self guided fishing trips

Find your ideal fishing vacation.

• Self-Guided Fishing Vacations

Self-guided fishing is a fantastic way to save money if you know the area well, know how to operate a boat (and are licensed) and prefer to control your own schedule. Self-guided (also referred to as “unguided”) packages typically provide everything that  you get with an all-inclusive guided package, but don’t offer guiding. Boats and equipment are usually provided, but some lodges may also have opportunities for you to bring your own boat. Many fishing lodges provide both guided and unguided fishing packages.

Southeast Alaska, Alaska, United States | Fly-in

Saltwater, Freshwater (rivers) | Guided + Unguided

Bristol Bay, Alaska, United States | Fly-in

Saltwater, Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (2:1 guest-to-guide ratio) | Fly fishing

Southeast Alaska, Alaska, United States | Drive-in

Saltwater, Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Guided + Unguided (2:1 guest-to-guide ratio) | Fly fishing

Montana, United States | Drive-in

Freshwater (rivers) | Guided + Unguided

Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States | Drive-in

Saltwater, Freshwater (rivers) | Guided

Great accommodations with a full service restaurant on the grounds where you will have your dinners. Lunches will be packed for your fishing trip and a continental breakfast will be offered every morning.

Over 38 years experience fishing the Kenai Peninsula Rivers, Cook Inlet, and Seward.

Colorado, United States | Drive-in

Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (2:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Ontario, Canada | Drive-in

Freshwater (lakes) | Unguided

Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (2:1 guest-to-guide ratio) | Fly fishing

Alaskan Interior, Alaska, United States | Fly-in

Freshwater (rivers) | Guided + Unguided (2:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Saltwater | Guided

Alberta, Canada | Fly-in

North/Central Interior, BC, Canada | Drive-in

Freshwater (rivers) | Guided + Unguided (4:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Northwest Territories, Canada | Fly-in

Freshwater (lakes) | Guided

Close your eyes. Take a slow and relaxing breath. Then envision a place so special that you’re not sure what it looks like. Majestic tundra and shimmering water as far as the eye can see. A complete lack of man-made noise. A muskox lumbering by or a gray wolf, standing nose to the wind. And…oh yeah…FISH! Now open your eyes and you’ll know you’re in your “happy place”…

| Guided (2:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Saltwater, Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Guided | Fly fishing

Yukon, Canada | Fly-in

Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (1:1 guest-to-guide ratio) | Fly fishing

As far as Canada Fishing Lodges go you won’t find a place further removed from the rest of the world, or as comfortable. For over 25 years we have strived to ensure our lodge is not only a world class fishing destination, but also world class in comfort. Come join us for a relaxing getaway that you and your family will never forget!

Quebec, Canada | Drive-in

Freshwater (lakes) | Guided + Unguided (2:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Southern Interior, BC, Canada | Drive-in

Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Guided | Fly fishing

The world’s best river fishing experience awaits you! The Fraser River is famous for its huge population of giant White Sturgeon plus big runs of Salmon. Our Sturgeon reach weights over 1,000 lbs and average 100-200 lbs!

This is a freshwater fishing paradise that is unmatched and delivers real BIG results! This is right up there or better than big game Marlin, Mako, Tuna and Catfish! Experience tail walking, line screaming, punishing battles with real prehistoric river monsters that can top 1,000 pounds!

Saltwater | Guided (4:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Glacier Bay Eagles Nest Lodge is located in beautiful Gustavus, Alaska (35 miles west of Juneau). Gustavus is known for having the world’s best halibut fishing. If you want to catch all five species of salmon or gigantic halibut, Glacier Bay Eagles Nest Lodge is the place for you.

New Brunswick, Canada | Drive-in

Haida Gwaii/North Coast, BC, Canada | Fly-in

Saltwater | Guided + Unguided

Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Guided + Unguided (2:1 guest-to-guide ratio) | Fly fishing

Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands, BC, Canada | Fly-in

Saltwater | Guided (2:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Kodiak Island, Alaska, United States | Fly-in

Saltwater, Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (6:1 guest-to-guide ratio) | Fly fishing

Save an average of US $24.75 CA $33.83 £19.80 €23.13 per person when you book through fishlodges.com

Brennan Harbour Resort is renowned for quality fishing. The resorts main catch is walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and jumbo perch. But, being part of a Great lake means that musky, sturgeon, salmon and trout are also possibilities.

Saltwater, Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Unguided | Fly fishing

Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States | Fly-in

Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands, BC, Canada | Drive-in

Manitoba, Canada | Fly-in

Freshwater (lakes) | Guided (2:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Saltwater, Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (4:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Saltwater, Freshwater (rivers) | Unguided

Welcome to Your Amazing Alaskan Fishing Experience!

During King Salmon season we get visitors from all over the world who come to Alaska for the pristine wildlife and abundant fish. We specialize in Alaska salmon fishing trips, but that isn’t the only fish you can find here.

Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Guided + Unguided | Fly fishing

Chulitna Lodge is 180 miles from the nearest road, with fly-in access only. A historical landmark on the shores of Lake Clark National Park, home of Dick Proeneke and his famous black and white film “Alone in the Wilderness”.

Oregon, United States | Drive-in

Saltwater | Guided (1:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Saskatchewan, Canada | Fly-in

When you visit Naukati Bay Adventures, you will soon come to understand what an impact a week of fishing and fun will have on you and your families lives forever.

Saltwater | Unguided

Welcome to one of Canada’s premier lodges of the north, famous for some of the best fishing in the world while providing a true northern experience.

Freshwater (lakes) | Guided + Unguided (0 guest-to-guide ratio)

Kluane Wilderness Lodge, the only commercial operation on Wellesley Lake lies in the land of the Midnight Sun, Canada’s Yukon. This quality managed fishery makes it one of the world’s premier Lake Trout destinations.

Saltwater, Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (2:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Save an average of US $28.17 CA $38.50 £22.54 €26.33 per person when you book through fishlodges.com

Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Unguided | Fly fishing

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada | Drive-in

Come explore the pristine waters of Haida Gwaii, with seasoned guides from the Northwest Fishing Team! Our waters are full of aquatic life, and with 15+ years of experience on the West Coast, our guides see to it that every fishing day ends with success. With various 3-5 day trips available, we have a package that is a fit just for you! Remarkable boats, outfitted with premium equiptment, ensure maximum comfort, safety and the ultimate fishing adventure!

Saltwater | Guided (3-1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Hook’n Them Up Fishing Charters is a family-owned & operated local business operating in the beautiful and remote location of Port Hardy, Port McNeill & the surrounding areas. We focus on fishing charters for halibut, salmon, and rockfish.

Quebec, Canada | Fly-in

At Coastal Springs Float Lodge we offer a relaxed, intimate fly-in fishing experience.

Freshwater (rivers) | Guided

Freshwater (rivers) | Guided + Unguided (1:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Our unique location offers some of British Columbia’s premier Salmon and Halibut fishing. Our remote location is accessible only by boat or float plane.

FLY-IN FISHING TRIP WHERE SOLITUDE AWAITS YOU

Save an average of US $16.95 CA $23.17 £13.56 €15.84 per person when you book through fishlodges.com

Meadow Lake Fishing Camp is located in the Thompson-Okanagan District of British Columbia in Canada, a two-hour drive north of Kamloops on Highways 5 and 24.

Saltwater | Guided + Unguided (2-1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Ocean front cabins in Nootka Sound to enjoy world class fishing and eco tourism at your doorstep. Cabins are nestled in lush old growth forest, carefully selected to offer privacy in this natural West Coast setting.

Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (4:1 max guest-to-guide ratio)

Welcome to the Best Salmon Fishing in Alaska! Our superb location enables us to fish the lower Nushagak River in Bristol Bay where some of the best salmon fishing in Alaska occurs annually. We invite you and your guests to fish with our experienced guides for the salmon fishing trip of a lifetime! The Nushagak River has Alaska’s largest known fishable king salmon run!

Saltwater | Guided (6:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

There’s fishing Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands … and then there’s fishing everywhere else…

Manitoba, Canada | Drive-in

Located about 30 miles up the Nushagak River from the town of Dillingham, AK and about 330 miles Southwest of Anchorage, AK, Toman’s King Camp boasts some of the most productive king salmon fishing anywhere.

Situated on the remote banks of the Wild and Scenic Alagnak River; Alaska Trophy Adventures Lodge is the perfect wilderness fishing retreat.

Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (4:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Chinook Shores’ Alaska Fishing Lodge in Ketchikan makes the most of saltwater fishing for salmon and halibut in the calm waters of Southeast Alaska. Unguided or self-guided fishing in Alaska is truly rewarding and lets you fish on your own schedule, at your own pace.

Alberta, Canada | Drive-in

, Canada | Fly-in

Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Guided + Unguided (2:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Saltwater, Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Guided + Unguided (6:1 guest-to-guide ratio) | Fly fishing

OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME. We have partnered with several locally owned, exceptional companies and tours to provide you that memory filled, world class experience based out of Ketchikan Alaska for your entire group.

Saltwater, Freshwater (rivers) | Guided + Unguided (1:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Whaler’s Cove Lodge is located on Killisnoo Island just a few miles from the village of Angoon on the western side of Admiralty Island. Our calm waters are a hundred miles by water from any large towns, so we enjoy wilderness adventures without any crowds. At Whaler’s Cove Lodge, you will enjoy the best that Alaska has to offer!

Steve Mawdsley’s Reel Crazy Fishing Charter offers premier sports fishing in Winter Harbour, BC, a remote hamlet on Northern Vancouver Island (near Port Hardy). Winter Harbour sportfishiing is second to none in the world.

Aniak River flowage produces some of the best sport fishing in Alaska. It’s common to catch more than one species of Salmon and a variety of other species of fish in a single day of fishing.

Freshwater (lakes) | Guided + Unguided

Surrounded by coastal rainforest & enormous fish, our Port Renfrew, BC Fishing Lodge & Hotel is the perfect setting for a lifelong memory.

Kenai River Recon is your answer to an unforgettable guided fishing trip in Alaska. Experience Alaska’s famous Kenai and Kasilof rivers while tracking down trophy-sized trout and salmon with a local and very insightful fishing guide.

There’s one reason why over 90% of our anglers return to our Nushagak King Salmon Camp…

They Catch Fish!

Lake In The Dunes is one of Oregon’s original private lake fly fishing destinations. Just 90 minutes south east of Bend, Oregon, it is a quick escape for any full day or multi-day fly fishing retreat.

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada | Fly-in

Most anglers searching for a saltwater fishing trip to Alaska are interested in catching salmon and halibut. Finding a location that consistently catches both on every fishing day is important. Alaska fishing charters that feature salmon/halibut fishing, but also offers anglers the opportunity to catch black cod, lingcod, rockfish and sharks is when you have found the winner!

There is no argument. The Nushagak is the best King Salmon fishing River in Alaska!

Yukon, Canada | Drive-in

The Pacific Gateway Wilderness Lodge in Bamfield, BC is your destination for premier saltwater sports fishing adventures and wilderness activities.

Saltwater, Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | | Fly fishing

Alaska Kingfishers operates a remote Alaska Salmon Fishing facility located on the banks of the Nushagak River in the heart of Bristol Bay, Alaska. Come fish with our Expert Alaska Fishing Guides.

There is no other British Columbia fishing lodge which compares to King Pacific Lodge. Our lodge at Milbanke Sound is a BC salmon lodge created as a testament to the friendship of the many anglers and friends George and Lisa Cuthbert have come to know over the past twenty-five years.

Saltwater | Guided (3:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Save an average of US $28.19 CA $38.52 £22.55 €26.34 per person when you book through fishlodges.com

Southern Interior, BC, Canada | Fly-in

“This is Alaska the way it used to be. A small group of guests, comfortable tent cabins, fine food, and endless Alaska fishing right outside your door. If you do not get enough fishing time during the day, we will gladly take you out after dinner for even more time on the river…”

Saltwater, Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (3:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Save an average of US $43.70 CA $59.72 £34.97 €40.84 per person when you book through fishlodges.com

Indulge in the rustic surroundings of Lake of the Woods at Yellowbird Lodge & Chalet, which offers the best gourmet meals, luxurious accommodations and 5-Star service with outstanding views that will take away all the stresses of the workplace.

Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (3:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

The Yentna River is a glacial fed tributary of the Susitna River. Because of the turbidity of the water, all fishing is done on many clear water tributaries.

Our west coast fishing retreats in Nootka Sound are minutes away from the world renowned salmon fishing the area is famous for. Both chinook salmon and coho salmon are common catches throughout the summer months but if you’re lucky, you might snag one of the many “tyee” (chinook) over 30lbs that are caught each year!

Saltwater, Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (2 guest-to-guide ratio)

A floating lodge in fishing paradise. Remote, accessible and unique.

Awesome trophy size fish is the main reason that people come to Milton Lake Lodge. Nice boats, professional guides and quality fishing gear add to the attraction. Lakes at this latitude of Northern Saskatchewan are known to produce large numbers of huge fish.

Ontario, Canada | Fly-in

North/Central Interior, BC, Canada | Fly-in

Westcoast Fishing Adventures operates in a World Class fishing destination, with 20 years of guiding experience on the Skeena, Nass & Kitimat Rivers and nearly all the remote Salmon & Steelhead systems of beautiful Northwest BC.

Saltwater | Guided + Unguided (3 guest-to-guide ratio)

Your ultimate Salmon and Halibut fishing destination on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia

THE BIGGEST FISH STORY OF YOUR LIFE BEGINS HERE

Save an average of US $24.95 CA $34.10 £19.96 €23.32 per person when you book through fishlodges.com

Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (2-1 guest-to-guide ratio) | Fly fishing

Why Choose ALASKA’S MOST REMOTE LODGE?

Saltwater | Guided + Unguided (6:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Cruise the Inside Passage of B.C. and experience some of the most exotic scenery in the world and enjoy British Columbia salmon and halibut fishing that is second to none.

Saltwater | Guided (2-1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Saltwater, Freshwater (rivers) | Guided + Unguided (4-1 guest-to-guide ratio)

*** Under New Management, US Navy SEAL Veteran Operated***

A Riverfront Bed & Breakfast Lodge in Chilliwack, British Columbia with spectacular views, hot tub, nature trails and Fraser River fishing. The Perfect Getaway Vacation or Fishing Lodge Holiday.

Saltwater, Freshwater (rivers) | Guided + Unguided (4:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (4:1 max guest-to-guide ratio)

At Chaudière Lodge you can experience world-class fishing, canoeing, kayaking, photography and much more. Located in one of the most dynamic ecosystems the north has to offer, the mighty French River.

, Canada | Drive-in

Alaska Rainbow Adventures is a highly regarded, experienced Alaska fly fishing guide service offering float fishing trips to some of Alaska’s most productive rivers like the Goodnews, Arolik, Kanektok and other waters in southwest Alaska for over three decades.

