Operating a fly-out fishing lodge is often described as “a lot of moving parts”. While that description is accurate, it is also decertifying. There are too many moving parts to count. Every operating factor is an effort of controlled codependency with other factors. We operate because we live to wrangle the chaos into submission.
In these modern times of pandemic-ridden travel, it’s a big step to take a fishing vacation. What once was a relatively simple process has now become quite the pilgrimage for some. That is travel life now and it looks like it is here to stay. The pandemic has changed the way everyone operates and we were no exception. With that being said, I would like to share what you can expect during your fishing vacation at Rapids Camp Lodge.
Upon arriving in Anchorage, one of our Deneki Outdoors expeditors will pick you up from the airport (or your hotel) for transport to your private charter flight to King Salmon. This inclusive feature prevents the common flight/baggage delays associated with the regional commercial flight service providers. It is one more step that we can simplify for you. Once you arrive in King Salmon, our lodge staff will pick you up right from the plane for a short van ride to the lodge.
Long before the Covid-19 pandemic was ever a fleeting thought, Rapids Camp Lodge made some changes that just happened to work out as “Covid Compliant.” Our goal was to make our lodge more exclusively limited with fewer guests, allowing our staff to provide a more personal experience with exceptional attention to detail. The choice to reduce our weekly guest capacity to 10 guests (down from 18) provides true single occupancy rooms (most having queen beds) for each guest with a private bath.
The fishing day begins with a made-to-order breakfast from our professional kitchen staff. During breakfast, guides and pilots prepare themselves and the airplanes for the fishing day. While guests finish breakfast and wader up, pilots are warming up the airplanes and discussing any last-minute changes that may arise. After all, it is Alaska. If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes. The weather can and will change rapidly. It’s important to be prepared for all conditions.
The Rapids Camp fishing program is a little different when compared to the rest of the region. It’s what I like to call “Rigidly Flexible”. We don’t necessarily have a set or fixed daily fishing schedule. Sure, each location certainly has a peak time for optimum fishing. However, that peak time can fluctuate. The worst thing I have ever heard a guide say to a guest is “you should have been here last week.” At Rapids Camp, we don’t use that phrase. We use our combined experience of over 50 years in Alaska allows us to customize a fishing schedule based on the guest’s desires and the current regional fishing conditions.
If you are choosing to keep freshly caught salmon on your trip, our staff takes pride in producing quality fillets that are vacuum-sealed, frozen, and professionally packaged for your journey home. Additionally expedited shipping to your front step is also available at no extra charge.
Upon arriving back to the lodge from fishing, our In House staff will be ready to serve refreshments at the bar for a happy hour, fishing talk, baseball games, and relaxing before appetizers are ready. Our kitchen incontestably enjoys creating food that is traditionally prepared as well as serving proprietary dishes unique to Rapids Camp. The chef doesn’t disappoint. Simple as that. After dinner, the bar area is open for your relaxation or you may choose to book a massage with our In House Masseuse. Fishing all day can be tough. Or, you may just want to treat yourself. Either way, I recommend booking a massage.
Six days of this grueling fishing program can sail by faster than anyone can believe. When it does, we will begrudgingly return you to the airport for your flight back to Anchorage on our private charter plane. No one ever wants to leave and none of us ever want anyone to leave. Alaska is like malaria, once it’s in your blood it never goes away. All you want to do is pass it on to others. (That’s a pandemic joke. Too soon????)
In short, if you choose to book your fishing vacation with Rapids Camp, you will receive what we consider to be the ultimate Alaska fishing vacation provided to you by people who genuinely enjoy working at the lodge, guiding fly fishing, flying floatplanes, and wrangling chaos into submission. If this sounds like something you want to experience, give us a call. We have what you are looking for.
Thanks for reading,
Chad Bryson- Head Guide, Rapids Camp Lodge
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