By Chip Bullen
I will be hosting an exclusive trophy rainbow trout fly fishing trip this September 11 – 19, 2016, to Alaska’s Enchanted Lake Lodge for ten anglers. I have fished and guided all over Alaska in search of big rainbow trout, and Enchanted Lake Lodge is surrounded by the best rainbow trout streams and rivers on this planet.
Enchanted Lake Lodge is located in the heart of Katmai National Park and surrounded by breathtaking views of mountains, tundra and lakes. For more than 50 years, Enchanted Lake has offered a high-end fly-out fly fishing lodge with top notch accommodations, gourmet food, excellent customer service and world class guides. The client-to-guide ratio is two-to-one to ensure you will have the fishing experience of a lifetime.
Fishing schedules are set the night before to ensure you know what river you will be fishing and what you need to bring. You will also be introduced to your guide at this time. After a hearty breakfast and fresh-made pastries in the main lodge, you will meet your guide for the day, who will load your gear onto one of the immaculately-maintained DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes. Since Enchanted Lake is so centrally located, the flights are usually only 5-20 minutes long, putting you on the rivers quickly. The planes and pilots are the best in the business, making the scenic flights fun, safe and a highlight for many guests.
Depending on the river and conditions, you will access fishing in one of three ways (once arriving by floatplane). Either you will set out on foot, float in a rubber raft, or jump on a jet boat. You will hike many of the smaller streams trying different runs and holes throughout the day. You are able to reach fantastic fishing with short, easy walks or longer, adventurous hikes if you are looking to explore new water. On some of the mid-sized rivers you will take small rafts, which allow you to float long sections of river. A scenic float trip, with a pick-up 3-6 miles downstream allows you to cover lots of water while still getting out to wade the best spots. At the largest rivers, we leave jet boats stored for quick, easy access. Whether fishing out of the boat or using it for transportation from hole to hole before wade fishing, these rivers are usually good bets to find rainbow trout of unbelievable proportions.
The approximately eight hour day offers a break for a picnic lunch, hot soup and coffee along the river’s edge. Returning to the lodge, you are presented at the dock with Enchanted Lake’s traditional brandy before heading to your cabin or the sauna. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres precede dinner, giving you an opportunity to speak with your guide and discuss gear and other questions for the next day. After dinner, enjoy the beautiful views through the picture windows, the fresh air outside on one of the decks, or a quiet evening in your cabin anticipating the next day.
If hooking the biggest rainbow of your life and coming home with a sore arm from fighting a myriad of 24+ inch trout appeals to you, please contact Member Services to secure one of the ten spots. For more information also check out www.enchantedlakelodge.com.
