This summer, the Kanektok River came alive in a way we haven’t seen in a while. From start to finish, soup to nuts, guests at Alaska West Lodge were standing in the middle of what felt like the river of plenty—sheaves of chrome-bright salmon, whether it be Kings, Chum, Sockeye, or Sivers, and endless strings…
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Leopard Rainbows
Angler’s Neverland: Alaska West Lodge Opening Week 2025!
July 6, 2025 isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s the gateway to one of the most dynamic fisheries on the planet. If you’re searching for a place that feels like it’s been plucked from the pages of Peter Pan, look no further. The Kanektok is Neverland for anglers—untamed, ever-changing, and brimming with wild…
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Alaska West 2024: Bucket List Destination Fishing
If you’re a fly angler seeking the ultimate fishing adventure, look no further than the Alaska West Lodge. Nestled in the heart of Alaska’s pristine wilderness, this renowned fishing destination offers an unparalleled experience for anglers of all skill levels. Alaska West Lodge should be at the top of your bucket list for 2024. Alaska…
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West to West Rainbows
Alaska West Lodge veteran guide and all-around good guy Ben “Big Country” West is big on fly fishing. He works hard and fishes even harder. Ben truly appreciates trout, and according to him, this past season was one of the best seasons for Leopard Rainbow Trout at Alaska West. Based on these pictures from this…
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Rapids Camp Lodge: Prime Trout Dates
This Post is courtesy of Rapids Camp Lodge Head Guide Chad Bryson. You could say that I live my entire life just so I can get in a floatplane to guide trout fishing in Bristol Bay, Alaska during August. It’s my favorite. It’s the irreproachable epitome of everything Alaska – bears, floatplanes, and sight casting…
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Finishing Strong on the Kanektok
On one of the last days of the season at Alaska West, repeat guest Terry Haines and AK West guide Evan Vick landed 2 incredible leopard rainbows on the K-Tok. These are the fish our homeriver has become famous for, gorgeous yet powerful. The first one was 25 and 1/2 inches on the tape and…
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Target Species // The Leopard Rainbow
There are Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) found throughout this planet but I honestly consider the Leopard Rainbows of Alaska to be a species of their own. Scientific nomenclature does not however take into account my opinion but anyone who has had the privilege of catching Leopard Rainbows in Alaska surely knows what I am saying. …
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