Tag: Alaska rainbow trout fishing

  • Mission Lodge

    Mission Lodge

    Updated on

    Mission Lodge has distinguished itself among the handful of best Alaskan fishing lodges through exemplary service and outstanding personnel. Unless it’s a matter of safety, clients will never hear the word “no”. In terms of accommodating and exceeding clients expectations, Mission Lodge gets an A+.

    Lodge management is committed to providing clients an incomparable experience and the best fishing of their lives.

    Species: All 5 Pacific Salmon (king, sockeye, chum, pink, silver), trophy rainbow trout, arctic char, Dolly Varden, grayling, and pike

    Location: 300 miles SW of Anchorage, near Lake Aleknagik and Wood River, heart of Bristol Bay

    Season: June 14 – September 25, 2026 (transfer days: Tuesday and Friday)

    Capacity: 22 guests in 20 private rooms, managed by Sarah and Guy Fullhart

    Aircraft: Fleet of 3 DeHavilland Beavers, 40+ strategically placed boats, FAA #135 certified

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Alaska fly-out fishing!

    Destination Inquiry

    or

    Premier Fly-Out Fishing in Bristol Bay

    Mission Lodge is located 300 miles southwest of Anchorage, near the confluence of Lake Aleknagik and the Wood River, in the heart of the fabled trout and salmon waters of Bristol Bay; the Wood River/Tikchik Lakes, Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Iliamna and the Alaska Peninsula.

    Location. Location. Location. It applies to Alaskan fishing as well. Interested in trophy rainbows (over 10 pounds)? Mission Lodge will fly to the Morraine, Funnel Creek, and Kvichak Rivers, but they have their own secret streams closer by.

    Collin Winkelman's BIG Mission Lodge Trout

    World-Class Rivers and Secret Streams

    For a combination of all 5 species of Pacific Salmon and rainbows, Mission Lodge has leases on the best of the best: Nushagak, Togiak, Good News, and again, their own secrets you’ll be introduced to and never again utter the name, except to your best friend.

    Trophy rainbows, char, Dollies, Grayling, and pike: Mission Lodge has them in their backyard and accessible by boat, if you choose not to fly.

    Fleet of DeHavilland Beavers and Strategic Boat Placement

    Mission Lodge operates a fleet of 3 DeHavilland Beavers and has over 40 boats stashed within flying distance of the lodge. Many destinations you’ll fly in and meet your guide who will be waiting for you with a boat. Other destinations you will fly with your guide and will have a boat at your destination. Some destinations will be accessible only by foot, others will have a kayak waiting for you or your guide will bring a raft. All logistics are expertly orchestrated by the guides, pilots and staff.

    Nice Mission Lodge Char! Great Work Dorinda!

    Each evening management confers with guests to assess the kind of experience each client is interested in. The guides gather the necessary gear from Mission’s tackle room (which doubles as a great story telling hang out). The following morning after breakfast, guests board one of Mission’s floatplanes and fly to one of the many world-class rivers and streams in the Bristol Bay watershed.

    Three Mobile Camps for Extended Adventures

    In addition, Mission Lodge operates three mobile camps, which they move from river to river, according to productivity and time of year. Each camp is outfitted with large weatherproof tents, one or two guides and several boats with jet-motors. Guides are stationed at these camps for the entire season, and keep in radio contact with the lodge. They report daily on the weather and fishing conditions (they actually track the progression of migrating salmon) and with this information, the head guide determines the daily fishing plan. Mission Lodge has strategically placed these camps on such notable rivers as the Igushik, the Togiak, the Good News and the Nushagak, and many smaller rivers, which will remain unnamed.

    Cots and sleeping bags (with washable liners) are available at the mobile camps should clients elect to spend a night on the river. Overnighting at these camps is strictly an option. Most guests fly back to the main lodge each night.

    Mission Lodge, Bristol Bay King Salmon

    Seasonal Fishing Calendar

    Mission Lodge’s strategic location in the heart of the Bristol Bay region of southwest Alaska, places it within easy flying distance to the finest fishing waters in the state to fish for sockeyes, chums, kings, pinks or silver salmon, in addition to rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, arctic char, grayling and pike.

    If you’re looking for the greatest variety, we suggest the late June/July time period, when you can catch sockeyes, chums, pinks (even years) and king salmon in addition to the fresh water species. If you’re interested in silver and pink salmon (in addition to the fresh water species), we recommend August and the first two weeks of September. If your primary interest is rainbow trout and char, we recommend early June, the middle of the season (mid-July through August) and the month of September.

