Togiak River Lodge

Togiak River Lodge offers one of Alaska’s most unique and diverse angling experiences. As the only permanent lodge on the Togiak River—an expansive, untamed system on the northern edge of Bristol Bay—it provides access to one of the most remarkable fisheries in Alaska. The Togiak is home to all five species of Pacific salmon, trophy rainbow trout, and healthy populations of sea-run Dolly Varden. 

The lodge is particularly unique in offering an exclusive, limited-occupancy 12-angler catch-and-release King Salmon season. This special program caters to dedicated two-handed Spey anglers, offering a rare opportunity to target bright Kings on the fly in a pristine, low competition setting. For those seeking the challenge of big water without competing with other fly anglers, it’s one of the most unique experiences in North America. 

In mid-July, the lodge opens to 20 anglers, with roughly half of them being fly anglers and the other half using conventional gear. This makes it an ideal destination for mixed groups and anglers of all skill levels. The Spey season offers five-day packages, while the main season offers both five-day and three-day packages. 

With basic yet comfortable accommodations, 20 miles of lightly pressured river, endless fishing opportunities, and included air charter from Anchorage, Togiak River Lodge stands out as one of Alaska's most versatile, productive, and affordable fishing destinations.

The Togiak River flows for 60 miles from its headwaters in the Togiak Wildlife Refuge to the northern edge of Bristol Bay. The lodge offers access to the lower 20 miles of the river, along with the Geciak River, a tributary of the Togiak. In total, guests can enjoy approximately 25-26 miles of prime fishing grounds. The lodge's experienced guides, many of whom have spent years on the Togiak, Kanektok, or Kvichak Rivers, transport guests in 18-to 20-foot jet boats, and typically two anglers per guide.  

The prime king salmon weeks are designed specifically for guests interested in wading and Spey fishing. Fishing locations are chosen based on water conditions, and the guides are experts in both low- and high-water scenarios. Throughout the rest of the season, the lodge caters to a mix of fly and conventional anglers, utilizing a variety of techniques—both wading and from boats—depending on the timing, target species, and the skill level and mobility of the anglers. 

All meals, except lunch, are served in the main lodge dining area. Breakfast is made to order, ensuring a fresh start to the day. Lunches are “to-go” meals, with options like cold-cut sandwiches, chips, cookies, drinks, and soup for colder days. Dinners feature a diverse selection of professionally prepared dishes, such as Curry Salmon & Rice, Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo, and Sous Vide New York Roast. Each meal is complemented by appetizers and salads. 

The riverside lodge offers 10 guest cabins, each with two or more XL twin beds, 24-hour electricity, heating, private bathrooms, ample storage, and exterior rod racks. The main lodge includes a large drying room, dining area, lounge, Starlink Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a sauna. While the accommodations may not be luxurious, they are warm, dry, and comfortable, ideal for guests who prioritize fishing and value practicality over high-end amenities. Most if not all early season Spey anglers will enjoy single occupancy rooms, and main season guest will share rooms.  

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage and overnight (independently arranged, not included). 

Day 2: Meet the charter flight to Togiak (included in package). Upon arrival in Togiak a lodge representative will be waiting and shuttle via boat to the lodge. Once at the lodge, settle in and prepare your gear for the following day. 

Days 3– 7: 3 to 5 days of guided fishing with fly-outs specific to your package. 

Day 6 - 8: After breakfast at the lodge, guests will transfer to Togiak for the charter flight back to Anchorage (included in package). 

2025 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

Togiak King Salmon on the Spey

• June 21 – July 11: 5 night/4 day package: $7,600

Multi Species Season - Kings, Sockeye Chums, Pinks, Dolly Varden & Rainbows

• July 11-16:  5 night/4 day package: $6,900
• July 16-19:  3 night/2 day package: $4,700

Peak of Sockeye Chums, Pink Salmon, Dolly Varden & Rainbows

• July 19-24:  5 night/4 day package: $6,900
• July 24-28:  4 night/3 day package: $5,790

Variety on the Fly Season - Fresh Silvers, Rainbows & Dolly Varden

• August 10-15 and August 15-20: 5 night/4 day package: $6,900

Silver Salmon Season

• August 20- 23:  3 night/2 day package: $4,700
• August 23-28, August 28 - September 2, September 2-7 and September 7-12: 
  5 night/4 day package: $7,150
• September 12-16:  4 night/3 day package: $5,790
  

Cast & Blast – Waterfowl Hunting, Silver Fishing, Rainbow Fishing

• September 16-20: 4 night/3 day package: Call for pricing

Included: Flights to/from Togiak, transfers to/from lodge, accommodations and meals at the lodge, guided fishing, fish processing, waders/boots, rods/reels, flies, and all terminal tackle.