Here are some reasons why you might consider taking a guided fly fishing float trip with us:

Alaska’s Bristol Bay Sportfishing & Adventure lodge, built on tradition, experience, and warm Alaskan hospitality, invites you to experience personalized Alaska fishing with family and friends in an angling paradise—The Best Wilderness Fishing or Bear Viewing Trip of your life!

If you’re looking for the fishing trip of a lifetime, look no further than Frontier Fishing Lodge!

We are northern Canada’s most affordable, world-class trophy fishing lodge specializing in Trophy Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Arctic Grayling and Whitefish. At Frontier, you will find no hidden fees, and our fishery is so productive that our guests are not required to pay for costly fly outs in order to experience the fishing we have become known for!

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Top Fishing Destinations

• The Top 10 Best Fishing Lodges in Colorado
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• Canadian Northern Pike and Lake Trout Fishing

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Be Your Own Charter Captain with Fish Baranof

Learn More about Fish Baranof’s Sitka, Alaska Boat Rentals

Fish Baranof is your one-stop shop for self-guided saltwater fishing in Sitka, Alaska. We offer packages that include lodging, rental boats, rods, reels, tackle, downriggers, depth finder, VHF, GPS, charts, safety gear and more. If you have big water boat-driving experience and the ability to catch fish on your own, then we are the perfect solution.

Our boats are located at our private dock. Most of the fleet is comprised of 19- and 21-foot Hewescraft Sea Runners powered with Yamaha main and kicker motors and are extremely ocean-worthy, fish-catching machines. All of our guests stay local hotels and Airbnbs. Joel can help you with suggestions. Many good restaurants can be found in Sitka, including the Mean Queen in the Totem Square Hotel, so you will have ample choices of places to get a good meal after a great day on the water. Fish Baranof also provides commercial vacuum-packing machines and freezer space for anglers to package and store their fish.

Salmon and bottomfish are abundant in Sitka. Our proximity to outside waters puts us in prime location to intercept migrating salmon, and these fertile waters are home to great numbers of halibut, lingcod and many species of rockfish. Starting in May, king salmon can be caught in good numbers by trolling or mooching. Popular locations like Vitskari Rocks, St. Lazaria Islands, Biorka Island and Cape Edgecumbe often produce chunky Chinook for the fish box. As the season progresses, coho salmon arrive in fishable numbers in July and peak sometime in August. When the coho are in thick, daily limits (six per angler per day in 2020) can be caught with time left over to target bottomfish.

The Self-Guided Advantage

One of the advantages of choosing a DIY, self-guided saltwater trip in Sitka with Fish Baranof is that you are not subject to the same rules that guided anglers have to follow for the retention of halibut. In 2020, self-guided anglers could keep two halibut per day of any size, while guided halibut anglers could keep one fish per day in a reverse slot limit—either under 45 inches or over 80 inches. This is a huge advantage for DIY halibut anglers. Rockfish and lingcod populations are healthy in Sitka, so come prepared to catch some of these tasty species as well.

At Fish Baranof, we strive to provide top quality equipment, service and support. Come visit us in Sitka and enjoy a self-guided saltwater experience on your terms!

Check out this New Episode of Addicted Fishing Featuring Fish Baranof!

Be Your Own Charter Captain with our Sitka, Alaska Boat Rentals

Sitka boat rentals.

“Many anglers dream of fishing for salmon, halibut and bottomfish in Sitka’s productive waters, but don’t want to pay the high price for a typical lodge stay. If you have some big-water boating experience and dream of a DIY trip to a premier Alaskan saltwater port, Fish Baranof in Sitka, AK is for you. Located on one of the most productive saltwater ports in Alaska, I know of no better location for the DIY angler to target salmon, halibut and other bottomfish than Fish Baranof.”

-George Krumm Editor, Fish Alaska

“Fish Baranof is a top-notch company providing a great experience for people who know how to run a boat and fish already. Anglers who want to go to Alaska and experience it on their own terms can plan the perfect trip with Fish Baranof. Joel has some of the best equipment in the area for self-guided anglers and everything is conveniently located. He provides an awesome experience for his customers. The staff is helpful and courteous to customers and aim to give them the best experience possible while visiting this destination fishery in beautiful Sitka, Alaska. I can recommend Joel and Fish Baranof both personally and professionally with great confidence.”

Austin Moser Austin’s Northwest Adventures

Salmon Run Fishing Lodge

Self-Guided Salmon and Halibut Fishing in Remote Southeast Alaska

Self-guided salmon and halibut fishing in remote Southeast Alaska

Our anglers can expect to enjoy the exhilarating experience of fishing for 5 species of salmon, halibut and so much more. You'll be surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of glacially made fjords, sheer-cliff waterfalls, and wildlife galore. The opportunity to reel in these prized catches make for an unforgettable adventure in the Last Frontier.

Situated 40 miles west of Juneau, AK, our fly-in only fishing lodge offers a rare opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of nature. With comfortable rooms our guests can unwind after a day of angling adventures. Whether it's salmon or halibut fishing, our knowledgable staff ensure an unforgettable outdoor experience. Immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, indulge in hearty, homemade meals and create memories to last a lifetime at our remote fishing lodge.

2023 season photo book:

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Experience the Self Guided Difference at Waters Edge Lodge in Elfin Cove, Alaska

Experience the difference at Elfin Cove’s exclusive self-guided fishing lodge.  Nestled among the secluded northwest coast of Chichagof Island, Waters Edge Lodge allows anglers easy access to some of the best fishing Southeast Alaska has to offer.  Along with the diverse fishing grounds, Waters Edge Lodge offers the comforts of home with the convenience of an all-inclusive resort.

Surrounded by the vast beauty of Tongass National Forest the senses are sure to be delighted by the sights and sounds of the abundant wildlife.  So, whether you are looking for trophy halibut, acrobatic salmon, or pictures of Alaska’s unique wildlife, Waters Edge Lodge is the place for you.  Join us and experience the difference Waters Edge Lodge and Elfin Cove have to offer.

Waters Edge Lodge is owned & operated by Kelly & Mary Crump.  With many years of experience you are sure a wonderful fishing experience in Elfin Cove, Alaska!  They will ensure your comfort both on and off the water.  With an extensive knowledge of fishing in Southeast Alaska they will help make your self-guided fishing experience a memorable and successful adventure.

Summer Address

PO Box 27, 

Elfin Cove, AK 99825

[email protected]

Tel: 801-558-2351

Lodge 907.239.2351

Winter Address

283 Spencer Way, 

Farmington, UT 84025

Thanks! Message sent.

SALMON - TROUT - GRAYLING - PIKE

Alaska Self Guided Fishing

SEASONS ON THE FLY LODGE is a do-it yourself lodge.

All you need is a rod, food and your sense of adventure!

This is your best chance to fish Alaska 's greatest region for salmon and trout on a budget. However, if you do want a guided fishing experience, that is available as well. We’ll customize any fishing trip to meet your needs.  We offer a remote Alaska fly in fishing experience for anglers looking to catch quality fish in Alaska’s rugged wilderness.  We welcome anyone that’s looking access our World-Class fishery for a highly memorable fishing vacation whether you’re fishing with a conventional rod or looking for an Alaska fly fishing trip.  The Kvichak River is a World Class sockeye salmon river and home to some of the largest rainbow trout in the state of Alaska. But don't forget to ask about the Pike, Lake Trout and the Arctic Grayling!

pronounced  KWEE-JACK RIVER

Testimonials >>.