    Backup Options When Weather Prevents Flying

    If weather prevents the planes from flying (which happens an average of 3 days out of a four month season), jet boats docked at the lodge can transport guests to several rainbow trout, char and grayling streams that feed into Lake Aleknagik, as well as the well-known Agulawok and Agulapak Rivers, which are loaded with grayling and 2-8 pound rainbow trout and char. In addition, guests can travel by boat (with guide) to the McClung River or on foot to the Wood River, which has an excellent run of sockeye salmon, char, pink and silver salmon.

    Lodge Accommodations & Amenities

    The lodge itself is a modern facility, emphasizing comfort and taking full advantage of the surrounding Alaskan beauty. The well-traveled angler will appreciate the lodge’s dedication to service and commitment to detail.

    Mission Lodge Char caught by Mark Winkelman and Bill Sahlman

    Mission Lodge’s facilities are deluxe, even by Alaska standards. Twenty guestrooms allow each male guest to be accommodated in a private room with a shared bath and each couple to have a private room with a private bath. The lodge is spacious and includes a large lounge with big screen TV, dining room, private meeting room upstairs, sauna, and hot tub.

    A large deck surrounding the facility is just steps from the dock, float planes and boats. Large bay windows frame views of Lake Aleknagik and the beautiful mountains beyond. Alaska is a rugged, immense land of startling beauty – a great place to just step out of everyday pressures and relax. At the end of the day each guest retires to his or her own private room.

    Aircraft Safety – FAA #135 Certification

    Aircraft safety is the absolute top priority at Mission Lodge. Mission Lodge was the first fly out Lodge in Alaska to voluntarily obtain an FAA #135 airtaxi license, which requires stringent maintenance and certification. Now the #135 license is an FAA requirement for all flyout lodges.

    Fish Processing and Shipment

    Because of a short growing season, all native species must be released without exception. If you are interested in taking back some salmon, your guide will fillet or steak them, vacuum pack them in suitable portions and freeze them. Upon your departure your catch will be put into an airline-approved waxed fish box for the trip home.

    Mission Lodge 2026 Rates

    Rates valid June 14 – September 25, 2026. Transfer days: Tuesday and Friday. All rates include flights and fly-outs.

    Length of StayRate per person
    7 Nights / 6 Days$16,000
    4 Nights / 3 Days$11,000
    3 Nights / 2 Days$9,000

    Rates are per person in USD$ and subject to change.

    Take the guess-work out.

    Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.

    What’s Included

    • Transportation to and from Dillingham
    • Lodging in private rooms (shared or private bath depending on accommodation)
    • All meals
    • Use of Mission Lodge’s laundry facilities
    • Liquor and soft drinks
    • Tackle (fly and spinning rods and reels)
    • Neoprene waders
    • Flies and lures
    • Fly-outs
    • Guiding
    • Packing of fish for shipment

    What’s Not Included

    • Airfare to Dillingham
    • City of Aleknagik’s 9% tax
    • Fishing license ($70, subject to change)
    • King salmon tag ($45 additional when applicable)
    • Fuel service charge (up to $300 per person per week)
    • Gratuities (guideline: 15% – 20% of trip cost per person, at guest discretion)

    Reservations and Deposits: A 50% deposit, payable by check to Angler Adventures, is necessary to secure a reservation. Final payment is due 95 days prior to arrival. We offer trip cancellation insurance to all our customers.

    Client Testimonials

    “Mission Lodge is the finest lodge I’ve been to. The service and thoughtfulness of the lodge staff is unsurpassed.”

    Rob Garton, Sheboygan, Wisconsin (World traveler and President of American Orthodontics)

    “The fishing was as good as it gets. The Mission Lodge staff is totally dedicated to arranging whatever you have in mind. One day of grayling fishing (with dry flies and a light rod) was the best fishing experience I’ve had. Another day we fished what has to be the best silver salmon river in Alaska.”

    Jack Fallon, Chelmsford, Massachusetts (Writer and veteran of two Alaska fishing trips)

    “Accommodations, food, management, guides and equipment are all excellent. These people worked hard for us. The lodge is extremely well run, better than any other lodge I’ve been to. One day of chum salmon fishing was the best fishing I’ve ever had on a fly rod.”

