NOTE TO GROUP LEADERS: It is important that as a group leader you share this pre-trip information with all members of your party so that everyone is adequately prepared and understands the cancellation/refund policy pertaining to their trip. Alaska Kingfishers will not assume any financial responsibility for consequences incurred if you do not provide this information to all members of your group.

Alaska Kingfishers is a deluxe tent camp located on the bank of the Nushagak River. Each guest sleeps in a double occupancy cabin tent complete with a solid framed wooden deck, bunks, mattresses, as well as bedding and towels.

Pre-Trip Questionnaire

We are always trying our best to make your trip a lifetime experience. This questionnaire will help us accommodate your trip a little more. Please take a few minutes to complete the form.

Facilities

The camp is outfitted with hot showers, washrooms, and Outhouses with flush toilet which are conveniently located on campus.

The camp also includes a separate heated drying tent to hang wet rain-gear and waders, to dry out for the next days use.

The dining area is a large heated tent that serves as a casual meeting place to share stories and relax, as well as dine on the hearty home cooking prepared by the kitchen staff. Special dietary needs are no problem.

Power Supply

The camp is powered by generators that turn on at 5:30 am and turn off at 11:00 pm. Electricity for re-charging batteries is available during that time frame.

Daily Schedule

A typical day starts at 8:00 A.M. with a buffet-style breakfast. Guides are in the boats and ready for departure by 8:30 A.M. Lunch will consist of sandwiches, chips, cookies, fruit, and for those occasional cold days hot soup. Weather does not dictate your angling hours, the day is yours, however Alaska Kingfishers has a firm policy of requiring boats to return to camp by 6:00 P.M. This gives everyone time to clean up before gathering for a pre-dinner appetizer in the dining tent, Dinners served at 7:00 PM.  After dinner the evening is spent as you like, fishing from the bank in front of the camp, or you may choose to relax around the campfire and swap stories.

Weather

The weather in Alaska is very unpredictable. No matter what month or season you come, be prepared for highs in the 70’s and low in the 40’s. July is typically the warmest month, with temperatures tapering off at both ends. Always be prepared for rain and wind. No Alaskan goes anywhere without good rain gear.

Fishing Gear

Alaska Kingfishers will provide conventional as well as some fly fishing tackle for you. All terminal tackle is also provided, Experienced anglers are more than welcome to bring their favorite rod & reels, but it is not necessary.

Don’t forget your waders if you plan to wade fish.  No felt boots are allowed in Alaska.

Fish Processing

Alaska Kingfishers is happy to offer our anglers the opportunity to take fresh frozen fish home.  We will fillet, vacuum pack, freeze your catch, and pack them in a waxed box for you to take home as part of your luggage.  Due, to freezer capacity limitations, guests will be limited to one, 50lb box of salmon each.

Last Stop

Alaska Kingfishers is located in remote bush Alaska. You can purchase certain items in Dillingham, however, the selection and availability are limited. Tobacco products, film, batteries, and fishing gear should be purchased in advance of your trip. Use Anchorage as your last supply stop.

Clothing Recommendations

With all the new “high tech” clothing materials available today, there is no reason to be cold and wet anymore. An underwear layer that wicks perspiration from your skin starts the process. From there, layers of insulating clothes made of wool, cotton, or fleece topped off with a high-quality jacket or rain gear, if needed, will complete your outfit. Wool or poly-blend socks will keep moisture away from your feet to keep them warm and happy. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. We highly recommend that you take hiking boots, rubber boots, or other treaded, water-resistant shoes for walking outside or hiking through the bush. Your raincoat should be taken along every day to ensure comfort.

Storage is limited So bring compact luggage that can serve as a storage locker Beneath your bunk.  We prefer that guests pack in duffels rather than hard suitcases, as soft luggage facilitates transport in light charter aircraft. The atmosphere at the lodge is informal, and casual clothing is appropriate in the evening.

A waterproof gear bag for extra clothing, camera, and on-river supplies is recommended.

Medication

Long-distance travelers should pack a kit for such common complaints as diarrhea, upset stomach, motion sickness, headache, irregularity, small cuts, etc. Include any prescription medicines you normally require. Our guides are prepared to handle emergency medical situations.

Licenses

An Alaskan fishing license is required. Please note, that we no longer sell fishing licenses and tags at camp as Alaska Fish & Game has transitioned to an all-electric process. You can purchase them online with Alaska Fish and Game before you arrive.  For the current year, a 7-day non-resident fishing license will cost $45 and a 7-day, non-resident king stamp will cost $45.  You will need them both.

Gratuities

Tip and Gratuities are customary in this industry and are part of the staff’s salary. Our staff participates in a tip pooling program. All tips/gratuities are equally distributed among all staff. Please give all tips/gratuities to the camp manager and they will distribute them to the staff. The average amount is 15% of your package price per person. If you have questions, we encourage you to ask the camp manager.

Liquor & Tobacco

Alaska Kingfishers does not provide alcoholic beverages or tobacco.  You can purchase Tobacco, Beer, Wine, and Liquor in Dillingham. 

Pre-trip Checklist

1. Important Personal Items/Clothing/Miscellaneous
2. Airline tickets
3. Trip itinerary with contact numbers, important personal contacts, and phone numbers.
4. Medications
5. Cash
6. Traveler’s checks, credit cards, checkbook — it is wise to carry as few credit cards or personal blank checks as possible. Take only those you know you will need.
7. Shoes — comfortable waterproof boots (muddy conditions can exist around camp). We recommend wearing rubber-soled boots when you fly to/from the camp to accommodate the notoriously muddy parking lots in Dillingham and to get aboard the boats and floatplanes.
8. Shower Sandles
9. Slacks/pants/jeans — 2 or 3 pairs
10. Heavy-weight wool or poly-blend socks
11. Light/mid-weight long underwear tops and bottoms — Fleece is recommended
12. Long-sleeved/Short-sleeved shirts
13. Sweater and/or pullover
14. Raingear, Jacket with a hood and pants (high quality!)
15. Fishing hat — bring two, one for warmer days and one with ear flaps
16. Polarized Sunglasses
17. Neoprene or knitted wool fingerless fishing gloves
18. Waterproof gear bag
19. Sunscreen
20. Insect repellent, Benadryl or calamine lotion
21. Camera — waterproof bag, camera body/lens/film, polarizing filter, lens tissue, and cleaner, flash attachment; start with fresh batteries and take an extra set.
22. Batteries