Kulik Lodge, Alaska
Epic on-site fishing and easy access to legendary rivers and lakes
Set in the heart of the Bristol Bay watershed, Kulik Lodge is a superb destination from which to access all the incredible fisheries in the area, the majority of which are within a short 20 minute float plane flight from the lodge.
Diverse fishery with an impressive range of game fish
The Kulik River, considered by many to be one of the most productive rainbow trout streams in Bristol Bay, is within walking distance of the lodge. Roughly two miles long, this stretch of river receives a massive run of salmon smolt each year, providing plenty of forage for the resident rainbow trout population. Anglers can fish using a variety of methods including casting semi-floating streamers to ‘boils’ made by smolt-corralling rainbows, skating mouse patterns, stripping streamers or dead drifting traditional dry flies. There are also plenty of excellent rainbow and lake trout fishing opportunities on the surrounding lakes which are only a jet boat ride away.
The Nushagak River supports one of the largest king salmon runs in Alaska (receiving more than 100,000 fish a year) and is the place to target these athletic and aggressive fish. It’s a 45 minute float plane ride from the lodge with boats kept on site. The Kvichak River system is a staple of the fishing programme at Kulik with its trophy-sized, steelhead-like, resident rainbow trout the main draw. The Alagnak River supports all five species of Pacific salmon as well as offering opportunities to catch rainbow trout and Arctic char. Those interested in fishing for silver salmon will find the 14 mile coastal Kamishak River a productive destination and a firm favourite among anglers visiting during the back half of the season. The Brooks River is most famous for legendary brown bear viewing opportunities at ‘Brooks Falls’ but it also offers great fly fishing for rainbow trout, char and grayling.
American Creek, renown for rainbow trout and char, is another destination offered by Kulik Lodge. There are two possibilities here: either fly into the upper reaches for an intimate hike-in experience or access the lower six miles by jet boat.
The season runs from mid-June through to the end of September, and like most Alaska fisheries, what you fish for and how you fish for them depends on the time of year. Rainbow trout are available throughout the season while king salmon are best targeted from mid-June to the beginning of July. Silver salmon are generally in the rivers in August and September, and sockeye salmon peak from mid to late June through to the beginning of August.
The 12 professional fishing guides are experienced anglers and excellent instructors. The team of Katami Air pilots, some of whom also live on-site, work closely with the guides in order to transport guests to and from the best fishing spots.
Comfortable modern lodge in stunning wilderness location
From its humble beginnings as a rustic tented camp, Kulik Lodge has developed into a full service sport fishing lodge. The traditional main lodge building houses the bar and dining room, both convivial spots to discuss the day’s adventures. Guests are accommodated in comfortable cabins with en-suite facilities. The 11 cabins have varying layouts of one and two bedrooms with two to four beds. There is also a sauna and hot tub for guests to use.
Pristine rivers and lakes
Kulik Lodge is located within the Bristol Bay region of southwest Alaska, a 40 million acre piece of land sandwiched between the Bearing Sea and the Gulf of Alaska. Home to a vast network of pristine rivers and lakes, expansive wetlands and tundra ecosystems, and dense alder and spruce forests, the Bristol Bay watershed harbours nearly 30 native fish species, almost 200 species of birds, and over 40 land-based mammals. The flight from Anchorage to Kulik Lodge takes approximately one hour and is operated by Katami Air.