A major factor in any angler's success is having the proper gear for the fishing challenge they are facing. We have found that most first time visitors to the lodge bring spin gear that is too heavy and fly gear that is too light.

Therefore, to help you organize and prepare for your trip, we have compiled a recommended list of what equipment and tackle we believe is best suited for Alaska's climate and angling challenges.

Please click through the following pages for our suggestions on what items are most useful for your stay with us.

We have rods, reels and waders for those guest who do not have their own equipment or chose not to bring their own equipment with them. Please let us know as soon as you can if you will be needing gear, so we can insure the proper sizes are on hand prior to your arrival.

We have lures and flies at the lodge, but we list some of our favorites so you can bring your own if you wish. Our space in the float planes is limited, so bring small numbers. For your daily fly-out trips we recommended that you only bring a small
container of tackle that you can carry in your fly vest or a
small pack.

We recommend a 7- weight, 9 to 10 foot fly rod. This length rod is needed because we frequently use split shot, strike indicators and weighted flies to fish our big waters.

Two lines can be used for all of our fly fishing. You will need a 7- weight floating line to sink- tip 10 to 12 feet long. We recommend at least 130 yards of backing for each of these lines. With these two set ups you will be able to fish for everything from the feisty Grayling to the mighty King Salmon and trophy sized Rainbow Trout.

You may want to bring a 4 or 5- weight rod to fish for Grayling and other smaller fish. Length of the rod can be your preference, but be sure to bring both floating and sink tip lines to match the rod.

Fly Patterns
Some of our popular fly patterns are:
• Black Gnat -- 12-14 hook size
• Bivisible -- 12-14 hook size
• Mosquitoes -- 12-14 hook size
• Quill Gordon -- 12-14 hook size
• Woolly Worm -- 4-10 hook size (dark patterns)
• Salmon Egg Fly Patterns
• Large and small streamers (weighted) -- 1-6 hook size
• Nymphs -- 4-8 hook size
• Egg leaches (weighted) -- 2-4 hook size
• Flesh flies (ginger or flesh color) -- 2-4 hook size

You will need a two piece light spinning rod. We recommend a 6 to 6 1/2 foot 1/8 to 1/4 ounce rod. Except for King Salmon, we use eight-pound test line for all our spin fishing. Opened faced reels are recommended over bait casting or closed faced reels. We recommend that the reels have a strong drag and be set up with 100 to 120 yards of eight pound test line.

For KING SALMON we recommend a 6 to 7 foot rod and matching open face reel with 110 to 120 yards of 17 to 20-pound test line. This rod should have a light tip action. CAUTION: Many fishermen bring King rods and reels that are too big. We have found that a lighter rod is much more effective for hooking the Kings.

Spin Fishing Lures
• Cleos (silver/orange) -- 1/3 to 2/5 oz.
• Mepps spinners (silver or orange) -- #3 and #4
• Blue Fox Vibrax -- #3 and #4
• Snap Swivels -- Size 7

We highly recommend waist or chest waders with felt soles. Our guides prefer stocking feet waders with separate boots. Hip boots can also be used as long as they have felt soles, but waders are much better suited for Alaska.

Our temperatures will rage from the 50's to the 70's in June, July and early August. Daytime highs during late August and September will be in the 40's and 50's with some frosty mornings in the 30's.

You should bring:
- Warm lightweight clothing for fishing.
- Comfortable, casual clothing for around the lodge.
- Swimming suit for the hot tub.
- Long underwear
- At least 2 pair of wool socks and 4 pair of light socks
- One pair of gloves, neoprene, wool or polypropylene (highly recommended).
- Hat
- Sunglasses - Polarized are very important for seeing the fish.
- Needle nosed pliers
- Good rain gear
- Waders
- Camera, with plenty of film
- Lightweight shoes or boots for around the lodge.
- Insect repellent

The weather can change dramatically during the day, so plan to dress in layers. This enables you to be prepared for warm and sunny or cool, wet and windy. A nice optional piece of equipment is a fly vest. The Lodge will provide a flotation device but you can bring your own if you prefer.

Remember:
THE WEIGHT LIMIT FOR YOUR LUGGAGE ON THE FLIGHT FROM ANCHORAGE TO THE LODGE IS 55 POUNDS. THIS INCLUDES WADERS AND ALL OTHER FISHING GEAR!!

The lodge dress code is casual and if you aren't sure you need it, leave it home. However, our clothes washer and dryer capacity is limited, and you do need to bring enough clothing for your entire stay.