Leading Ranches & Lodges of the World

Lowdown

  • Established

    1982

  • Owner

    Chip Ferguson

  • Tel

    1 (800) 451-6198

  • Open

    Jun-Sep

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $1,237 - $2,271

  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $1,237 - $2,271

  • Minimum Stay

    4 days

  • Maximum Guests

    16

  • Works with travel agents?

    Yes

  • Great For

    Action & adventure, Diverse scenery
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Alaska Rainbow Lodge is situated on the Kvichak River in remote SW Alaska, almost 300 miles from the nearest road system. However, their float planes give you access to 10,000 square miles of wilderness!

Escape to the Alaskan wilderness and experience an unforgettable fishing adventure at Alaska Rainbow Lodge.

Nestled in the heart of Bristol Bay and only accessible by seaplane, the lodge offers unparalleled access to pristine rivers and breathtaking scenery.

Enjoy world-class angling, luxurious accommodations and exceptional service in the heart of Alaska's wilderness.

Good time to go

Timing is key for targeting Alaska’s sportfish in Bristol Bay:

June: Season opens with large spring rainbow trout and opportunities for King Salmon.

July: Peak species variety, ideal for Sockeye harvests, with the best weather.

August: Silver Salmon run, trophy rainbow trout fishing begins late month.

September: Scenic fall weather, excellent for landing trophy rainbow trout.

Children at the Lodge

Great for children aged 10 and over

Kids are welcome at Alaska Rainbow Lodge. They offer a family discount in June and July where family members 18 or younger can come on the trip for 1/2 price on a full week trip.

There's no minimum age, but children must be somewhat accustomed to the outdoors and be able to be outside all day – even when the conditions are challenging (rainy, cold, etc).

The youngest guests they've hosted were seven years old, but 10 may be a more reasonable number for most. All outdoor activities are guided and supervised.

Activities

hiking, picnics, cookouts, whitewater rafting, floating, Fishing, boat rides, floatplane rides, bear viewing

Games

board games, Card games, lawn games

History

Founded in 1982 by legendary Alaskan guide Ron Hayes and his wife Sharon, Alaska Rainbow Lodge was built with one goal: providing access to the best fishing in the world.

What began as a single lodge with space for just 10 guests has grown into a premier fly-out fishing destination with top-tier infrastructure and unbeatable access to Bristol Bay’s finest waters.

Lowdown

  • Types of water

    Lakes, Streams, Rivers

  • Rivers you can fish on

    Kvichak, Naknek, Nushagak, Kulik, Brooks, Morane, Alagnak, Upper American, Kamishak.

  • Types of Fish

    Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Arctic Greyling, Lake Trout, Silver Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Chum Salmon, Pink Salmon, Northern pike, .

  • Fishing Experience Level

    Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

  • Guided Fishing Included in rates

  • Unguided Fishing not available

  • Fishing Instruction Included in rates

  • You can borrow

    Rods, Flies, Reels, Waders.

  • You can buy

    Rods.

  • Bring your own

    Rods, Flies, Reels, Boots, Hats, Waders, Fishing Nets, They provide all fishing equipment but guests are welcome to bring their own..

The Setting

Alaska Rainbow Lodge is situated on the Kvichak river in remote SW Alaska, almost 300 miles from the nearest road system, however, their float planes give you access to 10,000 square miles of wilderness.

Take in the rolling tundra and jagged mountain ranges, the tiny hike-and-wade creeks; Alaska Rainbow Lodge gives you unparalleled access to this angling paradise. You can also chase trophy trout on the big water of the Kvichak and Naknek rivers in their jet drift boats.

The Fishing

They offer fishing for all skill levels and preferences. From chasing Arctic Greyling with dry flies to trolling for monster King Salmon and everything in between, they customize each trip to match their guests' fishing goals. 

June: Season opens with large spring rainbow trout and opportunities for King Salmon
July: Peak species variety, ideal for sockeye harvests, with the best weather
August: Silver Salmon run; trophy rainbow trout fishing begins late month
September: Scenic fall weather, excellent for landing trophy rainbow trout

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Gourmet

  • Meals served

    everyone eats together, scheduled meals

  • Alcohol

    wine provided with dinner

  • Enjoy dining in

    dining room (casual attire), lounge

  • You'll definitely love

    ranch-raised beef, fresh daily bread, fresh daily desserts

  • Dietary restrictions catered for

    lactose intolerant, vegans, vegetarians, Gluten free, other

At Alaska Rainbow Lodge delicious meals are served every day.

To get you fired up for your day's adventures, they offer breakfast to order each morning with a daily breakfast special.

During your fishing adventures, you'll enjoy a daily hot shore lunch with hot soup, hot sandwitches, chips, fresh-baked cookies and your river drinks of choice.