“This lodge is the perfect experience! Fish when you want, eat when you want. You're not on anybody else's schedule.   Rick (camp host) does a great job pointing you in the direction to go and shows you where the fish are! ” -  John T.

“I can't afford $10,000 a week to fish that area of Alaska, SOF Lodge has created the perfect affordable niche for anglers like me so I can fish that amazing area.” - Simon K.

Alaska Fly in Fishing Lodge >>

Our Alaska fly in fishing lodge is conveniently located on an island in the middle of the Kvichak River.  The lodge comfortably sleeps 8 guests and there’s 2 beds in each room with plenty of space for personal gear.  The kitchen is fully equipped with an oven and there is also a BBQ grill outside.  Dishes and utensils are provided along with everything you’ll need to prepare a meal.  This is a true Self Guided Alaska fishing lodge experience where True Adventure Awaits!  You’ll be the boss of your own fishing schedule and are welcome to fish from sunup to sundown.  You can come and go as you please and will have access to an enormous watershed in the middle of Alaska's wilderness on your own.

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Island Point Lodge

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Self-Guided Fishing on Alaska's Inside Passage | Fishing for Salmon, Halibut, Trout, Steelhead & More | Packages Include Fishing Boats & Gear, Lodging & Meals

• Approximate Cost: 6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
• Type: Lodges
• Fishing: Fly Fishing Freshwater Fishing Saltwater Fishing Self Guided Fishing
• What we fish for: King Salmon , Silver Salmon , Sockeye Salmon , Pink Salmon , Halibut , Chum Salmon , Dolly Varden , Red Snapper, Sea Bass, Cod
• Featured On: Alaska's Inside Passage - Fishing Lodges & Charters Top 10 Trips Under $3,500 Top 10 Self-Guided Fishing Trips

Island Point Lodge is located in Petersburg, Alaska on Kupreanof Island. This is a saltwater and freshwater fishing lodge with a wide variety options for fishing. This is a remote fishing lodge, and power is via a diesel generator. Guests are housed in the six cabins. The lodge can accommodate four groups of four and two groups of two making this a nice lodge for a small group.

Fishing with Island Point Lodge

Fishing peak season, featured video of island point lodge.

Photos of Island Point Lodge

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Popular Alaska Fishing Destinations

World-Class Saltwater Fishing & Sightseeing - The Cook Inlet & surrounding areas are remarkably beautiful and one of the most heavily visited areas for fishing and outdoor recreation.

Beautiful Views From the Shores of the Cook Inlet - Saltwater Fishing for Trophy King Salmon & Huge Halibut along with excellent freshwater fishing in Ninilchik River & Deep Creek as well.

Saltwater & Freshwater Fishing - Juneau, the state capital of Alaska has a small-town feel and offers a excellent saltwater fishing for Halibut & Salmon on the Inside Passage as well as freshwater fishing for Trout, Steelhead, Dolly Varden & more

The largest city on the Kenai Peninsula - Kenai sits is located on the shores of the Cook Inlet at the mouth of the Kenai River, which gives you easy access to both saltwater & freshwater fishing.

Fishing & Adventure on Baranof Island - Visit Sitka for great fishing for Halibut & Salmon, a good variety of lodges from luxury to afforable and a wealth of outdoor activities & wildlife viewing on Baranof Island.

Located on the banks of the Kenai River - World-Class Fishing & Recreation - Easy Access to the Kenai River, Kasilof River, Cook Inlet & Russian River

• Value....just not their.....small open boats...you will get wet...its alaska and expensive...compare to Haida Gwaii value....much much better boats and lodges in Hadai Gwaii....both unguided or...
• Read Full Review
• Island Point Lodge review My husband and I stayed at Island Point Lodge on the week of July 21-28th 2023. We had a great time! The location of the lodge was beautiful. Very picturesque. We have...
• Very happy with everything from the kitchen staff to the dock crew.everyone did a outstanding job of taking care of all our needs.the staff is knowledgeable of the fishing area and helps you find...
• Read All Reviews on TripAdvisor
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Fishing Vacations – Waterfront Cabins

Plan your alaskan escape self-guided fishing adventure today, saltwater fishing alaska’s famed waters.

Thorne Bay and Alaska’s Inside Passage are home to trophy-class, saltwater fishing located throughout its waters. With Alaskan Escape Self-Guided Vacations, you can enjoy fishing in relatively calm waters. The area is comprised of hundreds of islands, protected passages and bays, teeming with fish and other aquatic life. While fishing, don’t be surprised to see Orcas, Humpback Whales, Otters and Sea Lions.

Alaskan Escape provides each cabin with a 16 foot Lund skiff for self-guided fishing trips or we can also recommend local guides . Our Lunds are fully equipped with Penn Downriggers along with rods and reels for saltwater fishing . For fly fishing and stream fishing , we recommend you bring your favorite rod with you.

Each boat is also provided a crab pot . Great crabbing and clamming can be found throughout Thorne Bay.

Salmon Fishing at Alaskan Escape – Thorne Bay, Alaska

Chinook Salmon , commonly called Kings , are Alaska’s state fish and the largest and scarcest of Pacific salmon. The largest King ever taken weighed in at 126 pounds, though Kings usually range from 25 – 50 pounds. King f ishing is most productive in these waters in June and July.

Silver Salmon or Cohos are hard fighters and can provide intense action. The Coho average 12-15 pounds, but can be found weighing in at over 20 pounds. These salmon are most plentiful from late July through September.

Pink Salmon or Humpies are the smallest and most abundant salmon in area waters. They average 3-5 pounds. The best Pink salmon fishing is during July and August.

Chum Salmon also called Dog salmon , are famous for their strength and large teeth, which develop most prominently in males upon entering fresh water. Chum salmon fishing is readily available mid- July through August. They average 15 pounds.

Bottom Fishing

Rockfish is a term used to describe over 10 species of light-fleshed bottom fish , including Yellow Eye Rock Fish  and B lack Sea Bass .

Most weigh between 1-5 pounds and are long-lived, depending on the species, may reach ages of 30-100 years. Good rock fishing occurs during the warm summer months .

Lingcod is usually found on or the near the bottom, most often over rocky reefs in areas of strong currents.

These fish are extremely aggressive predators, often growing to over 50 pounds. The usual range is 10-40 pounds and are abundant throughout the fishing season.

Diving in Alaska? Bring your wetsuit! Prince of Wales Island is home to some of the freshest, sweetest Uni (sea urchin), a delicacy in high-end sushi restaurants.

Sea Cucumbers and Scallops can also be found in abundance.

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Multiple cabins, a 16′ Lund skiff and a 10 minute boat ride from your door, you will find prime fishing grounds for Salmon, Rockfish and more. Enjoy the Crab, Clams and Shrimp you catch yourself.

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Self Guided Fishing in Alaska

Alaska king salmon.

Island Point Lodge is located in the heart of the Alaska’s Inside Passage which produces abundant fishing runs throughout the summer months. King salmon fishing is one of the favorites for our guests and you’ll get a chance to tangle with plenty of King Salmon on your next Alaska self-guided fishing trip. Kings are big fish, they fight hard and they’re delicious to eat. We fish in protected waters that surround the port of Petersburg. King Salmon (Chinook) average 20-35 pounds, although a 40-pound king is not unusual. Casting, trolling and mooching are the most effective fishing methods. Fly fishing for Kings is productive, especially with egg patterns. Line test is 30 pounds. End of April to July run dates.

