Thank you for choosing AlpenView for your Alaskan experience. We will do our best to live up to your expectations. The following information will help to acquaint you with our policies and help you to better plan your trip.
(A) How to get here.
You, or your travel agent, can make arrangements for flights between your home town and the City of Kodiak.
Round trip travel from the City of Kodiak to AlpenView's facility is provided as part of your trip. This travel is accomplished in chartered float planes. Outbound, your charter flight will leave Kodiak at 9:00 AM. You should plan to be available in Kodiak, either at your hotel lobby or the airport lobby with your bags packed and ready to go, no later than 8:15 AM on the day your trip begins.
Most people choose to over night in Kodiak on the evening before their trip begins. The Kodiak Inn (888 563-4254 or 907 486-5712) and the Comfort Inn (800 544-2202 or 907 487-2700) are both fine hotels. A great source for more lodging options and things to do while in the City of Kodiak is the Kodiak Island Convention and Visitors Bureau web site, www.kodiak.org
If your travel plans won't allow for an overnight in Kodiak, it is also possible to get flights from Anchorage to Kodiak early in the morning. Be careful here, try not to book your transfers too tightly. If your bags don't make it to Kodiak with you, the float plane charter will not be able to wait for them. You may be faced with the expensive proposition of flying your bags and/or yourself to AlpenView's facility at a later time.
As soon as you reach the City of Kodiak, contact Andrew Airways at (907)487-2566. Andrew Airways is the sea plane charter service that will be flying you to AlpenView's facility. It is important that they know where to find you and they can inform you of any last minute preparations. They will be expecting your call.
Home bound you will depart AlpenView's facility at 11:00 AM and arrive in Kodiak at noon. As flights are quite often delayed due to weather, it's best not to plan departures from Kodiak until mid afternoon. Remember that Kodiak Island is a very remote location and travel here may be quite different than it is where you live. Please leave yourself as much time as possible when booking your transfers into and out of Kodiak.
If your travel plans simply will not allow you to make the above mentioned schedule, we can arrange special charter flights to accommodate you, at your own expense.
When your travel arrangements are complete, please send us a copy of your itinerary including hotel reservations. This information will help us to coordinate the services we provide and to spot possible problems.
(B) Personal items to bring.
The following list is complete. If you follow it you will have all you need to take full advantage of your stay. It is very important not to over pack. You will be traveling in small float planes so it is necessary to limit each person to 75 lbs. of gear. Loads will be weighed at the seaplane base in Kodiak. To comply with FAA regulations and for your own safety, charter services will not overload their airplanes. If you are having trouble coming in under 75 Lbs. of baggage, consider leaving a bag in Kodiak. The charter service will be happy to store it for you. You can leave your formal travel clothes, street shoes and other items that will not be of use to you at AlpenView's facility. Soft luggage or duffel bags are preferred as they are more easily stored in small or awkward baggage spaces.
If your necessary baggage simply will not allow you to make the above mentioned weight limit, we can arrange special charter flights to accommodate you, at your own expense.
(1) Waders
Wading is a major part of our program so it is important to bring some good gear. Chest waders are the best choice, they allow the maximum protection from the elements and the maximum freedom in wading.
Lodge and lodge/camp combination packages include rain gear, boots or waders as needed for each activity. However, if you bring your own you can better insure a proper fit. Camp only packages do not include these items.
Breathable waders made from materials like Gore-Tex are the best choice. Breathable waders are easily adjusted for the season by changing the garments you wear under them. Waders made of other materials such as neoprene and rubber are not recommended.
Stocking foot waders with a separate wading shoe are best. They can be turned completely inside-out to dry or repair. The wading on Kodiak is generally quite nice and we travel a lot in boats and planes. Please, no cleats or studded soles on wading shoes.
Under your waders you will need garments for insulation. Perspiration can build up under your waders so undergarments should be built of materials that tend to wick moisture away from your skin. Wool, polyester, nylon and silk are good choices. Cotton is a very poor material for these purposes. In the colder temperatures of late September and October you will want to add an extra layer of undergarments.
(2) Rain Gear
All excursions require that you be completely protected from both rain and wind. With chest waders, a waist length rain coat is all you need.
(3) Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses help to cut through the glare on the water. This lets you see past the surface and down into the water where the fish are. The key word here is "polarized". Glasses also protect your eyes. Sport fishing, and fly fishing in particular, provide a lot of flying hook hazards.
(4) Shoes
A comfortable pair of hiking shoes are nice if you want to hike. Trails around AlpenView's facilities can be rough and muddy in wet weather. Hiking shoes should be waterproof and about ankle high. A pair of slip on clogs or sandals are nice for evenings.
