Alaska Salmon Fishing Information

FAQ’s

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes.  You can purchase your license before you arrive at the lodge.  Currently the price for a Nonresident 3 Day is $45 and 7 Day is $70.  If you are coming during king salmon season, in addition to your fishing license you’ll need to purchase a Nonresident king salmon stamp.  Currently the 3 day is $30 and the 7 day is $45.  You can purchase a license online here.

If I want to fly fish, what should I bring?

• Fishing license
• King stamp (If fishing Kings)
• Boots and waders

You will need to provide the following based on what season you’ll be joining us:
• Kings: Heavy 8-10 weight fly rod, 10 weight forward fly line
• Silvers/Sockeye: Medium 7-8 weight fly rod, 8-9 weight forward fly line
• Trout: Light or Ultra Light 4-6 weight fly rod, 6 weight forward fly line

We will provide all tackle, flies, and tippet.

If I want to spin fish, what should I bring?

We provide top of the line St. Croix rods and reels with 50 lb braided line.  We provide all bait, lures, flies and tackle.  In other words, we’ve got you covered!

If I’m not staying at the lodge, what should I bring for a fishing charter?

• Fishing license
• Layered clothing
• Boots and waders (optional)
• If you are on a full day charter you may want to pack a lunch we can put in the cooler. We will provide snacks and water.
• If you plan to fly fish you’ll need to bring the appropriate rod and line for the season (see above). We will provide all tackle, flies, and the tippet.
• If you plan to spin fish we will provide everything you’ll need.

What do your guides offer?

While on the river you will always be accompanied by a U.S. Coast Guard certified guide.  They will provide local knowledge of the rivers and what to use to target specific species of fish.  Our guides want you to have a great trip and are trained in working with guests of many skill levels.  They are very personable and willing to teach those who want to learn more.

How many fish can I harvest at Deshka Landing Charters & Lodge?

Historically, the limits for our area are the most liberal in the state of Alaska.  Typically for king salmon, our guests are allowed one a day up to the five a year limit.  Once you harvest a king salmon you are not permitted to fish for kings any longer that day.  If you choose the continue fishing you would then target trout or pike.

For silver and sockeye salmon, the limits for our guests are three per day and have gone as high as six per day.  Our guests can keep unlimited Pike. All other native fish species (Trout, Artictic Char/Dolly Vardin etc) are catch and release.

In all cases the lodge policy requires strict adherence to current Alaska state sport fishing regulations, and we ask that our guests support us in maintaining this practice. If there are any updated or special regulations which increase or decrease catch limits they will be posted at the lodge during your stay.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes.  As a planning tool, salmon typically yield 50-60% of their body weight in fillets. For example, if you catch your limit of fifteen 7 lb silvers over five days you will have at least 50 lbs of fish fillets to bring home from the lodge.

If you catch five 30+lb kings, which yield 60% fillets by weight, you will have 90lbs of fillets per person! We do encourage catch and release when possible and ask that you think about how much salmon for a year is right for you. 35 lbs of fillets creates a meal for two weekly nearly all year.  Pink and Chum Salmon fillets are typically not kept since it is a softer meat.

How do I get my catch home?

When you catch a fish at the lodge, your guide will fillet the fish for you. We do have a commercial vacuum sealer which can be used to package your fish. We have freezer space to hold your fish during your stay.

Upon leaving the lodge, you have two options to take your fish home. You can bring an empty cooler with you or you can purchase an insulated fish box at the lodge which will hold 50 lbs of frozen fillets.

Your first option is to check the box as your second piece of luggage if you have a direct flight heading home. For most domestic flights this works quite well. Your second option is to stop at FedEx or UPS on your way to the airport and ship the box home. This tends to be a more expensive option.

What is the weather like?

For the most part, our area has excellent weather.  For your comfort, come prepared for all possible conditions.  Dressing in several layers is important as the weather changes daily from cool mornings to warm, sunny afternoons. Layers assure you can be comfortable with minimal inconvenience.

Our weather can vary 40-55 degrees F at night to warm 65-80 degrees F.  You’ll want to prepare for the temperatures on the water to be cooler than on land.  You can check the local weather online before your arrival by going to www.weather.gov and viewing zip code 99688.

What should I pack?

You can download a suggested packing list here.

Will I have a problem with bears?

Not usually.  We do have bears in our area, but it’s nothing like fishing on the Russian or Kenai.  Usually if you see a bear, it’s going to be running from you.  All of our guides carry firearms, so you don’t need to pack bear spray.

Should I leave a tip?

Regarding gratuities, groups typically bring along a pre-determined amount of cash which they allocate to their guide and to the staff. We see gratuities which range from 10-15% of the lodge trip price.  Any gratuities you wish to leave for your guides and staff are solely at your own discretion and should be based on the quality of the experience you had.

What is your cancellation policy?

We do not “over sell” as airlines sometimes do.  Once a guest has a booking we hold that spot in our cabins and on our boats.  This means we often turn others away so that those who book first have a pleasant experience without overcrowding.

Due to the seasonal nature of our business there are some key time frames to keep in mind when considering a cancellation of your booking.  If a booking is cancelled 121 days or more before the start date, the client will be refunded 100% of their package price.

If a booking is cancelled between 120 and 61 days prior to the start date, the client will be refunded 85% of their package price. If a booking is cancelled 60 days or less before the start date, there will be no refund. All refunds are based on the original package price and do not include any service or booking fees that may have been paid.

Can I use my mobile phone?  Is there WiFi?

Yes. Free WiFi is available inside the lodge. Verizon works best but there is decent service for most carriers. Coverage on the river is hit and miss.

How do I get to the lodge?

Most guests rent a car from the Anchorage airport and drive 90 minutes to the lodge.  Having a rental car gives you the flexibility to see more of Alaska.  You can download driving directions from the airport here.

Are there other things to do near the lodge?

Yes.  Alaska is a wonderful state and we are near many other adventures.  Take at a look at the things to do page of our website.