Alaska Silver Salmon

Many of our guests highly regard the Coho Salmon season as one of the most action packed salmon runs in the Inside Passage. When the Silver Salmon bite comes on, it’s thrilling because these fish jump around and put up a strong fight. Island Point Lodge will provide everything you need to get hooked with plenty of Coho. Our fishing lodge guests fish around the port of Petersburg and there’s plenty to see on your way to the fishing grounds. Silver Salmon (Coho) average 8-15 pounds and are caught by trolling and casting (excellent for fly fishing). Line test is 8-12 pounds. Mid-July to October run dates.

Alaska Sockeye Salmon

Red Salmon fishing is another popular Season here in Petersburg, Alaska. Reds put up a good fight and make excellent table fare. We get a pretty solid run each summer and when the bite is on you will know. We will provide you all the gear that you’ll need to be successful on the water when fishing for Alaska sockeye. Just bring your camera and because there’s a lot to see and you might get a trophy fish. Red Salmon (Sockeye) is a smaller fish than the 2 previously mentioned, averaging 4-10 pounds and are caught by casting or fly fishing. Line test is 4-10 pounds. Mid-June to Mid-August run dates.

Alaska Halibut Fishing Charters

Our Alaska fishing lodge is located in the natural waters of the Inside Passage and the Alaska Halibut fishing is off the charts amazing. Halibut is the largest flatfish in the world, averaging 100 pounds, with some exceeding 400 pounds. Halibut is king of the bottom fish in the North Pacific. These fish are very strong and deliver heart pounding runs on heavy tackle. Island Point Lodge will get you setup with everything you need to reel in one of these goliaths. Halibut fishing requires a boat rod and a suitable reel. Line test is 80-100 pounds. End of April to October run dates.

Silverking Lodge

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Everything you need to fish, dine, and lodge in alaska is included.

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Photo gallery.

Upgrade to a 20' Covered Boat

A Week in the Life at Silverking

Before You Get Here

What a Typical Day Looks Like

Things to Do In Ketchikan

How to Identify Alaska Fish Specis

Salmon Fishing Techniques

What To Pack

Dine With Us

See what our guests have been up to....

When life gives you fish 🫡🎣 #silverkinglodge #halibut ...

When life gives you fish 🫡🎣 #silverkinglodge #halibut #salmon #chumsalmon #silversalmon #fishingislife ...

Still catching big ones! #largehalibut #silverkinglodge

Still catching big ones! #largehalibut #silverkinglodge ...

Good times, good friends, and good fishing! #enjoyfishing ...

Good times, good friends, and good fishing! #enjoyfishing #fishingwithfriends #alaskafishing #fishingboat #fishingonriver #silverkinglodge ...

Have you ever caught a Ling Cod? #alaskafishing2022 ...

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Check out this live cam, tons of people pulling in fish on the dock! ...

Check out this live cam, tons of people pulling in fish on the dock! I'm loving fishing out of Clover Pass in Ketchikan, AK right now. https://www.cloverpassresort.com/webcam/?location=Clover%20Pass%20Resort&sourceurl=https://cloverpassresort.com&_ga=2.999028.417209584.1658607320-1143687642.1654744444#cloverpassresort #cloverpassresort #fishing #fishinglive #fishingwebcam #fishingvideo #alaskafishing #fishing2022 #resort #alaskafishingresorts #fishingtime #KetchikanAK #silverkinglodge #cloverpassresort ...

Eagles for days in Alaska. #shotonsony #alaska #ketchikan ...

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Time: 5 seconds! How many fish are there? #Fishingpics ...

Time: 5 seconds! How many fish are there? #Fishingpics #Alaskafishing #halibut #halibutfishing #salmon #salmonfishing #silverkinglodge ...

Thanks silverkingalaska for the awesome trip! #silverkinglodge ...

Thanks silverkingalaska for the awesome trip! #silverkinglodge #ketchikanalaska ...

Photographing these birds of prey was such a blast. I can’t get over how ...

Photographing these birds of prey was such a blast. I can’t get over how epic they are. #ketchikanalaska #ketchikan #alaska #baldeagle #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #photography #utahphotographer #shotonsony #sonya7iii #sony200600g #sony200600 #silverkinglodge #sonyalpha #sonyalpha7iii ...

Silverking Lodge - Day 4 #silverkinglodge #ketchikan ...

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Reflection — Ketchikan, Alaska #ketchikan #ketchikanalaska ...

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Silverking Lodge - Day 3 #silverkinglodge #ketchikan ...

Silverking Lodge - Day 3 #silverkinglodge #ketchikan #ketchikanalaska #alaska ...

Silverking Lodge - Day 2 #silverkinglodge #ketchikan #alaska

Silverking Lodge - Day 2 #silverkinglodge #ketchikan #alaska ...

The feeling of sharing with someone, the peace of nature, the joy of ...

The feeling of sharing with someone, the peace of nature, the joy of angling, the beauty of the sea, and the confidence to have fun. #Fishing2022 #AlaskaFishing2022 #FishingSeason #Fishingislife #Salmon #Salmonfishing #silverkinglodge ...

Dropped anchor in Ketchikan. The old west of northwest coast. Took a day ...

Dropped anchor in Ketchikan. The old west of northwest coast. Took a day trip to the Silver King Lodge, and fed fish to waiting bald eagles. Rounded out the visit with beer at The Asylum. #ketchikan #silverkinglodge #larsgruber #ukelife #drumlife ...

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#silverkinglodge #ketchikan #alaska ...

Angling for a bigger fish! #fishing #fishing2022 #fishingseason ...

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🦌🌳Silverking Lodge: Ketchikan Alaska! What a beautiful trip. ...

🦌🌳Silverking Lodge: Ketchikan Alaska! What a beautiful trip. 🌳🦌 #adventure #alaska #deer #wildlife #tour #cruiselife #silverkinglodge #dcl #disneywonder #dcljobs #shiplife ...

Talk about a seafood feast with a view!! #alaska #ketchikan #seafoodboil ...

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I bet ya can tell I had fun in Ketchikan 🦅🦌🌳🌲 ...

I bet ya can tell I had fun in Ketchikan 🦅🦌🌳🌲 #disneycruiseline #dcl #dcljobs #cruiselife #shiplife #disney #disneycruise #disneywonder #disneywonderalaska #alaska #dclalaska #ketchikan #ketchikanseafeast #silverkinglodge #cloverpassresort ...

After a boat ride to an island off of Ketchikan, Alaska. Boating is a ...

After a boat ride to an island off of Ketchikan, Alaska. Boating is a favorite pastimes for us even if we aren’t fishing, but Bryan still did on this one lol. We passed waterfalls and got to see eagles 🦅 drop down for fish. Such an awesome experience you can’t get in many other places. Some places we visit aren’t like the others. Some travel situations aren’t as accommodating , but we’re not the family to not enjoy a beautiful pace. We soak up a lot of the outdoors wherever we can, fresh oxygen and nature is a perfect Dulaney trip! #silverkinglodge #ketchikan #familytravel #marketers #keepingupwiththedulaneys #entrepreneurlife #blessed #fishingtrip ...

