Bear Viewing

Amazing fishing and stay! Who knew! You can fish a mayfly hatch in Alaska! The drake hatch was amazing and we caught doubles all day on top! Wow! - We caught grayling, char and rainbow trout and it seemed endless! The food was great and the accommodations met our expectations and what a beautiful place!

Fantastic Fishing My wife, a nature photographer, and I, an avid fly fisherman, visited Bear Claw Lodge in early September after meeting the owners, Rob and Lisa Fuentes, at the Safari Club International annual meeting in Houston, Texas, in 2010. They made all the arrangements for us, including our air travel from Anchorage to Dillingham on Penair, where we were met by two guides from the lodge for the van and boat trip to the lodge on Lake Aleknagik just inland from Bristol Bay in SW Alaska. The lodge has spectacular views across the lake, a comfortable lounge and dining room. Our room at the top of the stairs was spacious and next to the bathroom.

Although the lodge was in the process of closing during our stay, we were made to feel right at home by Rob, his staff of six guides, and the cooks. The meals were hearty and delicious - just the thing after a day in the field. The fishing was more than I could have wished for. I drift fished the Alekinak River that runs into the Lake and waded Sunshine Creek at the far end of the Lake. In addition to rainbow trout, which I had caught before in the Lower 48, I caught my first grayling, arctic char, Dolly Varden, sockeye, and silver salmon during my three day stay. My wife had plenty of opportunities to photograph eagles and the spectacular landscapes around the lake. Due to it being late in the season, there were few bears around - which was OK with me as a fisherman.

By the time we left, we felt like we were old friends with the staff. This was a highlight of our trip to Alaska.

My father and I have visited Bearclaw Lodge annually for the past dozen years or more. Although we’ve fished across the lower 48 and in other key destinations (Europe, New Zealand) there is simply nothing that compares with bush Alaska, the Wood-Tikchik river system, or Bearclaw Lodge. When they say 100+ fish days, they actually mean it. We’ve had back-to-back doubles for an hour straight in June. We’ve had days with non-stop dry fly action in July. We’ve seen bead action in August that would blow your mind. We’ve caught boatloads of 24”+ rainbows in a week. We’ve seen the SW Alaska June grand slam (char, dolly, bows, grayling, kings, sockeye) numerous times from clients ranging from beginner to expert. All of this is thanks to Rob, Lisa, and the incomparable guide team they maintain year after year. When additionally viewed through the filter of price, Bearclaw is a value you can’t beat almost anywhere in the world. Highly recommended.

Returning on my third trip at Bear Claw Lodge! I have been hunting and fishing Alaska for over 30+ years and found this Lodge to be the most versatile of all. Great Fishing, BIG variety of fish, fantastic accommodations lodge-food. All gear covered, boots, waders, rods and reels and all Sims equipment. Knowledge friendly guides and fish packing included. Out of all the outfits I have been to he is priced right for all you get, and all you need to bring is your clothes.

Alaska Fishing Trip of a Lifetime! I stayed at the Bearclaw Lodge on August 2019 and experienced world class salmon and rainbow trout fishing! The Lodge is very nice and comfortable with all the amenities of home and the views from the deck are breathtaking. The food is served timely each day and is hot and delicious. The guides are all very friendly, experienced and knowledgeable and will flat out put you on the fish! You can pick your preference of quality fishing tackle that is provided and catch plenty of fish on either fly or spinning gear. It is without hesitation that I am happy to highly recommend this Lodge and the owners Rob and Lisa which provide a warm and caring family oriented experience. I certainly intend to return soon.