There are no long boat rides, no planes, not much of anything — except plenty of fishable water, lots of fish and good times.
For decades Dave Jones has been operating this isolated tent camp operation on the banks of Kodiak Island’s Ayakulik River, the only outfitter licensed to operate on the upper stretches of this watershed. Now his long-time employees, Stig Yngve and Erik Heeter, has purchased the camp, and are excited to continue the legacy of excellence that Dave set!
Each year the stream experiences strong returns of king salmon, huge runs of sockeyes and silver salmon, and predictable fall migrations of steelhead (though as of 2022 the king runs have been down, causing Fish and Wildlife to temporarily shut down sport fishing for kings – the other species are still running strong and heavy). Also in the river are large numbers of sea run dolly varden, and a smattering of rainbow trout. Though rustic, Stig makes this raw wilderness operation amazingly comfortable, with wonderful hospitality, excellent boats and guides, and a “fish-til-you-drop” mentality! Few, if any islands in the world, conjure images of untamed wilderness like Kodiak Island. This is home to the mighty Kodiak Brown Bear, and its rivers swell with pacific salmon, trout, and wild steelhead from June-October. It’s here, deep within the confines of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge on the meandering Ayakulik River, you will find this remote wilderness camp (13 miles from where the river flows into the Pacific Ocean). It is comfortable and offers the angler with adventure in his soul the opportunity to fish wilderness waters.
Reservations & Rates
The cost of the week-long package is $7,800.00 per person
Inclusions
Included in your angling package at Wild Ayakulik Wild is transportation between Kodiak and camp, all camp lodging, meals, boat transportation, and daily guided fishing. (Bedding is supplied, so no sleeping bag is needed).
Non-Inclusions
Not included in your angling package are an Alaska state fishing license (available online at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game), gratuities, fishing tackle, alcohol, or items of a personal nature.
Travel Insurance
The Fly Shop® is not in the insurance business, but we recommend Travel Guard coverage as a service with a desire to see your best interests protected. It is impossible to know when an unfortunate situation (loss of luggage, fly rods, illness in the family, or an accident) may occur. However, such things can and do happen, and this insurance can provide a means of recourse against non-refundable financial losses.
• Travel Insurance Information
Wild Ayakulik
Starting in mid-June, a Sockeye salmon run numbering in the hundreds of thousands begins pouring into this modest-sized river, usually accompanied by King salmon which run strong to about mid-July.
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By mid-September, as the days grow shorter, and shadows lengthen, upwards of 30,000 chrome-plated Coho storm the Ayakulik. Then as a fitting end to the season, late September through October, the steelhead, prince of Kodiak, makes his return. As well, throughout all of these massive returns, (with peak season July – early October) the river also has large numbers of sea run Dolly Varden, for those wishing to take a break from the big brutes, and have some fun with a 5-weight. There are also resident rainbow trout throughout the season, although you don’t go to the Ayakulik for rainbows, this is a salmon fishery.
Getting to Wild Ayakulik
You will need to overnight in Kodiak on the evening before their trip begins.
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Round trip travel from the city of Kodiak to the camp is provided as part of your trip. This travel is accomplished in chartered float planes. Your charter flight will leave Kodiak for the camp at 8:00 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 7:15 AM on the day your trip begins.
Homebound, you will depart the camp 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.
Lodging at Wild Ayakulik
The camp consists of several "Weatherports", sturdy expedition-proven buildings, for sleeping, dining and lounging facilities.
With carpeted wood floors, padded sleeping cots, propane lights and heaters, an Alaskan steam bath, and covered outhouse, the camp is as close to a motel as you can get and still have fabric walls. The menu at Wild Ayakulik is a combination of fresh fish, meats, vegetables, baked goods and snacks, all prepared daily by the camp cook. The camp only
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accommodates six anglers a week, and is for the sturdy angler in search of remote wilderness fishing. This is a destination for you hardy, rugged anglers looking for a top-notch adventure, breathtaking scenery, and lots and lots of feisty, fat fish!!!!
Fishing at Wild Ayakulik
There's no hurry here; fishing is only a short boat ride away.
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 tent, 7:00 to 8:00 AM. Guided excursions depart 8:30 to 9:00 AM. Lunch is served in the field, or the dining tent, 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Guided excursions return 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Dinner is served in the dining tent, 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Guests are free to make unguided
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excursions after dinner.
Stig runs a couple of jet boats on the river, so typically three anglers will go in each, and cover as many miles of the river as needed to wear themselves out. The boats are really only used for access - the stream's gradient is very mild, so virtually all fishing is done while wading. Most pools are only 4-6 feet deep, so floating lines and medium sink rate wet tips are standard fare for all of the species fished for.
What Makes This Destination Special and Unique?
• Small, intimate wilderness camp that hosts a maximum of six anglers per week; a perfect spot for inclusive groups of anglers and families that want a private fly fishing experience with little or any outside pressure from other anglers or outfitters. This translates into lots and lots water to fish, happy fish, and a great fishing experience.
• On the Ayakulik, you have boat access to miles and miles of river, all within the borders of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Entry to the refuge is strictly controlled and you don’t need a float plane to access your fishing - its right out your tent door. Every day at Wild Ayakulik is a fishing day, no matter what the weather.
• The Out Camp is riverside, casting distance from your Weatherport tent and a short walk down the bank to more runs and water. You are free to fish as much as you can want and can stand; only your stamina will determine how much.
• Very solid program with one of the top outfitters in Alaska; these folks are pros with 30-plus years of operating experience in Alaska and Kodiak Island. You are in very capable hands, the lodge staff will take care of the logistics, and all you have to do is fish to your heart’s content. A very hassle free, simple and enjoyable fishing adventure
• This is a quickly disappearing wilderness fishing experience, resembling what much of Alaska was like 40 years ago. The emphasis of Wild Ayakulik River is on the fishing, where it should be, and all in one of the wildest and most beautiful locations on Kodiak Island. If you aren’t looking for a Hilton in the woods and want to catch fish until you can’t raise your arms, this is the spot for you. Trust us; it’s potentially that good…
Additional Photos
