What To Bring
Your Saltery Fishing adventure begins the second you arrive at the lodge. Following a quick orientation with your guide, we can hit the water as soon as you unpack and wader up. To help us best help you, we invite you to ask specific questions and inform us of your goals. We're committed to making your stay as productive and enjoyable as possible.
CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS — With all the new high tech clothing materials available today, there is no reason to be cold and wet anymore. A “base” layer that wicks perspiration from your skin starts the process. From there, layers of insulating clothes made of merino wool, capiline or fleece topped off with a high-quality gore-tex jacket, if needed, will complete your outfit. Wool or poly-blend socks will keep moisture away from your feet to keep them warm and happy. Avoid cotton at all costs. It will hold moisture against the skin and has a cooling effect. In Alaska we alway say “cotton kills!” Comfortable walking shoes are a must. We highly recommend that you take hiking boots, rubber boots or other treaded, water-resistant shoes for walking around camp. Your Gore-Tex raincoat should be taken along every day to ensure comfort.
WADERS — A good pair of waders may be the most important item in your duffel bag. Breathable waders are highly recommended because they provide maximum flexibility and comfort. They are also lighter and more convenient to pack. Stocking-foot styles provide more mobility and ankle support than boot-foot models. Do not bring wading boots with felt soles (they are illegal in Alaska)!
RODS & REELS — The right rod and reel combination for Alaska boils down to the individual angler. Before buying any tackle, consider the species you will be targeting. Visit the "fishing" page on this website to see what we recommend for each species.
Fly anglers should bring at least two rods: a 9-foot, 4 or 5-weight rod will handle most Dolly Varden, Char and Rainbows; a 9-foot, 8-weight is more suited for Salmon and Steelhead. Look for fly reel models with smooth dependable drags and enough capacity to hold at least 150 yards of backing. Four-piece rods are recommended as they alleviate transport hassles.
***We do rent rods and reels to anglers wishing to travel light. Click here for more information***
Spin/casting anglers should take a lightweight rod/reel combination for smaller fish, and a medium-action rod (6-7 foot) for salmon. The lightweight reel should hold at least 150 yards of 6- to 8-pound monofilament. Salmon reels for silvers, sockeyes, and chums should hold at least 150 yards of 12- to 15-pound monofilament.
PRE-TRIP CHECKLIST
Keep in mind, if you brought EVERYTHING listed below, you might end up with three, fifty-pound suitcases. Use your best judgement...
Airline tickets and identification
Trip itinerary with contact numbers.
Cash – (best for guide tips)
Shoes — comfortable waterproof shoes or boots. Even on sunny days the grass around camp is wet.
Slacks/pants — 2 or 3 pairs
Heavy-weight wool or poly-blend socks
Light/mid-weight long underwear tops and bottoms — at least two pairs polypropylene, capilene or better yet, merino wool.
Long-sleeved shirts
Sweater and/or pullover
Raingear (high quality = Gore-Tex!)
Fishing hat
Waders — breathable stocking-foot models. NO felt soles! (illegal in Alaska)
Waterproof gear bag
Sunscreen – believe it or not :)
Camera
Fishing Accessories - Don’t worry too much, we have back-ups of most everything fishy
*Polarized sunglasses* VERY IMPORTANT
Pocketknife/needlenose pliers
Flies/Lures- Again, we have local favorites available for purchase at the lodge, or in Kodiak at Big Rays sport shop. But the hot Vibrax Blue Fox Spinners tend to go quick, so load up at your local fishing shop if you can!
Medication — We stock medicine for such common complaints as diarrhea, upset stomach, motion sickness, headache, and small cuts, etc. Bring any prescription medicines you normally require. Our guides are well prepared to handle emergency medical situations.
Licenses — An Alaskan fishing license is required. You can get one online at: Alaska Fish and Game Note: we can no longer issue licenses at the lodge. You MUST get them online before your trip.
Liquor and Tobacco — Liquor/Spirits/Tobacco is available in Kodiak. We will provide transportation to the liquor store before your flight out to the lodge. If purchasing liquor/beer please refrain from buying glass products. As we fly out trash, glass is very difficult to transport.