River fishing continues to be tough due to the low water and sunny skies. Rain is forecast for this week and we are keeping our fingers crossed that it will be enough to raise the water levels. Click here to view the weather forecast.
Taiwah Creek and the Lost River are producing fish on the incoming tides, but not a super hot bite. The ocean fishing is still producing good numbers of halibut and some silver salmon also. Ling Cod and rockfish are also still being caught in decent numbers.
The weather is absolutely beautiful, but that is creating a low clear water scenario that is making the river fishing a little more difficult than usual. Large numbers of fish are arriving on every tide and the fishing seems to be best on those fresh fish entering the system before they are trapped in the low water upriver. With no significant rain in the immediate forecast, the fishing will continue to more difficult, but working for the fish sometimes is more rewarding for the fisherman.
Ocean fishing has been great. Large halibut and good numbers of Silver Salmon are still being caught on a daily basis, along with rockfish and Lingcod. Flat-water conditions have made the ocean the place to be the last couple weeks and look to continue for the rest of the month.
All the Steelhead have now vacated the river for the arrival of the Sockeye run.
Although it’s been a slow start for the Sockeye, last night we had our first decent push over the weir. We have been catching a few in the lower end now for about a week, but they were not migrating up the river, but with a good amount of rain the last couple of days the fish seem to be on the move. We’re looking forward to a great Sockeye season this year.
Bookings still available for the 2018 season and we would love to host you.
Have you ever wondered what a day up at the Yakutat Lodge is like?
Have you wondered what time your day starts, what the menu is like, how long you are on the river or ocean for, what the travel time is to the fishing holes? Well, wonder no more. This blog is here to answer all your questions. If you have others be sure to contact fish@yakutatlodge.com for all the answers and booking inquiries.
What time do you wake up?
Typically, the clients are asked to be at the lodge at 6:00 am to have breakfast – so they would be waking up around 5:00 am.
Do you have breakfast at the lodge restaurant? What is it usually?
Yes, we have a full breakfast menu running from 6:00 am – 11:00 am. There is always a daily special – which is different each day. Typical breakfast is choice of Bacon, Sausage, or Ham with Eggs, Toast and Hash Browns
The 2018 Yakutat fishing season has started off great!! Our guests are enjoying saltwater and freshwater fishing daily.
Steelhead season is still in full swing. Water has been high due to recent rains, but is now on the drop and fishing is picking up again. Steelhead should continue to arrive on every tide change for the next couple weeks.
We have openings available through may and the fishing should continue to be good throughout the month.
It’s been a very eventful first few weeks of being open. The steelhead are on the lines in good numbers. It’s been great to see new and old faces returning to the lodge.
And it’s only the beginning. Expect to see more photos and updates as the season progresses.
Fishing vest, hip boots or neoprene waders, good quality rain gear, gloves, insect repellent, polarized glasses, waterproof bag, hook sharpener, needle-nose pliers or hemostat, leader clippers, knife, an appropriate assortment of high quality swivels, weights, hooks, new line, extra spools and reel oil or WD-40.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are daily scheduled jet services to Yakutat. Though there are many options, the most common way to get there is to fly Seattle-Juneau-Yakutat on Alaska Airlines flight #61 in the morning. Or Anchorage, Cordova, Yakutat on Alaska’s evening flight #66.
WEATHER
Yakutat’s climate is characterized by mild, rainy weather. Average summer temperatures range from 42 to 60 degrees, while winter averages 17 to 39 degrees. As part of one of the northernmost rainforests in the world, Yakutat gets some of the heaviest precipitation in Alaska. The weather in Yakutat is wet. Don’t forget to pack your rain gear and clothes that will keep you warm at 40 degrees!
THE YAKUTAT LODGE
The beautiful thing about Yakutat Lodge is that trips are tailored to the desires of the visitors. Fishing is always included in your package, so you can divvy up the number of days between the river and the salt. Or you can choose to tour and see some of the majestic Gulf Coast on trips like the flight-seeing tours of the Hubbard Glacier. The lodge is rustic, and rooms are clean and comfortable, each with a private bath. All rooms accommodate up to four persons. The full-service dining room offers a variety of items, including a daily breakfast of your choice and a full dinner of anything on the menu.
The Yakutat Lodge is the closest lodge to the Situk River and other fishing hot spots. Fly-outs literally originate from the front door, with offered packages that include fishing. They prepare, fillet, freeze, and box your catch in custom fish boxes. They’ll even prepare any trophies for shipment to your favorite taxidermist.
For more information or to book your next trip to join the Alaskan Fishing Team call 1-800-YAKUTAT or (907) 784-3232. You can also e-mail us at fish@yakutatlodge.com with any questions. We look forward to seeing you at The Yakutat Lodge!
There have been many upgrades to The Yakutat Lodge since the new owners took over in October of 2016. With this being the first year in operation we have learned a lot and have taken all requests into consideration. Thank you to all of our guests for their feedback. The Yakutat Lodge wanted to let its valued guests know exactly what updates have occurred and how they might affect your stay with us.
We will start with the upgrades to our fishing fleet. Last year we had all of our ocean vessels sent to Juneau, the upgrades that were completed were; new outboard motors, new onboard heaters, new electronics and all hulls where cleaned and refurbished. We currently have stocked up with some of the best new rods and reels in the industry for our guests to enjoy. Our freshwater clients will be happy to learn that we are adding two new Pavati Drift Boats. These boats have heaters for those chilly Alaska mornings, a heated compartment for meals on the river or as Pavati calls it a “Pizza Oven”, flat floors for ease of movement, built-in fish box and a padded fly fishing casting area to help with clients standing in a moving boat. The new Pavati Drift boats are comfortable and versatile for a great day on the Situk. We also have added several newer Suburban’s to our fleet to make transportation to and from destinations more comfortable.
We have done major upgrades to many of our accommodations as well. “The Big House” has all new carpeting, furniture, queen log beds and new comfortable mattresses. Keep in mind that the big house is ideal for a multitude of different types of groups. Whether you are planning a corporate retreat for your high-end clients or a family reunion, the big house is a perfect fit for up to 18 guests. The Lodge has been updated with a new kitchen and refurbished bar for all of your dining and drinking desires. This is a place to relax and socialize with a cozy atmosphere. Our Airport Motel has been renovated with new queen log beds, comfortable new mattresses, new flooring, and new interior furnishing. Our goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible while enjoying the rustic beauty Alaska has to offer.
The Yakutat Lodge is committed to our guests new and old. We want to create a warm and welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for our guests to enjoy. For all inquiries please contact fish@yakutatlodge.com or call 1-800-YAKUTAT (9258828).
Silver Season on the river is in full swing. The fishing is stupid good. Thousands of Silvers entered the system this week and should continue for the several weeks straight. Flies, Jigs, and Spinners are very effective for the aggressive fresh Silvers. All 14 miles of the river is full of fish now and the guides are reporting 40 to 75 fish landed per boat each day.
Ocean conditions remain good for Halibut and Silvers. Although the Silver fishing is slowing down, there are still plenty of residual fish swimming around out there.
