wade systems. While several species of Pacific salmon, Arctic char, Dolly Varden, and grayling abound in these waters, Royal Wolf is first and foremost dedicated to providing their clientele with unparalleled trophy rainbow fly fishing. Royal Wolf does not target salmon so if silver or king fishing is important to you, this is not the place. Royal Wolf has some of the most experienced guides in the state some of which have spent more than 25 years guiding the region’s waters. Short daily fly-outs in well-maintained float planes take anglers to the stream where they will fly fish the water by raft, jet boat or foot. A fair degree of fitness is required at some of the best fishing venues due to a significant amount of walking through fairly rugged terrain, although Royal Wolf is happy to host anglers that prefer a more relaxed pace.

Royal Wolf Lodge sits on a large private in-holding with Katmai National Park. They accommodate 14 guests in tasteful cabins overlooking their private lake. All cabins have heat, electric lights, private baths, comfortable beds and porches with benches. Meals are excellent and served in the comfort of the main lodge. Lunches are carried by your guide and served streamside.

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

Day 2: (Friday) Depart Anchorage on your charter flight to the lodge (included in your package).

Days 3 – 8: Six full days of guided fly-out fishing (weather permitting).

Day 9: (Friday) After breakfast, take your charter flight back to Anchorage. Upon arrival in Anchorage, you will fly home or points beyond.

Note: Please do not book a departing flight from Anchorage prior to 7:00 PM if leaving the same day.

2025 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

7 night/6 day package:

• New guest: $14,250
• Returning guest: $12,750

Included: Round trip travel to/from the lodge, accommodations and meals at the lodge, bed tax, Katmai park fees, guided fishing and instruction, daily fly-outs, beer and wine with dinner, non-alcoholic beverages, flies provided on the stream as needed. Fishing gear can be provided with advanced notice.

Not Included: Travel to/from Anchorage, accommodations and meals in Anchorage, hard alcohol, fishing licenses, staff gratuities.

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

Season: June to September

Capacity: 14 anglers

Who is best suited to this destination? This is a great destination for anglers interested in a trout focused trip. While some salmon species, northern pike, char, and grayling can be targeted, the proximity to famous trout fisheries makes Royal Wolf a special place.

Where is the lodge? Royal Wolf Lodge is in the center of Katmai National Park on 120 acres of privately owned wilderness. It is approximately 2 hours from Anchorage by air.

How do I get there? Guests arrive in Anchorage on Thursday and overnight at their elected accommodations. On Friday, the lodge coordinated a charter flight departs. There will be two flights each Friday to get all guests to/from the lodge.

When should I go? Each month offers something different. The guides at Royal Wolf are some of the most experienced in the state and can make any day a good day. June is and early July is great for guests interested in streamers and dry flies. August is great folks wanting high catch rates with dead drifted egg patterns. September can offer a mix of streamers and dead drifted tactics with some of the largest trout of the season catch at this time.

How will I fish? Royal Wolf’s fishing program focuses on the trophy rainbow trout in the region. You may also catch Dolly Varden, grayling and a few sockeyes. The guides here are some of the most well versed and talented teachers in the state. From Spey casting to single handed techniques and everything in between they will be able to show you the best of Alaska.

Is there wade fishing? Yes, much of the fishing can be done while wading. If that is not to your liking the lodge will have you fishing other boat-based systems.

Where will I fish? All the famous Katmai area rivers including the Moraine, American, Battle, Funnel, among others.  Add the mighty Kvichak and you have the fixings for some fantastic trophy trout fishing.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? From right down on the home river, which is a short walk from the lodge to about an hour flight away. The lodge has an immense menu from which to choose from.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? Rainbow trout will be the main target species, but anglers typically see Arctic char, grayling, and sockeye salmon in good numbers.

How many fish will I catch? A good angler should expect double digit days for trout nearly any day.

Will I see other anglers? Yes. With this said there are many smaller streams with limited access that Royal Wolf frequents, and they offer relative solitude. Their use of the Helio Courier aircraft allows access to areas that others cannot reach due to their quick lift. This along with the great knowledge of the area typically allows the guides and guests at Royal Wolf to leave the crowds behind if needed. With that said, some rivers are just too good not to visit and fish with others.

What are the guides like? The guides here are very experienced and are some of the best in the state. With Dave Goodheart and Scott O’Donnell leading the way and having over 25 years each guiding in AK, they have trained and shared their incredible knowledge to their friendly and accommodating guide staff.

What are the physical demands? Days can range from strenuous to easy. The lodge can accommodate all levels of fitness.

Are there any special skills required? No

Does the lodge provide equipment? I encourage guests to bring their own waders and boots. Rods/reels can be supplied if needed and all the needed flies and terminal tackle.

What is your favorite setup for the trip? 7-weight single handed rod for sink-tip lines and a good 6-weight for floating lines. In June, early July, and September a spey rod in the 6-weight range is very handy.

What are the top flies? The lodge is happy to provide the best flies for any given week. With that said, bring some Morrish Mouse patterns in size 6.

What are the options if water conditions become challenging? If weather delays or eliminates the opportunity to fly, the home river is always fishable.

What is a typical day like? The pace here is relaxed. Breakfast is served around 8AM and guests begin to depart around 9AM. Depending where you are flying, you may leave a bit later. Guests return from fishing between 5 and 6PM with appetizers ready upon return. Dinner is around 7 to 7:30PM.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? The overall feel is relaxed and comfortable. The lodge staff is welcoming and very attentive. The guide staff are some of the best in the state.

Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge? Chris and Linda Branham own and operate Royal Wolf Lodge and are on site. Chris is the lead pilot and flies one of the unique and nimble Helio’s. They have decades of experience and take great care in showing guests the best experience possible. The staff happy to help and there to answer any questions and make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals are at the highest level. Their entrees include fine steaks, crab, and other tasty dishes.

What is the alcohol policy? Guests are free to bring along any alcohol they would like. There is beer and wine along with some spirits on site. Mixers and ice are always available.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? They accommodate 12-14 guests in tasteful cabins surrounding the main lodge. All cabins have heat, electric lights, private baths, comfortable beds, and porches with benches. Power is generated and runs from around 6AM to 10PM.

Is there internet and/or cell service? The lodge does have Wi-Fi, but do not expect your cell phone to get service.

Are there other activities? There is bear viewing and each day the float plane rides are quite spectacular.

Are there any other expenses? Fishing licenses and gratuities.

Do I need a visa? No

Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances? The lodge is in an area with a high density of brown bears. The guides and staff are well versed in how to fish around these furry friends. Mosquitoes can be abundant in the early season. Additionally, there are risks associated with flying in small air crafts and boats.

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.