    John Amiro, Sturbridge, Massachusetts (Veteran of seven Alaska fishing trips)

    “The Mission Lodge staff are among the finest people I’ve met in the fishing business. We fished for a week and only saw a float plane from one other lodge. They do a superb job.”

    Brig/General Louis Frank USMC, Nashua, New Hampshire (Veteran of nine Alaska fishing trips)

    Other References Available on Request.

  • Russia

    Russia

    Ponoi River on Russia’s Kola Peninsula

    The incredible Ponoi River on Russia’s Kola Peninsula may be the world’s most prolific Atlantic salmon river. During recent years, anglers landed an average of just under 40 salmon per rod per 6-day week for the entire 16-week season! The Ponoi River Company is the longest operating and most reliable outfitter on the Kola. Operating from the centrally located Ryabaga Camp site, anglers access over 50 miles of the Ponoi and an additional 50 miles of tributaries by jet outboard river boats or fly-outs in 2 twin jet helicopters. While known predominantly for fantastic numbers of small salmon (7-10 pounds), one year the Ponoi produced 1411 fish over 10 pounds including two over the 30-pound mark! Space is extremely limited for the season and early reservations are advised.

     

    Kola Lodge on Russia’s Kola River

    Kola Lodge gives serious Altantic Salmon fishermen the rare opportunity for trophy Atlantic salmon, which can exceed 40 – 45 pounds. On most other trophy salmon rivers, targeting big fish equates to catching few fish. However, the Kola offers not only chances for big fish but impressive daily catches as well.

    Guests at the Lodge fish both the Kola and it’s beautiful tributary, the Kitza River. Each of a maximum of 16 anglers (14 in July) fishes with his own boat and guide daily with accommodations in private cabins.

     

    Ouzel Outfitters on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula

    The Wild Salmon Center has gotten all the press, but Ouzel Expeditions pioneered Kamchatka and has outfitted the peninsula since 1991. Owner, Paul Allred concentrates on four rivers and picks the one that’s fishing the best the day you arrive!

    Kamchatka has been decribed as, “like Alaska used to be – but better”.   This 750 mile long peninsula boasts hundreds of miles of pristine, wilderness rivers, teeming with 6 species of Pacific salmon, arctic char and kunja (Siberian) char, and perhaps the best rainbow trout fishing on the planet.

    Veteran Alaksan outfitters, Paul & Sharon Allred, owners of Ouzel Expeditions , were the first Americans to explore and outfit the Kamchatka and are entering their 15th season providing top quality float trip expeditions on the peninsula.  For anglers looking for the ultimate wilderness experience and the opportunity for catch 30 + inch wild rainbow trout, we recommend a float trip with Ouzel Expeditions .

     

  • New Zealand

    New Zealand

    New Zealand is home to some of largest Brown and Rainbow Trout in the world and creates truly special fishing opportunities. New Zealand’s trout can reach 15 lbs and while there are only few of these monsters caught each year, the average trout is still an amazing 3 – 6 lbs! Trout fisherman often dream of making casts to these huge, wild rainbows and browns that lurk in New Zealand’s crystal clear rivers, streams, and lakes that are surrounded by an extraordinary landscape filled with exotic plants and hulking peaks.

    New Zealand trout fishing is spectacular, and anglers who visit New Zealand once, return year after year. They often return home with stories like landing a 7 lb rainbow that moved over 5 feet from behind a boulder to take a big grasshopper imitation or watching a brown slowly rise up through 6 feet of water to inhale a nymph in almost perfectly transparent water. These are the type of moments that make the fishing in New Zealand special however, much of the New Zealand experience comes from the Deluxe Fishing & Hunting Lodges that have established themselves on both Islands and can make a fishing trip unforgettable!

    The Deluxe Fishing Lodges we represent are among the top lodges in New Zealand. They each offer luxury accommodations, excellent gourmet meals, world-class guide staffs, access to New Zealand’s top trout water, and a list of activities for the non-fishing guest or for anglers who want to experience more of New Zealand than just the trout fishing. Whether you choose to fish surrounding rivers, take exciting Helicopter fly ours to remote rivers and streams, relax around the lodge, or participate in the many non-fishing activities New Zealand has to offer, we can customize any trip to your personal desires.

    North Island, New Zealand

    The trout on the North Island of New Zealand are primarily Rainbows, but there are a good number of Browns in the North Islands River’s and Lakes. The Rainbows of New Zealand are derived from Steelhead strains, making them extremely hard fighters. This also means that the Rainbows that have taken up residency in the lakes, will move to their spawning streams in the New Zealand fall.