(5) Clothes
It's best to dress in layers beginning with wick dry synthetic, wool, or silk underwear. Add a warm long sleeve shirt or sweater, then perhaps a fleece pullover. Top this off with your rain gear and waders and you'll be set.
Nylon and/or fleece pants go equally well under waders during the day and in the evenings after excursions. Cotton is a poor fabric in wet coastal climates.
Here again, do not over pack. A couple changes of clothes should be adequate. If you bring extra of anything make it socks, your feet get used a lot. Temperatures average in the 60's from June to August, 50's in September and sometimes there is frost in the mornings. October temperatures average in the 40's, nights below freezing are common and whole days below freezing are not rare. Dressing in layers allows you to compensate for changes in temperature and level of activity.
(6) Gloves
Even in summer, some people get uncomfortably cold hands. The best way to battle this is with wool or neoprene fingerless gloves. Both stay warm when wet and being fingerless they allow you to operate your fishing and camera gear.
(7) Hat
A baseball cap is nice. They fit well under a hood. The bill will help to move your hood when you turn your head so you can see better. The bill will also protect your eyes from bright sun or light rain. In late September and October, it's nice to have a hat with a bill and flaps that can cover your ears for protection in cold and windy weather.
(8) Camera
Photo opportunities abound for both wildlife and personal memories. Think about weather/water protection.
(9) Personal Items
Toothbrush, shampoo, prescription drugs, and so on.
(10) Fishing License
Fishing licenses can be purchased at many locations in the City of Kodiak, on line at www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us or at AlpenView's facility.
(C) Tackle.
(1) At The Lodge
Conventional trolling, spinning and mooching tackle is provided for the salt water portion of our fishing program. Fly fishing tackle is provided for the fresh water portion of our program. If you wish to bring your own tackle, please do so.
(2) At The Out Camp
Guests need to bring their own tackle. In order to fully enjoy the variety of fish available at the out camp, each angler should bring at least two outfits. A heavy salmon outfit and a light Dolly Varden outfit. If you plan a combination of fly and spin/cast fishing you will need to add outfits accordingly. You should consider the following information. Keep in mind that these are our suggestions and they are not meant to imply that your ideas are wrong. Much of what we have learned came from watching experienced fishermen, from around the world, doing what they do best. If you have some tricks to show us, we would love to see them.
King Salmon Tackle, Freshwater
To fly fish for Kings, we suggest an 8 to 10 weight fly rod with a fighting butt. Remember that you will spend more time casting than you will fighting kings. We suggest you bring a rod that you enjoy casting, if it is tiresome and uncomfortable for you to cast a 10 weight rod all day, bring an 8 weight. It may take a little longer to land fish but in the end your casting arm will thank you. If you like to fish with two handed rods, bring yours along for Kings. But, don't leave your standard rod behind. Some areas are not suited to the two handed rod.
We suggest you bring a reel which has a strong disc drag and capacity for your fly line and 100 yards of 30 pound backing. King fly fishing is done with several line types. We suggest you bring a multi-tip fly line.
Kings are caught on large egg patterns, orange or red bodies with white accents can work well. Rabbit and marabou leeches in solid colors like black, purple and fuchsia with a little flash can work well. Two tone leeches like the egg sucking leech and the popsicle can work well. Most flies are size 4 or larger. Kings are fished near the bottom so weighted flies can work well.
To spin/cast for kings, we suggest a long rod in the 8 foot range. The rod should be built to handle lure weights up to 3/4 ounce and line weights up to 15 pounds. No need to over do it here, leave the tuna rods at home.
We suggest spin/cast reels have strong smooth drags and capacity for 200 yards of 20 pound line. Take a good look at that old reel, be sure it is in good working order.
We suggest you load your reel with 30 pound, high-vis braided line. Here again, no need to over do it, the light stuff casts better. The river does not have a lot of heavy cover or deep rapid water to contend with.
At AlpenView's facilities we often practice "Catch & Release" so we suggest you have single hooks on your lures. If your lures do not already have single hooks you can cut off the treble hooks and replace them with single hooks. Some of the most popular lures are Mepps and Vibrax spinners in size 4 & 5 and colors red and silver. Pixie spoons in ½ and 7/8 ounce and colors silver/orange and silver/green. Snap swivels work well to attach line to lure. Size 2/0 octopus style hooks, 25 pound mono leader and some split shot are great for fishing roe sack baits.
Sockeye Salmon Tackle, Freshwater
We suggest your Sockeye fly rod should be from 6 to 8 weight, a fighting butt is good. Sockeye are strong and fast so we suggest your reel have a smooth disc drag and capacity for your fly line and 100 yards of 30 pound backing.
Most Sockeye fishing is done with floating lines.
It is necessary to sink the fly just right so some twist on lead strips or split shot are a must.
