Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I store my fish if I’m not going straight home?
If you’re planning on spending time in Anchorage before you depart for home, we recommend storing your fish boxes in a freezer overnight. Check with the hotel with which you have room reservations for freezer space. Most hotels in Anchorage are equipped for this service, but you must check for space availability. You could also rent freezer space at the airport from ITS, located on the baggage claim level of the old terminal. Their phone number is 907 248-0373. They charge a nominal fee, between $12-15 per box, and are open from 5:00 am through 2:00 am every day during the summer.
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What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation Policy
We only accept 12 guests at a time and with a short season, a cancellation impacts us significantly. Therefore, we have a strict cancellation policy.
In the event of a cancellation any payments are refundable only if the space in question can be fully rebooked, at the same cost. If we are able to fully rebook the vacancy produced by a cancellation, then a 10% fee will be assessed.
Any cancellation received less than 60 days prior to arrival will be offered for sale for the value of the cancelled party’s remaining due balance. The original deposit of the cancelling party will be forfeited. Deposits/monies cannot be carried over to another year.
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Is shipping included?
Shipping is not included in your package price. However, we can arrange to ship your total catch overnight to your home, or to a destination you prefer. Please have the relevant addresses and phone numbers with you. FedEx is our main carrier, though UPS is also available. If you have accounts with either of these companies, please bring those account numbers with you. The shipping can also be billed to a credit card.
You are welcome to ship packages to the lodge prior to your arrival. Outbound packages from the lodge can be shipped in the same manner. Any shipping by FedEx or UPS should be addressed to our physical address, 64780 Halibut Road, Ninilchik, Alaska, 99639. Shipping by U.S. mail should be addressed to P. O. Box 39410, Ninilchik, Alaska 99639.
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What shall I bring to wear to dinner?
Dinner dress is smart-casual.
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What clothing item do I need to bring with me?
Alaskan weather is unpredictable at best. During the fishing season, temperatures can range from the 40s to the high 70s, with the average being in the 60s.
We suggest that you layer your clothes, so that you’re prepared for everything from cool, windy and rainy, to warm, calm and sunny. The atmosphere at the lodge is informal, so choose clothes that are comfortable, but casually smart. A washer and dryer are available for you to use.
2-3 pairs of lightweight, thermal underwear like Long Johns
2-3 flannel or heavy cotton shirts or turtlenecks
3 pairs of thermal or woolen socks
6 pairs of cotton socks
1 windbreaker or insulated jacket
1 pair rubber-soled shoes or short boots to wear on the boat
1 pair of gloves
1 knit cap
1 hat or cap with a brow
Comfortable-fitting pants for outdoor use
1 bathing suit (for the hot tub)
1 pair sneakers or hiking boots
1 pair of casual shoes or slippers for lodge wear
Polarized sunglasses
Knapsack or similar for day use
Camera
Sun screen or sun block
Personal toiletries and medications, insect repellant
Binoculars
Cellular phone or phone card
Fishing Equipment
We provide all the saltwater and fresh water gear that you will need. Fly fishermen are requested to bring their own rod & reel: an 8-weight rod works best. We also supply rain gear for most sizes, but you may bring your own if you prefer.
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Do I need travel insurance?
We believe that your upcoming trip is a significant investment and therefore highly recommend travel insurance. This policy will cover your investment in the event unforeseen circumstances or medical problems cause you to cancel your trip.
We also know that you will need to make sure you have the proper Medical and Emergency Medical Transportation coverage in the event of an accident or illness, or for any existing medical conditions. We recommend AIG Travel Guard’s Comprehensive Travel Insurance or their Sportsman’s Travel Insurance. If you choose to decline this valuable protection, you are assuming any financial loss associated with your travel arrangements.
Visit www.sportsmanstravelinsurance.comor www.travelguard.com within 14 days of your initial deposit date to purchase a policy. Or call them at 1.800.826.4919.
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Is fish processing included in the package?
