Bear Viewing

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.

Best fly fishing ever. Great staff and great guides. Beautiful peaceful scenery. We will be visiting again next year.

A Great Fishing Experience This was my wife's and my second visit to Bear Claw Lodge on Lake Aleknagik near Dillingham Alaska. Rob Fuentes, the owner, and two of his guides, Brad and Chad, met us at the Dillingham airport in the lodge van for the short drive to Aleknagik village, where we caught his new boat to the lodge, about 30 minutes away.

We spent the next two days fishing for arctic char, Dolly Vardens, rainbow trout, grayling and sliver salmon in good weather, while my wife accompanied me in the boat with her photographic equipment. She got some great bear photos of one of the brown bears that haunt the river banks this time of the year bulking up on the last salmon of the season as they get ready to hibernate.

We had a large room at the top of the stairs across the hall from the bathroom. The only other guests, two from the Netherlands and one from the Washington State had rooms on the first floor, which also had the kitchen, dining room, and lounge area. The food and hospitallity were once again exceptional.

The experience of a lifetime! Rob, Lisa and everyone at the lodge are incredible. We have gone to Bearclaw twice now and we have a third trip booked. Exceptional guides, food and accommodations in a family-friendly environment. The fishing and scenery is exceptional, with multiple species, and big fish. The hardest-working, most personable and talented guides you will find. The gear is great. The lodge accommodations are excellent, and the food is marvelous. We will continue our trips, and we look forward to a new amazing adventure each time.

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. …