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Alaska's Fly-in Fishing Lodge

Self-Guided Fishing

In the remote Alaskan waters of Sea Otter Sound, we offer self-guided fishing for the adventurous independent angler which includes husbands and wives, grandparents and grandkids plus many fathers and sons or daughters. Monster halibut, ling cod, king salmon, silver salmon, pink salmon, yellow eye or black bass, our goal is to give you the fish-catching adventure of a lifetime. We will tailor a package that fits your fishing abilities and preference.

Without a doubt, this is one of our most popular packages! Designed for both the experienced angler and the novice, this is what our guests return year after year for. Imagine fishing without anyone else around except your fellow lodge guests. Humpback whales and eagles are your companions. The silver salmon bite is fast and furious. Before you know it, both you and your fishing partner are limited out with your six silvers apiece. Take them back to the lodge for processing, maybe a short nap, then back out for Ling Cod and Halibut! This is Sea Otter Sound magic!

Our boats are top of the line aluminum deep water boats. We have three 18’ & 19’ JetCraft and seven 21’ custom hard top boats.  The JetCrafts have a 60 HP Bigfoot Yamaha. Our custom-built boats have a 115HP Yamaha with a 9.9 Yamaha kicker. All operated from the helm with electric start and tilt. We try to have the latest in Garmin technology with our fish finders and GPS chart plotters. Our ICOM VHF radios keep you in touch with your fellow fishermen and the lodge. All boats have either half-canvas or hardtop to keep you dry during the S.E. Alaska’s rain. We equip you with the best fishing tackle and gear. Lamiglas rods, Penn Squall reels or Shimano level wind line counter reels. Your tackle includes Maxima tournament line, hand-tied Gamakatsu leaders, Hot Spot flashers, Abe & Al dodgers, frozen herring and the most productive lures for the bite. Most fishermen prefer to use our deep divers, but on request, we will outfit your boat with a Scotty hand crank downrigger and 10-pound cannonball. Great for those deep king salmon.

When you return to the lodge, the staff will land you, offload your catch and hang them for pictures. The staff will then park your boat in the slip and give it a thorough scrubbing. Your boat is re-stocked with leaders and re-fueled for your next day’s fishing adventure! Your catch is immediately processed by our staff in labeled vacuum bags and frozen. Eat, Fish, Sleep…

As a self-guided fisherman, your time is your own. Fish for bottom fish, salmon or halibut. Come into the lodge at midday for a refreshing nap then go out again! Bring your camera because the wildlife viewing is spectacular! Humpback whales gorging themselves on krill. Watch the sea otters as they gorge 25% of their body weight per day, seals sunning themselves on the sands and always, our majestic eagles.

If you want to go on the big boat one day with our Captain, let us know and we will schedule you in. There is an additional $150 per person for the big boat excursion.

What “Otters” Are Saying

“Twenty two (22) years and still coming back every year. If heaven is like Sea Otter Sound Lodge, that is where I want to be.” – John F. Westminster, CO

• Guided Saltwater Fishing
• Guided Kayak Fishing
• Guided Freshwater Fishing
• Unique Opportunities

Fish with us!

Whaler’s cove lodge is simply the best alaska fishing vacation.

Calm waters enable unspoiled Alaska fishing opportunities enhanced by low angling pressure.

Drop a line just 10 minutes from our private dock for Pacific Halibut, Silver Salmon, and Sablefish. 

  All-inclusive guided Alaska fishing charters: all gear, all tackle, an experienced guide, all fuel, snacks, mixers, and fish processing.    

Delicious meals made from scratch, cooked by our professional culinary team. 

All of this is included in our package pricing to make your Alaska fishing vacation easy.

We are family owned and operated and have been in business for 42 years. W e are passionate about sharing our Alaska Fishing Paradise and giving our guests an unforgettable Alaska fishing experience. 

Whaler’s Cove Lodge is located in Southeast Alaska, Killisnoo Island , near the Tlingit village of Angoon, Alaska  and the famous  Kootznoowoo Wilderness  and  Admiralty Island National Monument .

Call us to talk with our team to coordinate Alaska Fishing for 2024!

We offer a personalized service to reserve your space and coordinate logistics for your remote Alaska fishing vacation.

 We look forward to seeing you (again!)

What a few people had to say about their Alaska Fishing Adventure:

Call Us to Book Your Vacation at Whaler’s Cove Lodge!

It’s time to plan your once-in-a-lifetime Alaska fishing adventure

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Self-Guided Fishing Trips

Thorne Bay is known for its spectacular fishing that includes Salmon, Halibut, Lincod, Snapper, Shrimp, and Crab.

Stays Less Than 6 Nights

1 Day Self-Guided Fishing / 1 Night Lodging

$ 450 person

Self-Guided Package

May 15 - September 15

5 Days Self-Guided Fishing / 6 Nights Lodging

$ 2,500 person

What's Included?

Gear / Tackle / Bait / Fuel Fish Fillet & Vacum Packing Professional / Knowledgeable Guide *additional charges for 50 pound wax fish boxes.

Kids (4-12) are half price for lodging, however, guided fishing trips are $400/per person per day.

Kids (under 4) are Free for lodging and guided fishing trips, however, please contact us prior to booking for available seats on boat.

Alaska fly fishing float trips

Guided & self-guided alaskan fly fishing float trips.

Alaska fly fishing float trips – If you’ve never been on a fishing trip to Alaska before, be forewarned that after spending a week here, one never goes all the way back home. You will never lose the compelling urge to return for another Alaska fly fishing trip.

Guided & Self-Guided Fly Fishing

Fish and Float Alaska rafting adventures offers guided and self-guided fishing and ecotourism float trips that are based on the same level of excellence as our fly-out lodge program at Rainbow River Lodge  and  Iliamna River Lodge . Our float trips take place in the heart of southwest Alaska offering the finest Salmon, Rainbow, Char and Grayling fly fishing in Alaska.   We provide everything including float plane flights, guides, food, fishing equipment, rafts, tents, camping/cooking gear, etc.  Self-guided trips include all the above except the guide, food, and fishing equipment.  These are the best trips for adventurers looking for the true “wilderness” experience of Alaska.

TAKE THE ALASKA FISHING TRIP OF YOUR LIFETIME…ON YOUR TIME, AT YOUR PACE.

The trips stay out on the river the whole duration stopping at key points to set up camp and fish on the many rivers of the Iliamna Region. The primary purpose of these trips is for fly fishing and ecotourism, though there is great adventure involved as well with our Alaska float trip program.

Experience of a lifetime

I will not attempt to express my admiration for the fly fishing which you provide, as words cannot adequately express the quality of the exquisite Copper River and the quantity and quality of the superb Rainbow trout which inhabit it. Suffice to say that I do not expect to encounter such an experience elsewhere in my lifetime

Most exciting outdoor experience of my life!

In my many years of fly-fishing, I have never come close to the adventure and excitement we had floating and camping on that beautiful river in the Alaska wilderness. It was the most exciting outdoor experience of my life and I will never forget that trip!

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO OUR ALASKA FISHING LODGE, ALL INCLUSIVE

• Date Coming MM slash DD slash YYYY

Check Availability

We accept reservations for future years at our all-inclusive Alaska Fishing Lodge.  If you want to come during a specific week, don’t wait until the year before to book. Make your reservation early to ensure you get your first choice. Our no-risk cancellation policy makes it easy to book your next trip to Doc’s. We hope to see you “reel” soon at that special place we call Doc’s.