We find the best sockeye flies to be sparsely tied patterns in size 2 to 6. Favorite patterns are the Mickey Finn, Grey Ghost and Black Nose Dace. Neutral buoyancy flies work best, avoid heavily weighted or very buoyant patterns.
We do not suggest spin/cast tackle for Sockeye fishing.
Silver Salmon Tackle, Freshwater
To fly fish for Silver Salmon, we suggest a 7 to 9 weight rod with a fighting butt. Silver fishing often requires some longer casts from deep wading stances so longer (9'+) rods are nice. If you like to fish with two handed rods, bring yours along for silvers. But, don't leave your standard rod behind. Some areas are not suited to the two handed rod.
We suggest you bring a reel which has a strong disc drag and capacity for your fly line and 100 yards of 30 pound backing.
Silver fly fishing is done with a wide variety of lines. We suggest you bring a multi-tip fly line.
Silvers are caught on rabbit and marabou leeches in solid colors like purple, pink and fuchsia with a little flash. Two tone leeches like the Egg Sucking Leech, the Popsicle and flesh flies can work well. Some long, articulated patterns are popular. Most flies are size 4 or larger. Silvers are fished near the bottom so weighted flies can work well.
To spin/cast for silvers, we suggest a long rod in the 8 foot range. The rod should be built to handle lure weights up to 3/4 ounce and line weights up to 15 pounds. No need to over do it here, leave the tuna rods at home.
We suggest spin/cast reels have strong smooth drags and capacity for 200 yards of 20 pound line. Take a good look at that old reel, be sure it is in good working order.
We suggest you load your reel with 20 pound, high-vis braided line tipped with 15 pound clear mono leader. Here again, no need to over do it, the light stuff casts better.
At AlpenView's facilities we often practice "Catch & Release" so we suggest you have single hooks on your lures. If your lures do not already have single hooks you can cut off the treble hooks and replace them with single hooks. Some of the most popular lures are Mepps and Vibrax spinners in size 3 to 5 and colors red and silver. Pixie spoons in ½ and 7/8 ounce and colors silver/orange and silver/green. Snap swivels work well to attach line to lure.
Dolly Varden Tackle
We suggest your Dolly fly rod should be from 4 to 6 weight. Dolly Varden are strong and fast but they can be over powered and this can greatly distract from the sport of fishing for them. A relatively small 14 inch fish may run 100 feet and jump 5 times but it can't do this if you put the breaks on it. We suggest your reel have a light disc or click pall drag with enough tension to let the fish do it's stuff while still preventing a backlash at the end of a run. An exposed palming rim will help you to add drag when the big one hits. Your Dolly reel should have capacity for your fly line and 50 yards of 20 pound backing.
Dolly fly fishing is done with floating lines. Some twist on lead strips or split shot and some strike indicators may come in handy as will some tapered leaders and a selection of tippet material from 1x to 5x.
To take Dolly Varden on the surface, we suggest dry flies in size 14. The favorites are the Elk Hair Caddis in tan, the Royal Wulff and the Adams. Wet fly favorites are size 12 to 14 Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail and Prince Nymph. Some regular and some bead-head versions of these patterns are a good idea. Egg patterns and beads work well for fishing near spawning salmon. Streamers are good in saltwater flats and along beaches. The Grey Ghost and pink marabou leech, size 4 can work well.
We do not suggest spin/cast tackle for Dolly Varden fishing.
Steelhead Tackle
To fly fish for Steelhead we suggest a 7 to 9 weight rod with a fighting butt. Long "two handed rod" enthusiasts will find this is a great application for their gear. We suggest you bring a reel which has a strong disc drag and capacity for your fly line and 100 yards of 30 pound backing.
Steelhead fly fishing is done with a wide variety of lines. We suggest you bring a multi-tip fly line.
For Steelhead, we suggest some of the classic wet flies such as the Green Butt Skunk, Polar Shrimp, and Babine Special in size 2 to 4. Both purple and black Egg Sucking Leach patterns in size 2 to 4 can work well. Some black rabbit or marabou leeches are a good idea. Long, articulated patterns work well at times. Some weighted versions are a good idea. Beads work well for fishing near spawning salmon.
We do not suggest spin/cast tackle for Steelhead.
Fishing Vest or Back Pack.
Our fishing program involves some walking and wading along streams so it is best if you can carry your equipment comfortably on your person. Bags or large tackle boxes that you must set down are often far away when you need them. A small light day pack can be a good idea if you don't use a vest.
At the out camp we sell fishing licenses and terminal tackle. The flies and spoons listed above, or very similar items, are for sale at the camp. If you can't find a particular item we will most likely be able to help you in camp.
(D) Daily schedule.