They also cook up fresh salmon on the river bank if you are there during the salmon runs!

For dinner they offer gourmet meals each evening, from Halibut to Prime Rib and Alaskan King Crab. Every meal will make you want to go back next year and experience it all again!

Guest Favourites

  • Prime rib with potatoes and vegetables.
  • Chicken Piccata with risotto
  • Alaskan seafood night with prawns, homemade pasta and King Crab

Wines

They offer house red and white wines. If guests would like higher-end offerings, they are welcome to take their own or make arrangements to have them shipped in before the trip. 

Your Chef, Jerry

Jerry has been the Chef at ARL for five seasons and his food is legendary to both the staff and long-time return guests.

Lowdown

  • Address

    PO Box 39
    King Salmon
    Alaska
    99613
    USA

  • Remote Location

    Yes

  • Elevation

    20 ft

Nearest Town - King Salmon AK

King Salmon AK has a population of 300 (approx), and is situated 35 miles / 30 mins from the Ranch.

Ranch shuttle

Transportation to Alaska Rainbow Lodge is provided by lodge-owned floatplanes. It is completely inaccessible by road.

Nearest Airports

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Anchorage

Distance

300 miles / 3 hours

Airlines

Delta, United, Alaska, American Airlines

Ranch shuttle

Transportation to Alaska Rainbow Lodge is provided by a private charter flight (for full week trips) and lodge-owned float planes. It is completely inaccessible by road.

King Salmon Airport AKN, King Salmon

Distance

35 miles / 1 hour

Airlines

Alaska

Ranch shuttle

Transportation to Alaska Rainbow Lodge is provided by Lodge owned float planes. It is completely inaccessible by road.

Private Air Travel

Nearest location(s)

King Salmon AK (PAKN)

Travel by

Airplane

Distance

35 miles

Ranch shuttle

Transportation to Alaska Rainbow Lodge is provided by lodge owned float planes. It is completely inaccessible by road.

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $1,237 - $2,271

  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $1,237 - $2,271

  • Minimum Stay

    4 days

  • Preferred Arrival Day

    Fri

  • Preferred Departure Day

    Fri

  • Packages available

    4 night, 5 night, 6 night, 1 week, 8 night, 9 night, 10 night, 2 week
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Alaska Rainbow Lodge can cater for up to 16 guests. Accommodation includes Lodges and Cabins. See below for details and indicative rates.

Lodge | Lodge Room

Rates (Per Person)*

$1,237 - $2,271
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Rates (Additional Info)

Their normal trips are all inclusive, week-long Friday-to-Friday trips at a rate of $15,900 per person.

Shorter all-inclusive trips are available with a sliding rate structure. Please contact the lodge for details. 

In June and July they are offering 'Build-Your-Own-Booking' (BYOB) trips with a three-day/four-night minimum stay and a rate of $1,650 per fishing day. This rate does not include transportation from Anchorage to the lodge and back unless booked for the entire week.

The BYOB trip offers all of the same services at the lodge and provides access to four fishing locations within a short boat ride or float plane flight from the lodge.

Daily flyout trips to other locations are available at a cost of $1,600 per guide (for one or two guests). 

Minimum Stay

4 nights

Description

The five lodge rooms each offer queen beds, private bathrooms, 24-hour heat and electricity, and soundproof walls.

Rooms

5

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

plush bathrobes

Cabin | Cabin room

Rates (Per Person)*

$1,237 - $2,271
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Rates (Additional Info)

Our normal trips are all inclusive, week-long Friday-to-Friday trips at a rate of $15,900 per person.

Shorter all-inclusive trips are available with a sliding rate structure. Please contact the lodge for details. 

In June and July we are offering build your own booking (BYOB) trips with a three-day/four-night minimum stay and a rate of $1,650 per fishing day. This rate does not include transportation from Anchorage to the lodge and back unless booked for the entire week.

The BYOB trip offers all of the same services at the lodge and provides access to four fishing locations within a short boat ride or float plane flight from the lodge.

Daily flyout trips to other locations are available at a cost of $1,600 per guide (for one or two guests). 

Minimum Stay

4 nights

Description

The lodge has three cabins available, designed for those who would like more private accomodations.

Each cabin has two private bedrooms with a shared bathroom in between. 

Rooms

6

Bathrooms

Shared bathroom

Amenities

mini-bar, seating area, plush bathrobes

Booking Policy

To book a trip, they require a 50% deposit up front to hold the spots.

The deposit is refundable up to 180 days before the trip and can also be moved to any other available week during the year of the booking.

Final payments are due 90 days before the start date of the trip and are non-refundable at that time.