• INCLUDED: Doc Warner’s offers 6 nights lodging and 5 full days of fishing. Lodging, meals, fishing, transfers, and more are included in our Alaska fishing trips.
• PRICES: Prices are per person, assuming 3 or 4 guests per boat, plus tax. Two guests per boat is a slightly more expensive. We also have youth and child rates. Click below to see our current pricing.  
• 100% REFUND:  Doc’s has the most liberal refund policy in the industry. We offer a 100% refund, period. Just let us know when you know, and we will be happy to refund your money or roll it to a future booking.

• NEEDS AND ABILITIES:  Carefully consider the abilities of the people who will be coming to Alaska with you. All who fish are not created equal in ability, stamina, and size. A group of 20 to 40-year-olds, in good physical condition, can wade streams, climb mountains, row boats, and generally fish for long hours.
• RUN TIMING:  Run timing refers to when the fish will be in the area where you will be fishing. If you have a particular species that you want to focus on, run time is critical. If you want to catch kings (Chinooks), then come in the spring and early summer because that’s when they are moving through our area.
• SELF GUIDED VS. CHARTER BOAT:  In protected areas like Doc Warner’s, all you need to be a great captain of your own boat is good, consistent help on the water until you are familiar with the area and catching fish. At this point, it becomes your fishing trip and the experience of a lifetime.

Sportsman's Shows

We visit shows in the following cities:  Denver, CO; Sacramento , CA, Salt Lake  City, UT,  Billings, MT.  Harrisburg, PA, Boise , ID, Puyallup, WA, Minneapolis, MN.  Click here for a schedule. 

We are adding shows regularly, so check back or call us to see if there is a show in your area.  

• PHONE:  801-298-8060
• EMAIL:  [email protected]
• OFFICE ADDRESS:  1673 Temple View Dr., Bountiful, UT 84010

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Guide Lessons: 6 Rules to Follow When You Hire a Fishing Guide

Including advice on when to show up (early), how much to tip (generously), and more

By T. Edward Nickens | Published May 24, 2024 2:00 PM EDT

My guide when I fish the Everglades is Captain Mark Cherney, owner of Blackwater Fishing Charters out of Fort Myers, Florida. He’s a big, bearded fellow who could pole a skiff to Pluto and back, but he’s a gentle soul. A class act. He’s not a yeller or cusser when a cast flies off into the ether. Or into the mangroves.

Which made it doubly embarrassing over our recent two-day charter when I made a couple of newbie mistakes within the guide-angler relationship—things that I knew better but nonetheless screwed up. This goes beyond practicing your casting before you show up on the dock, or double-checking that you have an active fishing license, if needed. Fishing with a guide is a team sport, and you need to hold up your end of the deal. But I’ve been fishing for a really long time, and sometimes you simply screw it up. I’m not saying I made all of these mistakes. But I also know I made more of these mistakes in one day than I care to admit. So do as I say, not as I did.

1) Be There When the Guide Says to Be There

Be there 10 minutes early, in fact. Your guide has the day sketched out in his head: How early he has to leave to beat the crowds to the best bass habitat. When she needs to shove off from the dock to catch the good tidal push on the flats. You being late puts a guide behind the curve all day long. They may say, “It’s all good, there’s no real rush.” But he or she is lying like a rug, and you’d better hope you’re not a mind-reader, or your feelings will be hurt.

2) Get Your Mess Together Before You Get There

I screwed this one up—big time. I should have put my raincoat on at the dock. It was slightly chilly, which would turn downright cold in a flats skiff going 35 mph. I knew that. When I pulled it out of my pack 10 minutes into a 50-minute ride, the front zipper was good and stuck. For another 10 minutes I wrestled with that zipper while the arms flapped all over the place like one of those garish blow-up figures at a used-car lot. It was embarrassing. Cherney didn’t say a word, but I didn’t even want to look over and see the expression on his face. Put your coat on if you think you’re going to need it. Pull the sunscreen out of your bag. The guide doesn’t need you wallowing around in the boat while she’s trying to navigate a skinny channel through the mangroves.

3) Take Your Shoes off Before You Walk on the Boat Hull

Nearly every guide I’ve fished with spreads out a wet towel for clients to step on as they first board the boat. But you should still take your shoes off immediately before proceeding to your seat. You’ve likely walked across a nasty grime-filled parking lot and then across a nasty grease-slimed boat ramp and that little two-step on a wet towel doesn’t fully do the job. Swish the bottom of your soles overboard when you get to your seat before you put them back on. Your guide will be so impressed they may even forgive you for losing their sixth fly in the mangroves.

4) Know Where You’re Going

By this, I don’t mean bone up on the turn-by-turn directions. Learn a bit about your location and the fish you’re after. Montana guide and Lary’s Fly Shop owner Hilary Hutcheson once told me this was her greatest peeve as a guide: People who knew close to nothing about the incredible wilds of the Flathead Valley when they showed up on her raft. “They’ll get on the boat and say, ‘I hope we catch a monster brown trout today!’ But there are no brown trout in the South Fork of the Flathead,” she said. “It breaks my heart a little when they don’t appreciate where they are.” Hutcheson will say it ain’t so, but I’ll tell you straight: A broken-hearted guide is gonna be a little less likely to break their back to put you on fish.

5) Be Ready to Pay

I’ve flubbed this a number of times. Don’t assume your guide accepts payment by Venmo, Zelle, personal check, credit card, cash, or a box of sweet potatoes. Ask ahead of time, and show up with the funds in whatever form they request. It’s awkward and unfair to pull out a credit card when the guide doesn’t accept credit cards because it’s an automatic 3-percent (or higher) ding on the day’s rate. And tips are almost always better paid in cash. Speaking of which…

6) Tip Like a Trust Fund Baby

I’ve gone back and forth over this across the years. Not on whether or not to tip, but on how much—and especially the quandary over how much to tip a solo guide vs. a guide employed by an outfitter or lodge. Fishing forums seethe over this— Just charge me what it costs! Don’t tell me about fuel and ramp costs, that’s the cost of doing business! . Blah, blah, blah.

Over the years, I’ve landed on an easy answer. Tip 20 percent every time, and a bit more when your guide goes above and beyond. Twenty percent. That figure is baked into the guiding financial model so bake it into your trip budget and be done with it. It’s expected and appreciated. It’s the industry standard, and if you don’t want to meet the standard, you might need to find another industry to play in.

T. Edward Nickens has covered sporting, conservation, and outdoors culture topics for more than 35 years. His work has appeared in Field & Stream for more than two decades, and includes features, his regular column, “The Total Outdoorsman,” five Field & Stream books, and the anthology The Last Wild Road.

Driftwood Outdoors: Take fishing road trips for family summer fun

Summer is our time to celebrate freedom.

Few experiences rival hitting the open road for a family fishing trip. Some say it's baseball and apple pie that represents American summers but, for many of us, the best way we know to embrace our nation is by hauling in a monster catfish from a big muddy river or collecting a limit of yellow perch from the Great Lakes.  

June might not rival the prime months of spring and fall for fishing trips — but the kids are out of school, so there’s no time like the present. Fishing is available across the Midwest, and here is a list of a few destinations you should consider for a family fishing road trip.  

Illinois: Lake Michigan yellow perch

Perch transition during June to the shallows. Pre-spawn fish are found congregated on clay flats in 50 to 80 feet of water all along the Chicago lakefront. After they spawn towards the end of June, they move into shallow water from 20 to 40 feet deep with temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees.

A simple two-hook, live-bait rig with a bottom-bouncing bell sinker is a regular method. Blade baits, ice fishing jigs and Swedish Pimples are a few artificial options. Keep everything on the bottom. Calumet Harbor is a perch fishing favorite.  

