Fish Species

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.

I could write a book, but I will keep it simple: I have stayed here twice, and both visits were exceptional. The guides are experts in the ecology, biology, and geography of the area, they know how the fish think, and they are super easy to work with.

The first time went here, I went with my father-in-law and my middle-school-aged son. My son and I were novice fly-fishermen (as in, neither of us had ever used a fly rod), and we were both nervous about wasting everybody's time. But with the assistance from our guides, we had zero troubles. I had never fished with a guide before, and I really appreciated the full service they provided. Literally, you show up, they fit you with waders and gear (if you don't have it, they provide it), you go out on the water, and you fish. The guides do all the hard work (and boy...do they WORK!).

Every one of the staff, both visits, were hospitable, friendly, fun, and experts at what they do. I am so glad I went.

Definitely worth my time and money.

(Oh, the pictures they post on their website don't lie. We caught so many different species every day we went out, my son and I ACTUALLY GOT TIRED FROM REELING IN FISH EVERY TEN OR FIFTEEN MINUTES. It was crazy!)

I have had quite a few visits to Bearclaw and all have been excellent. The staff does a fantastic job at making you at home and the guides will put you on Fish. I would recommend a trip to anyone no matter your fishing experience. You will be well taken care of from arrival at the Dillingham airport until you dropped off for your trip home

Steven Issacs, Bear Claw Lodge Manager, saved my day today. Not even a lodger at Bear Claw, my friend and I were driving my boat homeward down Aleknagik Lake when my engine stopped. We were about half a mile out on the lake, straight out from the Lodge.

I wasn’t too worried, because it was such a beautiful day. Lucky for us, Steven saw us paddling across the lake toward Bear Claw.

I was SO relieved when I saw the Bear Claw jet boat start moving our way. Steven came out and spent the time, over an hour of his time, towing my boat back to the Aleknagik Lake boat ramp.

Not only did he save my bacon (and my boat), Steven was the nicest guy! He got me comfortably installed on his powerful and snug jetboat, and kindly chatted and visited with me as he towed me back to the boat ramp.

Wow!!

Dear Steven, a thousand thank you’s for the helping hand!!

Steven also invited me to stop by the lodge any time I needed a hand, or a cup of coffee!

Double wow!!

So impressed by Steven, and grateful to him and Bear Claw Lodge.

Need to see posts of clients pictures and your pictures of the current fish harvested everyother week for the season! !!