Staying at an Alaskan halibut fishing lodge is a great way to focus on catching the big one rather than dealing with all the details. Fishing lodges provide guides, boats and accommodations. Plus, they will clean and package your fish, whether you want to eat it that day or take it home with you.
Where to Go
Numerous locations along Alaska's coast offer fishing lodges that focus on catching halibut. Kodiak Island offers several fishing lodges that take you to prime halibut habitat. The town of Kenai on the Kenai Peninsula offers easy access to Cook Inlet, where halibut up to 300 pounds have been caught. The Gulf of Alaska waters near Seward offer good halibut fishing, too, with the waters tending to be calmer than Cook Inlet.
When to Go
The best time to fish for halibut is from May through September, when Alaska's coastal saltwaters tend to stay calm. By October, early winter storms hit the coast, making deep-sea fishing less safe; most guides won't schedule trips then.
What You Need
To fish for halibut in Alaska, you'll need an Alaska state fishing license, which you can buy online or at sporting goods stores. Some fishing lodges also sell licenses. Fees for the licenses range from $20 per day for nonresidents to $24 per year for residents. Most fishing lodges provide all the fishing gear, bait, rain gear and boots you'll need, including heavy-duty equipment to haul in your fish.
Types of Fishing Lodges
Fishing lodges run the gamut from basic rooms and private cabins to luxury accommodations or bed and breakfast establishments. Some fishing lodges provide one or two meals per day, while others offer three gourmet meals per day. A few lodges provide grills and outdoor cooking areas so you can cook what you catch.
What's Included
Fishing lodges typically provide lodging, some meals and fish processing. Lodges often offer their own guides and boats to take you to the hot fishing spots. A few lodges team up with or recommend and make reservations with knowledgeable local guides and boats. If the lodge provides a guest kitchen area or a private kitchen in your suite, cookware, utensils, dishware and silverware are provided. All bed and bath linens also are supplied. Fishing lodges arrange for services to clean, process and vacuum-pack your fish so you can take it home with you.
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