Alaska Fly Fishing Lodge
The Royal Coachman Lodge
Bristol Bay, Alaska
The Royal Coachman, a remote Alaska fly fishing lodge, offers daily fly-outs to over thirty different rivers, with 20 Jon boats on ten rivers in the area. The Lodge is located in the middle of Wood River Tikchik State Park, the largest state park in Alaska, with 1.6 million acres.
Remote Alaska Fly Fishing
Fish the upper Nushagak, Kvichak, and other numerous rivers and lakes. The Lodge has two DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes that allow guests access to 32 different rivers, flying up to 120 miles one way per day (weather permitting). Their three pilots have over 60 years of combined experience flying bush planes in Alaska.
Species: Five species of Pacific salmon (king, sockeye, pink, silver, and chum), rainbow trout, grayling,
northern pike, arctic char, and many other species. Target pike over 40-inches, rainbows up to 15 pounds, char over 30-inches, and grayling up to 22-inches. All fishing is with single, barbless hooks. You can keep up to five salmon during the week, although the Lodge has a strict catch-and-release for freshwater species.
Physical condition: You'll need to be in moderate to good physical condition, as the daily fly-outs often involve hiking to the fishing areas and then wading.
Lodge Season: The Lodge is open from June through late September.
Lodge Policy: Strict catch-and-release policy for freshwater species. You may, however, ship home five salmon from your trip (if available). The Lodge will prepare, package, and freeze your catch for the trip home.
Fishing Facts:
32 Rivers to choose from . . . With nearly 20 boats scattered throughout the region and access to many rivers where a boat is unnecessary. You'll have a number of fisheries to choose from each day.
Boats: They have nearly 20 Jon boats, with 40-HP jet units, on ten rivers in the area.
Guides: Two anglers per guide. On average, the guides have been with the Lodge for twelve years. They have fished around the world, and guiding is their career. They can help beginners learn how to cast or show experienced fly anglers how to reach a tricky undercut bank. Your guides have the flexibility to go where the fishing is best for the species you want to target.
Equipment: No equipment is included. Flies are included in the package, and a large selection available at the Lodge. A 4-to-6-weight fly rod is recommended for non-salmon species, a 7-to-9-weight rod for salmon, and a 9-to-10-weight rod for kings. Floating lines and sink tips are effective, especially for kings. A rod and reel rental is $75.00 per person for the week. Boot rentals are $25.00 p.p. A comprehensive gear and tackle list is provided in our confirmation packet.
License: Your fishing license is $45.00 (2022) and a king salmon stamp is $45.00 (for June or July) are not included in the package.
A Typical Fishing Day:
You’ll enjoy full fishing days, beginning with breakfast at 7:00 a.m. and departing
from the Lodge at about 8:00 a.m. You’ll return to the Lodge at 6:00 p.m. to rest, rejuvenate and enjoy appetizers before dinner, served at 7:30 p.m.
Each evening, you'll sit with staff to review plans for the next fishing day.
Nushagak King Salmon Fishing
King salmon start running up the Nushagak River around mid-June and up the coastal river around July 1st. King fishing remains good until the end of July. The Nushagak is a large river with many braided sections, and although fly fishing is difficult in bigger parts of the river, the smaller braided areas can produce great fly fishing for these hard-fighting beasts.
Northern Pike Fishing
Pike up to 10-pounds are common in these rivers, lakes, and sloughs, and fish weighing up to 30-pounds and measuring over four feet in length have been caught by lodge guests. Pike love mouse patterns and have one of the most aggressive topwater strikes in freshwater.
Rainbow Fishing - Bristol Bay
Fish for rainbows, char, and dolly varden from more than fifteen rivers, ranging from small wading streams to larger rivers such as the upper Nushagak and Kvichak. Rainbow trout are abundant in the clear water lakes and streams draining into Bristol Bay. Early in the year, rainbows respond well to traditional dry flies and nymphing techniques.
Alaska Fly Fishing at Royal Coachman Lodge
Royal Coachman Lodge
Royal Coachman Lodge is on the Nuyakuk River. The Lodge hosts 10 to 12 anglers weekly. There are 10 to 12 staff members. Four one-and two-bedroom guest cottages have private baths, independent heat, comfortable beds, and spectacular river views. The main lodge houses the kitchen, dining room, lounge, library corner, massage room, and one guest room with a twin and double bed and a private bathroom.
Meals: Freshly baked bread, rolls, and pastries are served at each meal. Fresh fruit and vegetables are always available. Dinner menus vary but typically include New York steak, prime rib, halibut, a variety of Alaskan seafood, and similar items. Lunches are prepared by the Lodge kitchen staff and are often supplemented by fresh fish cooked on the stream bank. Homemade soups, bread, pastries, and desserts.
Activities: The Lodge offers free bear-viewing trips to the famous Brooks Falls in July. Sea kayaks are available for guests to use.
Royal Coachman caters to 12 anglers per week.
The Lodge prides itself on the quality and quantity of food available to its guests. Freshly baked bread, rolls, and pastries are served at each meal. Fresh fruit and vegetables are always available. Dinner menus vary but typically include New York steak, prime rib, halibut, and a variety of Alaskan seafood. Snacks are always available. Appetizers each evening. There's a telephone at the Lodge and free Wi-Fi.
One and Two-Bedroom Cabins
Getting to the Lodge:
Sunday: You'll arrive in Anchorage in the morning in time to catch a 1.5-hour flight to Dillingham.
A Lodge representative will meet you at the Dillingham airport and drive you about 30 miles to Aleknagik, where you'll take a 30-minute floatplane flight to the Lodge. You'll arrive at the Lodge at about 3:00 p.m. The luggage flight will get to the Lodge at about 6:00 p.m.
Upon arrival at the Lodge, the manager will discuss the week’s itinerary with you, check your fishing licenses, and have guests sign waivers. Appetizers and a hearty dinner are served at about 6:30 p.m.
Departure Day: On Sunday, you will need to pack in the morning before breakfast as they usually have a luggage run at 8:00 a.m. At 10:45 a.m., you’ll depart in the beavers for Dillingham, and from there, take your return flight mid-afternoon to Anchorage.
2023 Rates:
7-nights and 6-days guided Fishing
Daily fly-out trips, weather permitting.
Sunday to Sunday.
$11,350.00 per person
Call for availability.
1-800-205-3474
Packages Include:
• Airport reception in Dillingham
• Ground transfer to Aleknagik
• Floatplane flight to the Lodge
• Lodging at Royal Coachman
• Meals at the Lodge
• Daily fly-out trips from the Lodge (weather permitting)
• Guided fishing
• Flies
Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare to/from Anchorage• Charter flight Anchorage to Dillingham
($700.00 included on your invoice)
• Alcoholic beverages, Liquor
• Fishing rods and reels
• Fishing license
• King Salmon Stamp (if your trip is in June or July)
• Rod and reel rentals $75.00 per person per week,
with a $50.00 breakage fee
• Boot rental—$25.00 p.p. for the week
• Wader rental—$125.00 p.p. for the week
• Laundry service
• Personal gear
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Global Rescue or other medical/safety evacuation insurance
• Travel insurance
• Hotel rooms or food expenses incurred due to weather delays are also not included.
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions
• The possibility of a fuel surcharge. (The Lodge has had only one in over 30 years.)
•Please note: if inflation is over 5% at the time of final invoicing, there will be an appropriate increase in rates.
