itinerary
A WEEK AT LAVA CREEK LODGE
Long days on the river are followed by hearty meals, comfortable cabins, and stories shared among friends. It's a rhythm that feels both invigorating and restorative, one that brings guests back year after year.
LONG DAYS ON THE WATER
Fishing days are full. Expect long hours exploring rivers, wading productive runs, and covering water with your guide. Lunches are prepared by our kitchen staff and enjoyed in the field so you can maximize your time on the river.
BACK AT THE LODGE
After a full day on the river, guides will return their guests to the lodge to unwind. After a hot shower in your private cabin, join fellow guests for appetizers, cocktails, and stories from the day's fishing before gathering for dinner.
REST AND RECHARGE
By day's end, most guests are ready for bed. After dinner, it's a short walk back to your private cabin, where a good night's sleep awaits before another day on the river.
getting to lava creek lodge
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travel day
ARRIVE IN ANCHORAGE
The day before your arrival at Lava Creek Lodge, plan to travel to Anchorage and overnight at one of the many fine hotels in the waterfront city. It's a great day to relax, check out Anchorage, or purchase any personal liquor you'd like to bring down to the lodge.
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day one
arrive at the lodge
Take your morning commercial flight from Anchorage to King Salmon.
A Branch River Air representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the floatplane dock. From there, enjoy a scenic 1-hour floatplane flight to the lodge.
You'll be shown to your cabin to get settled, and a light lunch will be served in the main lodge.
Your arrival day is a non-fishing day: Phil will give a brief orientation and outline the daily fishing schedule, with the rest of the day at your leisure.
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day two - seven
fishing days
Each morning you'll wake to a hearty breakfast and hot coffee, then pull on your waders and load into the boats for a run to the pools and runs where you'll begin the day.
If you're flying out, you'll load into Phil's float plane. A nice advantage of such a small-occupancy lodge is the flexibility in the daily schedule—relay your preferences to Phil and his staff and they'll do their best to accommodate you.
River skiffs are used to navigate, but virtually all the fishing is done while wading. Lunches are taken in the field, prepared by the cook staff and carried by your guide.
At the end of each day, tired anglers ride back to a hot shower, hot meal, and comfortable bed.
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day eight
departure
On your final morning, Branch River Air flies two Beaver floatplanes out to the lodge, bringing in the next week's guests as you prepare to head out.
You'll board one of those same Beavers for the hour-long flight back to King Salmon, where you'll catch your connecting flight home.
Bush plane flight arrival and departure times are approximate and subject to weather delays.
From your arrival in Anchorage to your final day on the water, here's what to expect throughout your stay.
before you arrive
weight & packing
Weight is CRITICAL in the bush plane environment
70 lb total baggage allowance per person (includes carry-on & any liquor you bring down).
Soft duffels only — no hard suitcases & avoid oversized bags.
Rod tubes must be 5 feet or shorter.
Two medium duffels pack into a small plane far easier than one large bag.
wading boots
Felt soles are illegal in Alaska…they spread invasive species.
Bring rubber-soled wading boots instead.
fishing license
Buy your Alaska Sport Fishing License online before you arrive.
The lodge does NOT sell licenses, so grab yours ahead of time.
Fishing for kings? You'll also need to purchase a king stamp.
need help planning your trip?
Whether you're a seasoned angler or planning your very first fishing trip, we'll help you choose the week that's right for you and create an Alaska experience you'll never forget.