09/08/2023
Looking to experience an Alaskan Wilderness Fly Trip? We just returned from a fantastic trip with fellow Orvis Endorsed partners at the Aniak River Lodge! Eight of us spent 7 days on the Aniak River, primarily targeting resident Rainbow trout. Numerous opportunities for Dolly Varden, Grayling, and Silver salmon were always available in case you ever got bored throwing mice and flesh patterns for the bow’s….sounds tough right? Oh, Shefish and pike were available on certain beats too!
Our trip began in Anchorage Alaska and then we flew to the small village of Aniak located on the Kuskokwin River. After a short ride from Aniak airport, we arrived to to base camp for lunch. We met with Ludi, the lodge owner, to give us a glimpse of the what the week had in store. Then we hopped in jet boats to make our way to the wilderness camp. The Aniak River flows into the Kuskokwin about a mile above base camp.
Aniak River Lodge is the only outfitter on the the entire Aniak River. This gave us exclusive access to 100 miles of river. Yes, 100 miles of river broken into 10 mile beats for just you and your guide daily. You’ll never see another angler!
The wilderness camp didn’t disappoint. Each shelter had its own bathroom with hot shower, sinks, toilet, heat, and super comfy bed. Meals were served in the dinning facility, gear was stored and dried in a heated building for your convenience. If you were feeling sporty, the guides would gladly accept a new challenger on their homemade ping pong table. Chef Ian spoiled us daily.
The sights and sounds of the wilderness on the Aniak River were straight out of National Geographic . Early runs of Sockeye and Chum salmon were now colored red and purple resembling characters from Dr. Seuss. The gin clear braids and channels off the main river provided easy food for the the resident trout, grayling, and migratory Dolly Varden. Wildlife sightings were a daily bonus with both brown bears and black bears, moose, wolves, beavers, otters, and many birds of prey.
We caught fish until our arms were sore. Our meals always satisfied. Our faces still hurt from the laughs shared in camp. We’d go back tomorrow….
Thank you to the entire staff–Ludi (owner), Matty (camp manager), Chef Ian, and guides: Taylor, Bruce, Matt, Hunter, Nate, Gibby, Ben, and Tyler!
For more information about this trip feel free to drop us a dm. You can visit the lodge website too www.aniakriverlodge.com.
~Steve
A client-centered Orvis Endorsed Fly-Fishing Outfitter on the Muskegon River, Newaygo, Michigan RiverQuest Charters is a "Catch and Release" guide service.
