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| It is no small thing that in country which abounds with world class fishing camps, Alaska West boldly stands out. The camp sits on the Kanektok River which runs 110 miles from Kagati Lake to the Bering Sea. This river's true strength as a fishery lies in its relatively small size, meaning that the anglers are not limited to fishing exclusively from the boat. Fishing solo from the banks for huge salmon is a distinctively Alaskan experience that few other lodges can offer. |
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The Kanektok also boasts one of the most plentiful and varied fisheries
in western Alaska. All five Pacific Salmon species - including king, pink, chum, silver, and sockeye - surge past
the Alaska West campsight every summer in huge numbers. Since the camp is less than four miles from the river mouth,
these fish are fresh from the sea, bright, well-fed, and tireless fighters. To be sure, many will be very thankful
that the camp loans out tackle to replace broken rods; these fish won't come in easily. Fishermen are taken out
in pairs with a guide on an 18 foot, jet-powered skiff each morning. The angler should not be surprised at landing
over twenty fish in a day and will get used to having sore arms at dinnertime. Dolly Varden, grayling, and arctic char are also seen abundantly on the Kanektok, as is the spectacular Leopard Bow.These enormous sea-run rainbow trout, so named for their dramatic and thorough speckling, are best fished in the Arolik River which is a short boat an bus ride from the Alaska West camp. Here the |
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| angler will enjoy one of a kind access to huge trout feeding aggressively
on eggs just downstream from acres of spawning sockeye. The Arolik also offers mountain views, wooded banks, and
a rocky bottom that reflects the sunlight in a brilliant, fluorescent calico. This as a backdrop against a bent
rod is quintessential Alaskan beauty. Alaska West's camp itself is comprised of heated guest tents, shower tent, and a roomy dining tent. All meals are included and are clearly prepared with the hardest working of anglers in mind. |
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| The Alaska West Camp is not easy to access. Plan on at least a day
and a half of travel to get there. Even from Anchorage, two more single-prop flights, connecting in Bethel, must
be taken before arriving at the mouth of the Kanektok. The last leg of the trip is over water, motoring up river
to the campsite several miles inland. This is wilderness fishing at its best; tracking across such a formidable
expanse is all part of the experience. Keep in mind that Alaska West owes its abundance of salmon to its location
on the extreme outskirts of civilization. Upstream from the camp are miles of flat, uninhabitable scrub, punctuated
by thousands of glacial ponds. Dense, weathered thicket extends downstream and dissolves into the Bering Sea. Despite the sun sometimes shining 22 hours per day, it is cool this far north even in the summer. Bring dependable rain gear and plenty of warm clothing: short sleeves are practical during infrequent periods of morning sunshine; shorts will only take up space in your bag. |
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Fishing starts as soon as the boat lands and even the weariest of the
maximum eighteen guests will spring for his rod. From this moment on, fishing ceases only briefly for eating and
sleeping. Anglers rise early to gobble a quick breakfast, pack a lunch, and pass through the heated wader tent.
The first fish are hooked before 8:00am. The rest of the day is spent in pairs, exploring miles of pristine water
on small skiffs with jet-powered outboards and one shared guide. These guides have to be truly committed to work
in such an isolated spot and are happiest when they are able to show the guest exactly how much the Kanektok has
to offer. They will bring all necessary flies and leaders, included in the weekly rate, and will even be glad to
prepare a streamside lunch of your freshly caught fish. Boats arrive back in camp around 6:00pm with just enough time for fishermen to freshen up in the heated showers and commune in the dining tent. After dinner the true enthusiast has hours of daylight left to work the river on foot. When at last his arm is exhausted, the angler will return to his heated tent with wooden |
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| floor, and screened front door. Inside there are two cots with full bedding, a space heater, lamp, plenty of room for standing and for hanging damp equipment, and, thankfully, a mosquito coil. These are simple accommodations but few wakeful hours will be spent within them. The most enthusiastic angler will be put to sleep soundly by these Kanektok salmon. | |||||
| The year 2010 cost for Alaska West is $4,900 per person per week. (Rates
Subject to Change) Included in the rate are: accommodations; meals; soda; flies and lures; a guide/boat for each two anglers; and freezers for storing fish and preparation of fish for shipping. Not included in the rate are: air fare; fishing license/salmon tag; tackle (except back up tackle if you break a rod), alcohol and tips. A 50% deposit is necessary to secure a reservation. |
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ADDITIONAL COSTS Air Fare Arolik Days There is a $100 additional cost for any day on the Arolik, which must be reserved and paid for in advance according to availability. |
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TYPICAL ITINERARY Friday Saturday - Thursday River-boats are an integral part of the daily routine at Alaska West Sportfishing. Boat rides of 20 miles in one direction are not uncommon. Please keep this in mind when selecting clothing. We recommend neoprene waders in combination with a regular length raincoat, or breathable (Gortex) waders with layering underneath. In all cases, the rain coat should be warm, wind resistant and waterproof to protect you from wind, rain and boat spray. Friday |
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For technical questions or comments,
please contact
the Webmaster. |
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