Not Included: Airfare to/from Anchorage, accommodations and meals in Anchorage, fishing licenses, king stamp, and gratuities.

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

Season: June to September

Capacity: 12-20 anglers (depending on the week)

Who is best suited to this destination? This destination is ideal seasoned Spey anglers targeting king salmon in the early season Spey-only weeks as well as for both fly and conventional anglers seeking a wide range of Alaskan species later in the season. The Togiak is a special, wild system with relatively little angling pressure and no other permanent lodges on it. With private cabins, modern amenities and diverse fishing opportunities, Togiak River Lodge provides simple, comfortable, and productive experience in Alaska’s wilderness. 

Where is the lodge? Togiak River Lodge is located 350 miles southwest of Anchorage and 70 miles southeast of the Kanektok River, in the northern part of Bristol Bay. 

How do I get there? Guests will fly to Anchorage, stay overnight, and catch a private charter plane to the native village of Togiak the following morning. Our charter planes fly directly from Ted Stevens International Airport to the Togiak Airstrip, which is about a 1.5-hour flight. From there, guests will be greeted by TRL guides, who will assist with transferring baggage and cargo to the boats. A short trip through the village to the boat launch is followed by a 15-minute boat ride upriver to the lodge. 

When should I go? Late June through mid-July is prime time for king salmon fishing and mouse fishing for rainbow trout. As July progresses, trout fishing remains strong alongside abundant runs of chum and sockeye salmon. Mid-August through mid-Septembers is prime time for silvers.  

How will I fish? The prime king weeks are tailored exclusively for guests who want to wade and Spey fish. The fishing spots are determined based on the water conditions for that season. The guides are highly proficient in both low- and high-water conditions. During the remainder of the season the lodge is booked by a mix of fly and conventional anglers they will employ a wide range of techniques depending on the timing and species being targeted.  

Is there wade fishing? Yes. Assuming normal water conditions during king season, guests will primarily wade. However, during high-water seasons, fishing may occur from our 20-foot jet boats or from cut and high-bank spots. We place our guests where the fish are, regardless of the water conditions. Most of the Chum salmon fishing is wade fishing and when targeting rainbows, char and silvers, both boat-based and wade fishing will be available.  

Where will I fish? The Togiak River spans roughly 60 miles from saltwater to its headwaters. The lodge targets the lower 20 miles of the river below the Togiak Wilderness Refuge. Additionally, they fish the Geciak River, a tributary of the Togiak, for big rainbow trout, offering about six miles of access. Altogether, guests have access to approximately 25-26 miles of fishing grounds. 

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? Togiak River Lodge is six miles from the mouth of the river. Some of the best fishing spots are within eyesight of the lodge. Guests will fish anywhere from two minutes away to 30 minutes upriver, near the wilderness boundary at the Pongo River. 

What type(s) of fish will I catch? King salmon, rainbow trout, and chum salmon dominate the Spey season on the Togiak. Later in July, sockeye, pink salmon, and Dolly Varden become more prevalent. Silver salmon start entering the river in August and run through late September. 

How many fish will I catch? Successful king fishing typically results in a few grabs per day. Persistent rainbow trout anglers can expect to encounter relatively low numbers of truly large fish and Dolly anglers typically experience steady action throughout the day. It’s common to encounter several chum salmon while targeting kings, and double-digit catches are achievable if intentionally targeting chum. Prime silver dates are high-catch rate with 10 or more fish per person per day being common.  