The daily schedule changes a bit depending on the activities planned and the weather. Generally speaking the day runs about like this: Breakfast is served in the dining room, 7:00 to 7:30 AM. Guided excursions depart 8:00 to 8:30 AM. Lunch is served in the field, or the dining room, 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Guided excursions return 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Dinner is served in the dining room, 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Guests can make un-guided excursions after dinner.
(E) Liquor and beer.
AlpenView Wilderness Lodge, Inc. does not serve alcohol. However guests are welcome to bring their own. Larger groups who anticipate bringing a substantial amount should let AlpenView know well in advance so transportation can be arranged. We do provide a variety of soft drinks and juices for guests.
(F) Weather delays.
AlpenView Wilderness Lodge, Inc. assumes no liability for arrival or departure delays due to weather. Guests who are delayed at AlpenView's facility will receive food and lodging at no extra cost.
(G) Fishing closures.
AlpenView will make every effort to provide our customers with the fishing experience they are expecting. However, Mother Nature can provide us with circumstances which are beyond our control. In the event of a poor run, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game may close a particular fishery or fishing area. AlpenView accepts no liability for fluctuations in wild fish populations and will not refund money. Should a fishing closure occur, AlpenView will provide services (food, lodging, transportation and daily guided fishing) in an alternate location and/or target an alternate species of fish. The trip will proceed during the contracted time, for the contracted price.
(H) Gratuities.
Gratuities for the staff are greatly appreciated. As a guide line, the average tip per customer in 2008 was $200. per guest. Generally, gratuities are given to the senior staff person who equally divides them among the entire staff. Guests may, of course, tip in any amount or method they feel appropriate.
(I) Take home fish.
Taking home fish from your Alaskan trip is a great way to share some of your experience with family and friends. It does require some planning! AlpenView does not ship fish.
(1) At The Lodge
AlpenView staff will clean your fish (gut, filet and etc.). AlpenView staff will smoke (cold and/or hot process) up to 10 lbs of fish per person. AlpenView staff will instruct you and supply you with facilities and materials to vacuum pack and freeze your fish. AlpenView will supply you with one insulated fish box to transport your fish home.
AlpenView will provide these services for up to 50 lbs of finished product per person. For guests who wish to take more than 50 lbs, AlpenView will supply these services for an additional charge of $2.75 per pound and $25.00 per box. AlpenView can not guaranty space on the seaplane for fish in excess of 50 lbs per person, there may be added transportation costs
(2) At The Camp
At the Camp, we practice mainly "Catch & Release". It's not the ideal situation for keeping fish because there is no refrigeration and there are a lot of bears. However, each guest may keep a day limit of salmon to take home. These fish need to be caught on the last fishing day and then flown out with the anglers when they depart the following morning. AlpenView staff will clean the fish and provide a method to keep them cooled.
Camp take home fish will be of the "Fresh" variety. It's reasonable to keep fresh fish for about 48 hours before they need to be processed or eaten. You can figure that the fish will be nearly 24 hours old when your reach the City Of Kodiak on your return trip. If your travel plans are not set up to get you all the way home in the next 24 hours, you should consider having your fish processed in Kodiak and shipped to you at a later time.
Custom fish processing (freezing, vacuum packing or smoking) is available in the City of Kodiak. Custom processors can provide proper shipping containers and ship your fish directly to your home. For information contact Island Sea foods at (907)486-8575 www.islandseafoods.com or Kodiak Smoking at (907)486-0600.
To take fish home as baggage, guests need to provide their own container. The best way to transport fish is in an insulated container (cooler or fish box). You can use your insulated container as a piece of luggage on your way to the camp, include an extra duffel. On the way home the fish go in the container and the items you brought in the container, go in the duffel.
(J) Reservations.
Trip reservations are accepted up to 24 months in advance of the trip dates. A reasonable representation of AlpenView's availability is published on this web site. To confirm available openings contact AlpenView by phone or e-mail. A deposit is required to secure a reservation.
The deposit required to secure a reservation is 25% of the total trip cost. 5% is due within 30 days of the date the reservation is made. The remaining 20% is due by January 1 of the calendar year in which the trip is to occur, or, within 30 days of the date the reservation is made, whichever is later. Deposits are tabulated per person in the case of group reservations. Deposits are not refundable.
Final, full payment is due 30 days prior to the date the trip begins. Final, full payment is not refundable.
Reservations are 100% transferable to another person or persons in the case of group reservations. Reservations are 100% transferable to other available dates in AlpenView's schedule for the same or prior calendar years. Price variations may apply in transferring trip dates.

That about wraps it up. We want your trip with AlpenView Wilderness Lodge, Inc. to be a great success. If we can be of any more help in planning your trip, please let us know.