Fall, 2006

The Original Online Magazine Dedicated Exclusively to the International Angler

The Lodge:

Lodge is located near the mouth of Lake Creek, a short, 20 minute bush plane flight from Anchorage. Lake Creek is hardly a creek but is really a full blown river that is considered on of Alaska's better native wild rainbow watersheds. The rainbows are protected by catch and release regulations which insures that there will always be splendid wild rainbow trout fishing for generations to come.

The Fishing...

The early season at Wilderness Place Lodge sees an excellent run of king salmon, many in the 60lb class and larger. Sockeye salmon are present throughout July with pink salmon running then as well. Resident rainbows, grayling and northern pike are year-round resident fish. Silvers start to run relatively early in August making the silver fishing a late summer treat. Mid August marks the end of silver, chum, and pink run and is a best time for rainbows. Resident rainbows literally go crazy over pink salmon spawn. Peak silver fishing is during the first ten days of August.

Bait fishing is only allowed on the lower river. This regulation discourages lodges on the lower river that cater to bait fishers from coming upstream to fish. Where WPL fishes is under single hook, flies & lures only regulations. As a result of these regulations, rainbow fishing has improved dramatically since the regulations were implemented a number of years ago.

After the last of August (25th) almost no other people on the river where they fish. Average size silver is 7-8 lbs. and go to 12 lbs. A good angler will catch 10-12 silvers, along with as many chum salmon.

Anglers catch more chums earlier in August. Chums are larger average 9-10 lbs. and often go to 14 lbs. After August 20, rainbow fishing for larger fish traditionally improves until the water temperature dips to 40 degrees and below. Water conditions are generally very good during the entire month of August. As September approaches, water clarity and wadeability becomes very dependable. The river rarely blows out and becomes unfishable during fall.

WPL Guided Float Trips on Lake Creek:

Guests experience some of Alaska's best salmon, rainbow trout and grayling fishing on a remote river near majestic Mt. McKinley (Denali). The lodge offers custom-tailored deluxe trips during prime fishing weeks for king salmon, silver salmon and rainbow trout on Lake Creek and other nearby rivers.

A trip begins with either float plane or helicopter transportation to a starting point on a small remote creek south of the Alaska Range. Guides await the arrival of guests at the first nights camp. A nourishing dinner is prepared on arrival. Guests can get into fishing gear and fly fishing action the first hour on the river.

The lodge's deluxe camp includes such amenities as expedition-style tents with two anglers per tent, sleeping cots with Camp Rest pads and a large dining tent for evening activities in inclement weather. The elaborate camp kitchen allows a wide variety of meals to be prepared each evening in addition to the gourmet entrees often sent along by the lodge chef. Camp is moved several miles down river each day to access the best water. A guide to guest ratio of one guide to each two anglers assures everyone gets the best fishing available. Floats concentrate on grayling and rainbow, salmon runs on Lake Creek can provide excellent angling experiences including the occasional freshly grilled fish for dinner.

Wilderness Place Lodge furnishes round-trip transportation from Anchorage, all camp gear and meals. High quality 14 and 15 foot river rafts with rowing frames and full expedition river gear included. Seven day trips usually end with a night at the lodge. All other trips return to Anchorage late afternoon on the last day. Anglers furnish sleeping bags and all personal gear including fishing tackle. As always, a detailed clothing, tackle and information folder is provided prior to the trip.

2001 RATES

• $1,285/pp 2 Night/3 Day Package
• $1,720/pp 3 Night/4 Day Package
• $2,175/pp 4 Night/5 Day Package
• $2,480/pp 5 Night/6 Day Package
• $2,780/pp 6 Night/7 Day Package
• $295 per night for additional nightsDeluxe cabin for 4 with bath: $30 per person / per night extra
• Deluxe cabin for 2 with bath: $50 per person / per night extra
  Custom guided float trips starting at $1695 per person

Above rates include float plane transportation from Anchorage to the lodge and full lodge services including all meals, shared or private cabins, guided fishing and jet boat service. Rates are based upon noon arrivals and departures. Parties of less than 3 may be subject to an air taxi surcharge each way. Group rates are available upon request. Not included: Round trip airfare to Anchorage, gratuities, personal items and fishing equipment.

The lodge's dining room, lounge and fly tying area are located in this building.

Cabins along the river are what you'll find at WPL

In our opinion, Wilderness Place Lodge is one of the best fishing operations on lower Lake Creek, one of Alaska's most productive rivers within easy reach of Anchorage. Our network members agree. We are not aware of a single unhappy client coming back from WPL. The food is wonderful and the guide staff is knowledgeable about all forms of fishing technique.

Flyfishing is a very strong point here. He steadfastly directs his guides to the best spots with the highest concentrations of fish. For the price, the lodge is a tough one to beat and an excellent place for a first-time Alaskan experience. You may see other people from other camps in the area downstream from the lodge, however, few of the other camps go up-river. Instead, they choose to fish the lower water as it is easier to fish with bait. If privacy is important to you and you wish to fish for kings, there are a number of easily waded smaller streams and channels off Lake Creek where anglers can go fish and explore in privacy.
 

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