    Poronui Ranch

    Poronui Ranch is one of the top lodges in the world, priced at half the cost of Alaska. Poronui also has the most private water under contract (over 16,000 private acres), two on-property rivers, and offers helicopter fly-outs to wilderness streams, almost guaranteeing that you will be fishing a beat that hasn’t seen an angler for 10 days or more. Poronui Ranch is a Deluxe Lodge, with luxury accommodations (made up of a main lodge and 7 individual guest cabins), outstanding gourmet food with a regional feel, a wine cellar with over 10,000 bottles covering most recognized vintages, a modern sports and relaxation center with gym and health club facilities (like steam and sauna rooms and massage rooms), and a cigar room, which includes a full-sized antique English billiard table.

    Tongariro Lodge

    Legendary guide Tony Hayes established Tongariro Lodge in 1982, so anglers could experience one of the world’s finest trout fishing regions in the world, Anglers who visit Tongariro can easily see why Tony found that the Tongariro River and Lake Taupo region provided some the world’s best trout fishing. Expert guides at Tongariro Lodge maximize the potential of each angler, from beginner to expert, and Tongariro’s strategic location, in the middle of the Lake Taupo region, grants anglers access to over 40 rivers, streams, and lakes. Stalking trout at Tongariro Lodge is truly the fishing experience of a lifetime.

    This top-notch fishing lodge was created with the New Zealand experience in mind. The lodge itself is strategically located in a park like setting, allow guests to enjoy the New Zealand landscape, flora and fauna. Tongariro also offers superb gourmet meals (with an international reputation for using only the best New Zealand game and preparing delicious traditional New Zealand dishes) accommodations in comfortable elegance, and exceptional selection of the finest wines.

    The lodge also has a diverse list of outdoor activities that will highly impress family and friends that choose to hang back, relax or indulge in all New Zealand has to offer. It is not hard to imagine that Tongariro has consistently surpassed angler’s expectations for more than 25 years.

    South Island, New Zealand

    New Zealand’s South Island is famous for the large wild Brown Trout that fill the island’s rivers, lakes, and streams and the remarkable fishing opportunities those trout create. The Browns average 4 – 5 pounds, will readily eat large dry flies, and aren’t nearly as selective as the North American cousins (the hatches are not as drastic in New Zealand as they are in North America, making NZ trout more opportunistic than selective).

    Wright Palmer with a Beautiful South Island Brown

    One of the unique features of the South Island, the Southern Alps, makes this part of New Zealand a great trout fishery. The high mountain peaks help protect the northern part of island from weather moving in from the south west and collects substantial rainfall, which creates the cool, crystal clear, freestone streams where these large browns thrive. This mild climate, that creates such wonderful trout fishing, also makes the northern section of the island, New Zealand’s most important wine-producing land.

    Owen River Lodge

    Owen River Lodge is an outstanding contemporary lodge, located in the heart of the best brown trout fishery in the world, the Murchison / Nelson Lakes area of New Zealand’s South Island. Owen River is within an hours drive from 30 excellent brown trout rivers and streams, and has access to countless remote water by helicopter. Owner / Manager Felix Borenstein has truly created the ideal place to experience New Zealand’s sight fishing for large brown trout in luxury accommodations. Owen River Lodge is also the only 5 star fly fishing lodge in New Zealand.

    Riverview Lodge

    On the South Island we also recommend: Riverview Lodge, Hanmer Springs; Riverview Farm Lodge, Queenstown; Fjordland Lodge and Blanket Bay Lodge. Please call or email Angler Adventures for more information on these lodges.

    New Zealand is a very unique destination, offering visitors fantastic fishing, fabulous vineyards and wineries, breathtaking landscapes, and friendly “kiwi” hospitality, which is unlike anywhere else in the world. Angler Adventures’ expertise in planning and implementing detailed itineraries is unsurpassed. We can arrange varied itineraries for experienced anglers or for couples and families, who want to experience the trip of a lifetime.

    In addition to the lodges described above, we also represent a number of other destinations on both islands in New Zealand. So, if you don’t see a location you are considering listed on our website, the chances are we can arrange your accommodations and much more.

    The general trout season in New Zealand is October through April. However, the Tongariro River stays open year round and fishes well May-September.