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.

Have had numerous visits to Bearclaw lodge and all have been the same, fantastic! The lodge is very nice with a very cozy atmosphere to it. It allows the guests ti mingle and really get to know each other. The guides work hard and do a great job. If you're like me and need to know a game plan not to worry it is laid out for you each evening, when breakfast is, when you will cast off, where you are going and with whom. The food is great and you will not go hungry!

This was my wife's and my second visit to Bear Claw Lodge on Lake Aleknagik near Dillingham Alaska. …

I stayed at Bearclaw Lodge last August with 9 other friends and had a great time The accommodations were nice. I shared a comfortable room w/a fellow angler. The guides were very good and we caught a lot of trophy sized fish. …

The lodge is very nice with a very cozy atmosphere to it. It allows the guests ti mingle and really get to know each other. The guides work hard and do a great job. …