Indiana: Yellowwood Lake bluegill  

Yellowwood State Forest is home to 133-acre Yellowwood Lake and Jackson Creek. The two provide fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and even stocked trout at certain times of the year. It’s the bluegill in Yellowwood that draw anglers from near and far. Bluegill can be caught just about anywhere on the lake, as well as in Jackson Creek below the dam.

Remember to respect the resource of these muscular panfish. It’s not hard to over-fish a lake the size of Yellowwood. This non-motorized, special lake offers solitude and a limited availability for primitive camping right by the water, making fishing real convenient. Be sure to visit the quaint, nearby artist colony in Nashville.  

Ohio: Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area largemouth bass  

Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area is home to 350 lakes with nearly 300 campsites. With 35,396 acres to roam, this huge piece of public land allows anglers to spread out. Often leaving them alone on a remote piece of water. Many of which are full of largemouth bass.

The Ohio DNR listed Appalachian Hills as the second-best largemouth fishing destination in the state. Most shorelines are forested, making this a great place to fish from a small kayak or float tube. Restored strip mine lands across the Midwest often make up prime fishing destinations these days. Appalachian Hills certainly does.

Iowa: Rathbun Reservoir crappie   

Rathbun is a noted crappie fishing destination, with multiple tournaments taking place there each year. This 11,000-acre reservoir is arguably Iowa’s best crappie fishing lake. By June, the crappie have spawned and retreated to deeper water. Look for them in 15 to 20 feet near submerged brush piles in deeper bays and off main lake points. A 1/8-ounce jig tipped with a minnow is likely to produce.

Honey Creek State Park offers a great place to camp. For those looking for lodging, Honey Creek Resort is beautiful and right on the water.  

Kansas: Kansas River catfish

Summer is catfish season, and the Kansas River is known for big ones. The Kansas River is a tributary of the Missouri, so there are big blues, flatheads and channel cat swimming in the watershed. The 34-pound, 11-ounce state-record channel catfish was pulled from the river.

The biggest catfish are typically found downstream from Lawrence to the river’s confluence. Shad are plentiful and are a good bet when used as cut bait.   

Wisconsin: Brule River trout   

Trout fishing in the North Woods during the summer on the Brule River is tough to beat. This iconic water is known for salmon and steelhead runs, but the resident trout alone make this a must-fish destination, especially during the Hex hatch, which occurs in June and early July. The emergence of the Hexagenia limbata mayfly makes trout feed aggressively.

The Brule River has four different management segments. Anglers on the hunt for brook trout, brown trout and the fabled hex hatch should focus on the upper Brule above County Highway B.  

See you down the trail.

For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on  www.driftwoodoutdoors.com  or anywhere podcasts are streamed.   

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Observe Memorial Day with these events in southern Maine

Tons of towns have parades and ceremonies happening Monday.

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Kids and adults gather at a Memorial Day parade to honor and celebrate veterans in South Portland. Sofia Aldinio/ Staff Photographer

BATH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade begins at 200 Congress Ave. and concludes at Library Park and will be followed by a wreath-laying service at 11 a.m.

BERWICK 11 a.m. Monday. Parade begins at Berwick Town Hall/Sullivan Square and proceeds to Lord’s Cemetery by way of Wilson and Allen streets. After a ceremony there, the parade will continue down Saw Mill Hill Street with a pause at the Somersworth-Berwick Bridge for a brief memorial service for those lost at sea. The parade ends at Sullivan Square with a memorial service honoring area veterans.

BIDDEFORD-SACO Opening ceremony at 9:55 a.m. Monday at Saco City Hall. Parade starts at 10 a.m. from Saco City Hall and proceeds along Main Street and down York Hill into Biddeford, continues along Main Street, onto Alfred Street and finishes at Veteran’s Memorial Park with a closing ceremony at 10:45 a.m.

BRUNSWICK-TOPSHAM 9 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds from Topsham Town Hall, pauses for observances while crossing the Brunswick-Topsham bridge, and concludes at the Brunswick Mall.

CAPE ELIZABETH 9 a.m. Monday. Parade begins at the middle school parking lot, turns right on Scott Dyer Road, right onto Route 77 and ends at the village green adjacent to the town hall. A brief ceremony and laying of the wreath will be held at the Village Green after the parade.

CUMBERLAND 8 a.m. Monday. Kids run at Greely High School followed by 5K Run and Remember race at 8:30 a.m. Parade starts at 10 a.m. at Mabel I. Wilson School and ends at the veterans’ monument in Moss Side Cemetery in Cumberland Center, where a ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. Advertisement

FALMOUTH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds from 65 Depot Road (Falmouth American Legion) to Pine Grove Park, where a ceremony will be held.

FREEPORT 9:30 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds from Holbrook Street, heads north on Main and makes a right onto School Street, then right onto Park Street, ending in Memorial Park. There will be a small ceremony in Memorial Park starting at 10 a.m.

GORHAM 11 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Village School (12 Robie St.) and ends at Eastern Cemetery on Johnson Road.

GRAY 11:30 a.m. Monday. Parade leaves the Russell School (8 Gray Park), proceeds to Shaker Road and continues to the Soldiers Monument at the intersection of Routes 26 and 3 for a wreath-laying ceremony. Parade continues north to the American Legion Post (15 Lewiston Road) for a closing ceremony.

LYMAN 1 p.m. Monday. Parade starts at Waterhouse Road/Mill Pond in Goodwins Mills and ends at the Lyman Town Hall on South Waterboro Road.

NEW GLOUCESTER 9 a.m. Monday. Parade leaves from Memorial Elementary School (86 Intervale Road) and heads down Intervale Road to Route 100/202 to Veterans Park for a memorial service. The parade will reconvene and go down Peacock Hill Road, then take a left on Gilmore Road. Advertisement

OLD ORCHARD BEACH 1 p.m. Monday. Parade starts at the corner of Ballpark Way and E. Emerson Cumming Boulevard and proceeds down Saco Avenue, Old Orchard Beach Street to First Street and ends at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

PORTLAND 2 p.m. Monday. The procession starts at Longfellow School (432 Stevens Ave.) and ends at Evergreen Cemetery for a commemoration ceremony.

SANFORD 10 a.m. Monday. The parade starts at the Sanford Armory (88 William Oscar Emery Drive), proceeds up Gowen Park Drive and ends at Central Park.

SCARBOROUGH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Scarborough High School, turns onto Route 114 and then Route 1, past town offices to the Maine Veterans Home and concludes with a ceremony there.

SOUTH PORTLAND 10:30 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Southern Maine Community College parking lot, proceeds down Broadway to the Veterans Monument for a short Memorial Day recognition service.

WELLS 9 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Wells High School (200 Sanford Road) and proceeds to Ocean View Cemetery for a ceremony and musical performances. Advertisement

WESTBROOK 10 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds down Main Street and will be followed by a ceremony in Riverbank Park.

WINDHAM 9 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Windham Town Hall and proceeds onto Route 202 toward Windham High School. At 10 a.m., there will be a ceremony in front of Windham’s Veterans Memorial Flagpole at Windham High School.

YARMOUTH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade leaves from Yarmouth High School (286 West Elm St.) and proceeds to the Memorial Green at Town Hall for a ceremony.

YORK 10 a.m. Monday. Parade starts near St. Christopher’s Church (4 Barrell Lane) and proceeds down York Street to York Town Hall.

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