If a guest wishes to cancel their reservation after the 180 day deadline, a refund will only be issued if the lodge is able to re-book the reserved spots to another guest.

Included in your stay

meals, activities, ranch shuttle, lodging, tax, Transportation from Anchorage (AK) to the lodge and back on a private charter flight for lodge guests only (on full-week Friday-to-Friday trips), daily flights on their fleet of float planes to all of the best fishing and bear viewing locations in the Bristol Bay region, daily guided fishing trips with a 2-1 guest-to-guide ratio with all fishing equipment provided, all food and beverages for the week including breakfast to order, hot shore lunches, gourmet dinners prepared by their team of chefs, open bar and house wines, as well as extremely comfortable accommodations for the week.

Extras

Tax

Transportation from your home to Anchorage Alaska on the Thursday before your trip and accommodations Thursday night Your personal clothing and chest waders (available for rent at the lodge) AK fishing license (purchased during check-in) Gratuity for the staff

Gratuity

Gratuity is not included, guests typically leave 10-15%

Guided Fly Fishing

Daily fly fishing expeditions are included with a 2-1 guest-to-guide ratio and all fishing equipment provided.

Other

Daily flyouts in their fleet of float planes for fishing or wilderness/bear viewing, giving access to 10,000 square miles of SW Alaska

Lowdown

  • You can borrow

    Rain coats

  • You can rent

    Rain coats

  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi, telephone, WIFI Calling.

  • Business Services

    computer and fax hookups, printers, High speed Starlink internet.

Onsite

Shopping

We have a limited amount of lodge-branded merchandise, including shirts, jackets, hats and vests.

Everyting else is included in the trip price. 

Outdoor Activities

bird watching, hiking, wilderness and wildlife viewing, fly fishing, rafting, bear viewing

Water based Activities

river floating, whitewater rafting-adventure, Floatplane flyouts, fishing, raft trips, jet boat trips.

Additional Services

Corporate Retreats

For groups of under 20.

Our normal maximum capacity is 16 guests, but depending on the number of couples or guests who are willing to room together, we can accomodate up to 20 in total.

We offer a $1,000 discount per person when the full lodge is booked with 16 or more guests.

Weddings

We can cater for groups of under 20.

We are not set up to host a large or elaborate wedding, but if someone was looking for a simple wilderness wedding with lots of outdoor activities, bear viewing and fishing we would be happy to accomodate!

Local Attractions

Fishing

Alaska Rainbow Lodge offers daily flyout fishing trips to some of the most productive waters in the world.

Their float planes give access to over 10,000 square miles of SW Alaska, which are completely inacessible by road. 

Distance

10-100 miles / 30 mins

Ranch shuttle

Daily flyouts in float planes are included.

Katmai National Park

One of the most remote and inacessible National Parks in the country, Katmai is home to one of the world's largest populations of brown bears.

It is also fantastic for daily fishing or wildlife viewing expedtitons and is home to some of the most beautiful untouched wilderness on the planet. 

Distance

50 miles / 30 mins

Ranch shuttle

Daily fly outs in our float planes are included.

Brooks Falls

Brooks Falls in Katmai National park is a world-famous bear viewing location. Enjoy the thrill of watching wild brown bears catch migrating salmon as they head up stream to spawn! 

The lodge offers daily trips to Brooks for both fishing and bear viewing, and knowledgeable guides will show off the extreme beauty of this special corner of wilderness. 

Distance

45 miles / 45 mins

Ranch shuttle

Daily fly outs in our float planes are included

Why we love it

  • The Lodge is located right in the middle of over 3,000 square miles of some of the last untouched wilderness on earth, the Bristol Bay region, which is home to early season Rainbows, and aggressive Silver and King Salmon.
  • The fly fishing guides are competent, knowledgeable, friendly and professional, and most return year after year to share their in-depth, working knowledge of the area and the techniques required to get you into fish – lots of fish! The guides are just another reason Alaska Rainbow Lodge has obtained such positive feedback in online reviews and one of the primary reasons clients often return to the lodge year after year. Normal guided fishing excursions involve two fishermen per guide, and all our guests will receive personal attention.
  • At this remote fly fishing lodge, you will enjoy cozy and comfortable accommodations, full-time chefs and personalized service.
  • There are so many fishing adventures available, from walk and wade, to raft trips, jet boat trips and drift boat trips.

What to consider

  • Transportation from Anchorage to the lodge and back will only be provided for guests who book a full week trip from Friday to Friday.
  • Add-ons are available: An excursion is $1600 per guide, per day and these upgrade packages allow guests to be flown out to any location in the fishing region. This upgrade can be purchased for fishing, bear viewing, hiking/wildlife viewing or rafting trips.