Frequently Asked Questions

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We want planning your trip to Katmai Lodge Alaska to be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Below, you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions. However, if you have additional questions for us – please don’t hesitate to call. We’ll be happy to assist any way we can: 1 (800) 330-0326

What is the fishing program at Katmai Lodge ?

Fishing begins shortly after you arrive at the Lodge! You will be fed, geared up, and out on the river within a couple hours after you land.

Your normal day will begin with breakfast, served anytime between 6am-8am; this allows you to start your day as early or late as you want. Since the Alagnak River offers a diversity of fishing with limited boat travel, you can fish for multiple species of fish in a single day.

Your guide will discuss the day’s plan with you the night before and take your river lunch orders.

We have several daily options of food for lunch on the river, including the preparation of your freshly caught salmon by your guide. You can fish up until 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm on the day you arrive.

Appetizers are served in the main lodge from 5-7pm.

When is the fishing best at Katmai Lodge ?

Depending on which fish species you are targeting, the best fishing can vary with the runs. For more specifics, please check our fish calendar or call us directly.

Note: Pink salmon run only on even years in the Alagnak River. When the pinks and chums are running alongside each other, the action is nonstop!

What is included in your package cost ?

Included in your package are the following: all meals, soft drinks, wine & beer, accommodations, fishing license and king salmon stamp, fully guided daily fishing, rods & reels, flies & lures, and waders & boots.

What is not included in your package cost ?

  • Round Trip flight from Anchorage to the Lodge (via charter or commercial through King Salmon)
  • Items for personal use, gift shop purchases, optional fly-outs for bear viewing or small stream fishing.
  • Gratuities for guides and camp staff. Our Welcome Letter to guests contains recommendations for gratuities.

Can I take fish home ?

Yes! Many of our guests wish to take home the salmon they’ve caught. For more detailed information on amounts & transporting your catch, see our Trip Planning Guide.

Please note: we adhere to a strict catch and release policy on all native stream fish. (rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, Arctic char & Dolly Varden)

Where are you located and how do we get to the lodge ?

Katmai Lodge is located 300 air miles SW of Anchorage in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska. The Lodge is located 30 miles north of King Salmon, the closest commercial airport.

You will be flown from Anchorage directly to the lodge by private charter or by commercial airline to King Salmon and met there for transfer to the lodge.

Please see our Trip Planning Guide for more details.

What are the accommodations like ?

Katmai Lodge has various housing options available. We offer:

  • Single rooms with a private bath
  • Couples rooms with private bath
  • Doubles & triples with baths
  • Buildings with many rooms and shared baths and a living room area with couches, small fridge and a fly tying bench for relaxing with your group.

We can accommodate various sized groups without anyone feeling crowded! No tents here.

What about special diets ?

Our Chef and kitchen staff can accommodate most dietary special needs. Please note any specific condition/diet restriction on our guest registration.  Due to our remote location, certain items are not available to us locally.

We do our best to accommodate all requests; however, if we cannot provide for your needs, we will inform you in-advance.

What do I need to bring ?

We provide all rods/reels and flies/lures. We also provide waders and boots as a part of your fishing package.  Feel free to bring any of your own personal equipment you would like to use.

Please view our Trip Planning Guide for all the details.

How are the bugs ?

The level of insect activity at Katmai Lodge and on the river is usually a function of the weather. Normally we have at least a light wind which takes care of them.

A repellent with 35% Deet works well. 100% Deet is not necessary and can be harsh on skin and equipment. Head nets or “bug jackets” are normally not needed, but you may want to bring one if you are especially sensitive to insect bites.

We sell repellent in the lodge store, but feel free to bring your own.

What about bringing children ?

Katmai Lodge welcomes families with children. In fact, we offer a 50% discount for children 16 years of age and under.

As we are a fishing lodge, parents should evaluate how much their child will engage in the experience and decide the appropriate age at which to bring them.

We have had the extreme pleasure of watching many kids grow up over many years while visiting Katmai.

What types of alcohol are available to purchase? Can I bring my own ?

In the main lodge, we offer a variety of well drinks for purchase. Mixers, ice and garnishes are provided.

Wine is available for purchase by the bottle, but as always, is complimentary during the evenings and at dinner.

We do not sell liquor by the bottle. You are always welcome to bring your own liquor of preference.

What type of food is served at the Lodge? I am a vegetarian can this be accommodated ?

Our Chef and kitchen staff serve a variety of hearty meals such as prime rib, fresh-caught salmon, halibut, barbecue meats and fish, turkey, steak, chicken and Italian specialties.

All of these are accompanied by assorted side dishes, salads, breads and desserts.

Vegetarian diets can certainly be accommodated with fish, assorted vegetable dishes and salads.

Have Additional Questions?

If you have any questions that we haven’t covered, please contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have: 1 (800) 330-0326