All the normal processing of your catch: filleting, vacuum packing and freezing is part of the package, up to 100# of finished fillets, per person. Processing will be done to your specifications. It is then packed and boxed in airline–approved boxes, ready to take home with you on the plane, or you can arrange to have it shipped at your cost.
We use foam insulated seafood containers, which are then inserted into a waxed shipping box. This is designed to keep your fish in good condition until you get home. Each box holds up to 50 pounds of fish, and is counted as a luggage item. Check with your airline as to how many pieces you can check. Click here: Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air – Checked Baggage
Custom processing like canning or smoking is available at an extra cost. Please note that custom processing takes a little extra time so may not be done by the end of your stay. If this is the case, these items will have to be shipped to you at a later date.
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What time must I check out?
The latest time you can check out is 11:00 am.
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What time can I check in?
Anytime after 3:00 pm on your day of arrival.
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What are the bag limits?
halibut = 2 per day per person: one any size and the other 32″ or less.
There is no halibut fishing on Wednesdays, though you can purchase a GAF (Guided Angler Fish) Permit from us which will allow you to catch a 2nd fish bigger than 32″, and to catch halibut on Wednesdays. The GAF permit is offered at an additional cost.
ling cod = 2 per day over 35″, after July 1
rock fish = 5 total, including 1 yellow eye per day
king salmon = 1 per day, 5 in possession. (Only 2 per year are permitted from the Kenai River)
sockeye salmon = 3-6 per day, depending on the area (no annual bag limit)
silver salmon = 2-5 per day, depending on the area (no annual bag limit)
For further details visit:
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Static/Statewide/regulations/southcentral/SCkenai.pdf
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Do I need a fishing license?
You do need a fishing license to fish in Alaska. You can buy it on line by visiting http://www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/license/. You will also need a king salmon stamp.
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How do I get to the Lodge?
Travel to and from the Lodge from Anchorage:
Once you’ve reached Anchorage you have several ways to get to the lodge:
- You can rent car and drive down to the lodge. It’s a stunning scenic drive that takes you through the still snow-capped mountains of the Chugach Forest, past aqua-colored lakes and turquoise glacial rivers. It should take 3.5 hours depending on how many stops you make; all on a good road system and since there’s only one, you can’t get lost!
- Another option is to take the commuter flight from Anchorage (ANC) to Kenai (ENA) – it only takes 25 minutes, and we will pick you up in Kenai and drive you to the lodge. Currently neither airline has a code share program with any of the national airlines, so you will have to collect your bags in Anchorage and transfer them yourself. Allow yourself enough time between flights as they require that you check-in at least 45 minutes prior to departure.
- GRANT Aviation: www.flygrant.com or 907 283-6012
- RAVN AIR: https://ravnalaska.com/ or 800 866-8394
- You can rent a vehicle one-way from Anchorage, driving it to Kenai and dropping it off there. We will pick you up at the airport and drive you to the lodge. You’ll need to schedule a return flight out of Kenai then. Remember that the drive from the lodge to the airport takes about 45 minutes, and both airlines like you to check-in an hour before departure.
- Charter a Caravan Airplane and fly directly from Anchorage in to Ninilchik, landing on our local airstrip just 3 miles from the lodge. The plane holds 8 passengers. Current cost is $4100 RT or $2050 OW.
- You can fly your own jet to Kenai (ENA). To arrange this please call the Airport Management directly at 907 283-7951. We can pick you up there and transfer you to the lodge
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Where exactly are you located?
We are located on the coast in the village of Ninilchik, just 186 miles south of Anchorage, strategically located on the shores of Cook Inlet, between the National Parks of Lake Clark, Katmai and the Kenai Fjiords.
The lodge is within easy flying distance to Kodiak, Lake Iliamna, Nushagak and Prince William Sound. It is also within driving distance of five salmon streams, including the world-famous Kenai River.
Please visit our Location page for more details.
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What kind of fish are caught on the fishing trips?
Five species of salmon, arctic char/dolly varden, lake trout, steelhead, northern pike, rainbow trout and grayling, halibut, salmon, ling cod, rockfish.
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