Will I see other anglers? One of the best aspects of the Togiak is its lack of fishing pressure. Aside from the other guests at the lodge, there are no other camps running king trips in late June and early July. While you may occasionally spot a local boat, or guests that fly in for the day from distant lodges, this is a low-pressure fishery by Alaskan standards.   

What are the guides like? Togiak River Lodge guides reflect the values of owners Zack and Jordan Larsen. Guest comfort and safety are their top priority. Their guides, many of whom have spent years on the Togiak, Kanektok, or Kvichak rivers, are well-rounded professionals dedicated to creating lifelong memories for our guests. 

What are the physical demands? While some walking and wading are required, the overall physical demands are minimal. 

Are there any special skills required? No. 

Does the lodge provide equipment? Guests are encouraged to bring their own gear. However, the lodge has Spey rods and other gear available for guest use. 

What is your favorite setup for the trip? To maximize success, we recommend: 

• Rods: A 9-10 weight, two-handed rod in the 14-15 foot range for covering water and handling strong fish. 
• Lines: Skagit heads with multi-density lines for varied water conditions. 
• Sink Tips: A selection of 10’ T11, T14, and T17 tips. MOW tips are excellent for fine-tuning presentations. 
• Leader Material: Maxima 20 lbs, 3-4 feet in length. 
• Flies: Effective patterns include Prom Dress, Reverse Marabous, and Intruders in colors like black, pink, blue, and green. 
• Hooks: Strong-wire octopus hooks in sizes 1 to 1/0. 

What are the top flies? Prom Dress, Reverse Marabous, and Intruders in black, pink, blue, and green are top choices for enticing aggressive fish. 

What are the options if water conditions become challenging? While Togiak River Lodge is a single-river lodge, their guides are well-equipped to handle all water and weather conditions. Guides have “high-water” spots and areas sheltered from the wind. Spacious jet boats ensure comfort and plenty of room for swinging, in the event they are needed to combat less than ideal water conditions.  

What is a typical day like? The day begins with breakfast in the main lodge around 6:30 AM. Fishing starts between 7:30 and 8:00 AM, with boats taking guests to prime spots. Lunch is a packed meal enjoyed on the river. Guests return to camp by late afternoon, around 5:30 or 6:00 PM, followed by appetizers and a hearty dinner at the lodge. 

What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? The lodge offers a laid-back and casual atmosphere. With only 12 guests during Spey season, there is ample space for everyone to relax and enjoy. 

Is there an on-site owner, manager, or point person at the lodge? Both owners, Zack and Jordan Larsen, are on-site alongside their management team. 

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? All meals, except lunch, are served in the main lodge dining area. Breakfast is cooked to order. Lunches are “to-go” meals with options like cold-cut sandwiches, chips, cookies, drinks, and soup for colder days. Dinners feature a wide variety of professionally prepared dishes, including Curry Salmon & Rice, Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo, and Sous Vide New York Roast. Appetizers and salads complement each meal. 

What is the alcohol policy? Togiak River Lodge is within five miles of Togiak, a dry village. As such, it is a dry lodge. 

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? The lodge features 10 guest cabins, each equipped with: 

• Private bathroom and shower 
• 24-hour power, heat, and running water 
• Twin XL beds with linens 
• Clothes hangers 
• Rod racks at the cabin steps 

Main lodge amenities include: 

• 24-hour power, heat, and running water 
• Drying room for waders and boots 
• High-speed Starlink internet 
• Lounge area 
• Full laundry facilities 
• Sauna 

Is there internet and/or cell service? The lodge offers excellent high-speed Starlink internet. There is no cell service, but guests can use Wi-Fi for calling and texting. 

Are there other activities? No. 

Are there any other expenses? Roundtrip airfare from Anchorage is included. Guests should budget for the following: 

• Fishing license 
• Gratuities 
• Airfare to Anchorage 

Do I need a visa? No visa is required for U.S. citizens. 

Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances? Medical services are limited in this remote area. Serious concerns may require a boat trip to Togiak’s clinic or flights to Dillingham or Anchorage. While wildlife such as bears and moose inhabit the area, encounters are rare due to native hunting activity. Guests should come prepared for biting insects and remain mindful of risks associated with operating boats in a wilderness environment.