Katmai Trophy Lodge — Hotel in Alaska

We were in the main lodge at KTL (or Katmai Trophy Lodge if you're not into the whole brevity thing). The main lodge is very nice, we had one of the upstairs rooms (the wolf room), which had one twin bed and a full size bed. There is a bar to hang clothes on hangars, and a shelf to put some clothes, a mini-fridge for your beer / whiskey & cokes. The restroom in our room has a private shower/sink/ toilet. Some other Alaskan lodges do not have your own private shower, toilet, sink in your cabin, only a community restroom area, this was not the case at KTL.||The guides told us that typically the water temps were 50 degrees F for that week in June, the year we went the water was 58 degrees 2 weeks before we arrived. Super low water, spooky fish, but our badass guides put us onto big fish just the same. We didn't sniff any of the 30+ inch Rainbows as they were likely all back in the lake. But my fishing partner and I landed over 3 dozen rainbows in the 18-24 inch range and maybe 2-3 times that many fish under 18". We had a great day fishing with Micah for smaller northern pike (and a lot of them), another day we made the trip across Naknek lake to see fish and see bears at Brooks Falls, and another day we did a flyout to a smaller river where we caught Rainbows in the 18-22" range until our arms were sore. Cap'n John loves the fly outs ; ) ||Don't get me wrong this isn't like fishing in a hatchery, you need to be on your game and listen to the guides. I'm told that the fishing is easier in the fall with a bunch of big fish coming out of the river to eat eggs and salmon flesh (Dead drifting an egg or salmon flesh in Sept.- Oct. is probably easier to master than imitating a swimming smelt in June). That said we had an absolute blast on what we were told was one of their tougher weeks.||Can't wait to go back! Guides were all top notch: Capt. John, Micah, Cody, Big Josh, Little Baby Josh (LBJ), Max... they will bust your chops for trout sets, so practice or at least be mentally prepared to get scolded for trout sets...because trout sets do cost you fish... big time, when swinging for Naknek Rainbows. ||I appreciated the way Head guide James made sure to go around to all of the guests individually after each day and make sure that their expectations were met, and if not he'd make sure that the next day they re-calibrated to better meet each client's expectations. Several of the guides are experienced spey casters and are more than willing to coach you on improving your two hander skills. ||Fly outs? KTL is more than willing to accommodate fly out trips, maybe with the only limitation being willing clients to fill a float plane. A fly out by yourself w/ a guide would be much more expensive than if you take 4 guests and 2 guides as you can split the cost of the plane ride with your buddies or other willing lodge guests. ||The food was great, the view of the river from the lodge is exceptional, we saw a bear 200 yards from the lodge one evening. ||The lodge staff was willing to accommodate our requests, they have a list, put something on that list and within 24 hours they will get it for you and you pay for it when you settle up your final bill. Alaska prices for most everything are VERY high...so be forewarned $53 for a 24 pack of coors light, $75 for a half gallon of Jack Daniels in the King Salmon liquor store.||Overall Katmai Trophy Lodge is a 5 star experience in my book! I will be back next year if not...

If you would like to see Alaska on the fly with an extremely reputable outfitter that wont break your bank, then the lodge @katmaitrophylodge is your place. The Johnson family who runs the place has been in the business for decades, and has put together a package that simply cant be beat if wanting your dream Alaska vacation. The lodge itself is a quiet fifteen minute drive from the airport in King Salmon, AK., and is an easy flight from Anchorage, AK. on a small regional jet. The property itself sits on a prime location of the Naknek river below an area known as the" rapids." The Naknek river itself boasts some of the fiercest, largest native rainbow trout in Alaska. They can and many times do reach the magical thirty inch mark and beyond when searching for these bruisers. It is a two handed rod fisherman's dream water when wanting to swing flies. It boasts all 5 runs of salmon as well during the summer months when wanting to chase fish for the freezer. Fly out trips are easy and available at a very reasonable price for backcountry fishing when visiting @katmaitrophylodge. Bear watching is a must, and the lodge has easy access to famous Brooks falls and other secluded spots near the property and park boundaries. || The lodge has 5 very comfortable rooms with clean sheets and beds, a fridge, and a heater. It is a quaint little lodge that has some beautiful views of the river, a nice little loft and main dining area, with a sunset that lasts for what seems like days come fall time. There are also two personal cabins that support extra availability or more privacy next to the main lodge. || The food is prepared in a very nice manner in the main lodge itself. The Johnson's use hired help and a family touch which make the food itself have a bit of love. The cooks enjoy what they do, and it shows in the presentation and taste of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.|| The guides are absolutely top notch. Heavy passion and knowledge start the game, and the finishing touches of great customer service and personal attitudes make this guide staff a guaranteed winner. It would be hard to beat a crew that will catch you more large fish with a good attitude than this group. Along with that bonus, the personal nuances of guiding that you will not receive with many other services, you will certainly receive @katmaitrophylodge. As seen on the television show "Fly Rod Chronicles" with Curtis Fleming. Once you visit @katmaitrophylodge, you will return and return year after year. The Johnson family are great hosts in the business of wanting to make your journey a success without stealing your college kids tuition for a good time fishing and memories of a lifetime. Give this lodge a try, and I think you may just bag all those other high price outfits with less to offer than maybe a napkin being put on your lap for dinner. I mean....I certainly go to Alaska for the fishing and good vibes. I certainly...

We visited KTL this fall with a group of 10 anglers of various abilities. |Lodge: The lodge sits on the banks of the Nanek with river views from a large wraparound porch, and a short ride to the fishing grounds. Rooms were well appointed and clean with their own bathrooms and mini fridges.|Food: Hearty breakfasts every morning, sandwiches and snacks on the boat. Appetizers were provided when we returned from fishing while dinner was prepared by the chef. There were no complaints from our group. We ate well.|Fishing: The Nanek is known for its large rainbows and that is certainly the main attraction but there are several smaller creeks a boat ride away that offer different experiences. Lodge owner James was very knowledgeable about the current conditions at the various creeks and did great job setting things up after dinner so the plans were locked in each day. Guides were professionals and made sure you had what you need to succeed. Add a fly out if you are looking to check out other famous...