OVERVIEW

Ahhh... Alaska!  Just the name gets anglers and hunters knees shaking.  No other destination offers the sheer expanse of scenery and prolific fishing that Alaska does.  It boggles the mind.  Alaska West operates a fixed-base tent camp on the banks of the fabled Kanektok River.  Nestled in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge.  The Kanektok is a fish factory. With runs of all five species of Pacific salmon, Rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and Grayling, the river provides a great mix of quantity and variety. The location on the river, 5.5 miles from its mouth, puts Alaska West  in a unique position to sample all  the river has to offer.  If you want to see your fly rods bent into horse-shoes, this is the destination.  Bring plenty of “Icy Hot” for your muscles.

FISHING

The fishing here at this wilderness camp is quite easy and pleasant.  Most anglers will fish in pairs with a very knowledgeable Guide.  The wading is a dream, as the rivers are mostly fine gravel bottoms.  Jet boats are used to transport anglers up and down the river.  Downriver from the camp is the larger water, including the long gravel bars where the King Salmon hold, the deep snaggy channels where the big “leopard rainbows”  lie, the backwaters that load with Silvers and the tidewaters full of salmon fresh from the salt.  Upriver from camp, the river makes a transition to smaller water with side channels and tributaries. These sections allow hiking up channels for trophy Rainbows, targeting salmon in smaller water, making day-long drifts fishing for "anything" and working extremely productive flats for Dolly Varden and Grayling.  The Kanektok River is an exceptionally productive river that offers more than enough opportunity to any angler.  This is one of the finest rivers in the world to target King Salmon and Silver Salmon on a fly rod. 

Through a partnership with the Native Village of Quinhagak and Coastal Villages Region Fund, Alaska West operates daily guided fishing on the Arolik River. Guests stay at the Alaska West camp and commute to the Arolik each day.

The Arolik has excellent clarity and is about half the size of the Kanektok. It is home to all five Alaskan salmon species, rainbow trout, dolly varden and grayling. There is no more beautiful rainbow than an Arolik rainbow!

To spend a day on the Arolik is to see Alaska as it was 100 years ago.

TARGET SPECIES

All 5 Species of Pacific Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden and Grayling

ACCOMmODATIONS

Warm and comfortable are the operatives here.  Alaska West uses sturdy wall-tents with carpeted wood floors, plenty of heat and room to organize gear and yourself.  All tents have beds with comfortable mattresses.  There is hot and cold running water for showers and the outhouse facilities are kept very tidy and cleaned daily.  A separate gear tent is provided to dry and store your waders and gear.  This is “roughing it, without roughing it”. 

To keep your energy up, all the meals are hot and hearty.  This is serious “comfort food”.

Don’t plan on eating light while staying in camp.  Let it stick to your ribs.

CAPACITY

22 anglers are the maximum.  This is still with a nearly one to one ratio of guest to staff.

LENGTH OF STAY AND RATES (2011)

The standard fishing package for guests includes 7 nights accommodations, 6 days of fishing.

Price for Alaska West is $5000 per person.  Guests may also choose to fish the Arolik River for an additional $100 per day.  Space is very limited and only allows 4 rods per day.  We recommend booking well in advance.  Guests on the Arolik stay at Alaska West Camp and are transported to the river each day.

*Sporting Life Adventure Travel services are always FREE to our clients.  Our clients never pay more with us than booking directly with the destination lodge or outfitter.  We’ll help reduce your stress!

SEASON

June, July, August and into early September

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT OFFERED

Alaska West guides are skilled in maneuvering the comfortable aluminum jet boats.  The perfect vehicle for running up or down the rivers. Boats are 16 to 18 foot flat-bottomed john boats and are powered by 40 HP jet pumps. They are equipped with bow and stern anchors, two swivel seats and life jackets. A cooler is on board to store lunches and drinks.

HOW TO GET THERE

After arriving in Anchorage, Guests flying to Alaska West have two options--

Taking our weekly charter flight direct from Anchorage to Quinhagak.

Flying Alaska Airlines to Bethel, and then Grant Aviation from Bethel to Quinhagak

If space is available on the charter, most guests choose to take it as it eliminates a stop in Bethel on each travel day. IMPORTANT: Please contact us prior to booking your travel to confirm whether or not there is space available on the charter during your week.

Contact us at Sporting Life Adventure Travel and we will assist with your bookings. 

NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES

This is a fishing camp.  You can get creative with your camera or a good book.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL

Passports or Photo ID is required.  You must have ID for Alaskan Fishing License which is available at the Camp.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game requests anglers to purchase your fishing license on-line prior to your trip by visiting the following website: http://www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/license/  Your licenses can be purchased with a credit card and printed prior to your trip.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

All nights lodging as specified in your trip, all fishing with guides, all meals, soft drinks, flies and lures, cold fish storage and preparation for shipping upon your departure. 

WHAT’S NOT

Your flights to Anchorage and charter to Quinhagak. Charter flights from Bethel to Quinhagak ($240).  Overnight stays in Anchorage.  Alaska fishing license and salmon tag.  The cost of a fishing license is $30.00. A king salmon tag (required) is also $30.00.  Alcohol, and gratuities for staff and guides.  Guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol. 

DEPOSITS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

www.sportinglifetravel.com

1-877-611-SLAT (7528)