Aniak River Lodge guides are experts on the Aniak River system, including main stems, braids, and tributaries. Using a “Beat System,” each guide manages 10–15 miles of water, ensuring you fish rested, productive spots.

Guests often rotate among guides, gaining multiple techniques and river insights. With up to 11 species — salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic char, grayling, pike, and sheefish — guides provide personalized instruction for all skill levels, from casting and mousing to species-specific strategies.

Fly and Spin Fishing at Aniak River Lodge

Aniak River Lodge offers world-class fly and spin fishing for a wide range of species, including all five Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic char, grayling, Dolly Varden, northern pike, and sheefish, making it one of Alaska’s most diverse freshwater fisheries.

Fly Fishing:

• Mousing for rainbows: Giant rainbows aggressively hit surface mouse patterns (June–early August).

• Streamer, dry, and bead fishing: Effective for trout, char, grayling, and salmon runs.

Spin Fishing:

• Spin rods work well for salmon and pike, and conventional tackle is useful for targeting fish in certain water types. Anglers can bring their own gear or request it from guides.

• Salmon (all five Pacific species):

  • King (Chinook) – summer peak, trophy-sized fish

  • Silver (Coho) – late-season action

  • Chum – midsummer runs

  • Sockeye (Red) – midsummer

  • Pink – seasonal, smaller but plentiful

• Trout and Char:

  • Rainbow trout – including giant “leopard” rainbows that aggressively strike mouse patterns

  • Arctic char – found in deeper runs and braided channels

• Other species:

  • Grayling – fun on light tackle or fly

  • Dolly Varden – often alongside char

  • Northern pike – aggressive predator fishing

  • Sheefish (Inconnu) – large, strong fish found in deeper pools

• The lodge features spacious WeatherPort tent cabins (about 10′ × 30′) that are built on raised platforms and connected to the main dining lodge by boardwalks.

• Each tent cabin is shared by two anglers and includes:

  • Private en‑suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, flush toilet, and shower

    Propane heat and electric power

  • Comfortable beds and quality bedding for a good night’s rest after long days fishing

Typical Season: Mid‑June to mid‑September, when guided fishing trips are available and most species are active.
Peak Months: June, July, August, and early September.

Monthly Highlights

June – Early Season:
Good trout fishing and the start of salmon runs. Rainbow “mousing” (topwater mouse fly fishing) is especially popular in June and July.

July – Mid‑Season:
Prime time for rainbow trout and chum salmon.

August – Prime Salmon Season:
Best month for silver salmon (coho), with summer fishing at its peak.

Early September – Late Season:
Salmon fishing continues, though runs gradually decline later in the month.

2026 Rates:

Season:  mid-June through mid-September.
Friday to Friday
7-nights / 6-plus days guided fishing
$8,450 per person
One angler per tent $9,950 per person

6–7 weight rod — A versatile choice for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic char, grayling, and smaller salmon like silvers and chums. It gives you good control with streamers, mice, and dry flies.

• 8–9 weight rod — Excellent all‑around rod for salmon (especially larger silvers and chums on the strip), heavier streamers, and windy river conditions. Many anglers find an 8 or 9 wt covers most species you’re likely to target.

The Camp can provide fly outfits on a limited basis. The Lodge provides split shot, hooks, beads, and leaders. Flies are not included.

The Camp hosts 16 anglers per week, except for the final two weeks of the season, when the maximum is eight anglers per week.

Aniak River Lodge uses 18‑ft G3 jet boats with Yamaha 40–90 HP motors, carrying two anglers and a guide. These guide-operated boats navigate braided channels, side streams, and main river waters, reaching shallow, winding areas where propeller boats can’t go.

Guests fish from the boat or by wading, with stops at productive spots. Jet boats also handle transfers from Aniak town to the lodge, letting you fish en route.

Why Jet Boats Are Ideal:

• Shallow draft: Access changing river depths and sandbars.

• Versatile platform: Stable for both spin and fly fishing.

• Reliable transport: Navigate remote waters safely with minimal disturbance.

Aniak River Lodge is in remote western Alaska, requiring multiple travel steps:

1. Fly into Anchorage (ANC): The main gateway for Alaska lodges.

2. Regional Flight to Aniak: About 75 minutes on small commercial or charter flights.

3. Airport Pickup: Lodge staff meet you at Aniak Airport, handle luggage, and escort you to a base facility for orientation and a light meal.

4. Boat Transfer to the Lodge: Board a jet sled or jet boat for a scenic river ride upstream to the lodge — fishing often starts on the way.

5. Week-Long Remote Stay: Stay in WeatherPort cabins with guided fishing daily; return trip reverses the process.

Planning Tips:

• Stay in Anchorage the night before your regional flight.

• Observe baggage weight limits on small aircraft.

• Airfare from Anchorage is not included; book independently or with lodge guidance.

The Package Includes:

• Ground transfers from Aniak airport to Aniak's Base River Lodge
• Boat transfers from Aniak to the Camp
• 7 nights Lodging at Mid-River Camp
• Meals at the Camp
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Starlink Wi-Fi at Camp
• 6 plus days guided fishing
• Use of fly outfits, limited quantity
• Split shot, hooks, beads, and leader
• Flies for silvers, rainbows, and sheefish during our hosted weeks.

The Package Does Not Include:

• Airfare to and from Anchorage
• Airfare between Anchorage and Aniak, $800 charter flight
• Hotel, meals, and ground transfers in Anchorage
• Alcohol
• Alaska fishing license $45 (2025)
• Fishing equipment and tackle
• Flies for pike and grayling during our hosted weeks
• Gratuities to guides and staff
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel insurance
• Anything not listed under inclusions.