Southwest Alaska is a good destination for both ocean and freshwater fishing. The region contains the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. The Bristol Bay and Kodiak Islands as well as the Pribilof Islands are part of Southwest Alaska. Around 450,000 square miles in area, its waters hold all five species of Pacific salmon. Lodges vary from camp-like to deluxe. They are set up to get you into the area, to the fishing spots you wish to try and to take care of all your needs while you are visiting.
Isolation
Slightly more than 50,000 people live in the Southwestern Region of Alaska. If you remember the place is the size of California you get the idea of how remote it can be. If there is anywhere in the world to get away from the crowds, Southwest Alaska is it. But some lodges specialize in getting you even further away. The Talaheim Lodge, for example, is 85 air miles from Anchorage, but this fly-out lodge will take you by helicopter to outlying fishing areas.
Comfort
There might not be a store or road within 300 miles of your lodge, so look for one with as many amenities as possible. It is standard to find a private room or cabin with bath. Meals will most often be family style and shared. The Anvik River Lodge is a lodge that prides itself on quality fresh food and small details such as flannel sheets and free laundry service for guests. They also have a steam lodge and internet connections. Many lodges have satellite TV. Shop around if amenities matter.
Guides
All fishing lodges will have guides. Their expertise and people skills may vary. Look for a lodge with guides who have been in the business for a long time and are local. If a guide has published articles about fishing, read them to check him out. Read reviews on Internet forums or ask about the guide on forums. Some lodges are run by guides and some are run by inn-keepers. Guides are ideally U.S. Coast Guard approved and licensed by Alaska Fish & Game. Some guides work only for the lodge, and others are sent by guide companies.
Transportation
Southwest Alaska lodges can be remote. It is key to know about transportation when getting to them and getting around in the areas. Many lodges such as Angler's Alibi are accessible only by float plane. The lodge is 250 miles from the nearest highway. Located in one of the most remote Alaskan fishing areas, Angler's Alibi is on the Alagnak River next door to the 4 million-acre Katmai National Park. The package price includes the round trip float-plane charter between King Salmon, Alaska and the lodge. When researching lodges, make sure to find out about all transportation.
Cost
As of 2010, rates for fishing lodge packages in Southwest Alaska range from a per-person rate of $4,800 for a seven-day and seven-night trip to the same length for $7,750. Overall, the rate was roughly $1,000 per day per person including all transportation, lodging and meals.
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