Renowned Kodiak Island Fishing & Lodging Escape

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Kodiak
$1,390 - $1,790 price range
Updated Date: October 25, 2025

Summary

Ready for some world-class salmon fishing on Kodiak Island? Our all-inclusive guided trip takes you to prime river spots for Chinook and Coho. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, our expert guides will help you make the most of your time on the water. We've got everything covered - from top-notch gear to cozy lodging and hearty meals. You'll spend your days casting lines in scenic Alaskan wilderness, with a chance to spot wildlife between catches. Back at the lodge, relax and swap fish tales with fellow guests. Don't forget to pack layers and good boots for changing weather, and bring a camera to capture those trophy salmon moments. It's a great trip for families too, with discounts available for kids. Come experience the best of Kodiak's legendary salmon runs with us at Driftwood Wilderness Lodge.

Renowned Kodiak Island Fishing & Lodging Escape

Salmon River Action

Chinook salmon caught while fishing in Larsen Bay

The King Salmon! - Larsen Bay, AK

Massive Lingcod Catch - Larsen Bay, AK

Three Pacific Halibut caught by three people in Alaska

Family with a variety of trophy catches!

Two rainbow trout being caught while fishing in Alaska

King Catch! - Larsen Bay, AK

Reel in the Big Ones: Kodiak Salmon Fishing

Get ready to hook into some serious action on Kodiak Island's pristine rivers. Our guided Chinook and Coho salmon fishing trip is the real deal – we're talking world-class fishing in one of Alaska's most stunning locations. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered with everything from airport pickup to hot meals waiting for you back at the lodge. Bring the whole family along (kids get a sweet discount) and create memories that'll have you planning your next trip before you even leave.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're standing thigh-deep in a crystal-clear Kodiak river, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush forests. The only sounds are the rushing water and maybe a bald eagle's cry overhead. Then – bam! – your line goes tight, and you're battling a chrome-bright salmon fresh from the ocean. That's what we're all about here at Driftwood Wilderness Lodge. Our expert guides know these rivers like the back of their hand and will put you on the fish, whether you're after the mighty Chinook (King) salmon or the acrobatic Cohos (Silvers). We provide top-notch gear, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got one. Don't forget to pack layers – Alaskan weather can be as unpredictable as the fish!

Techniques You'll Master

Kodiak river fishing is an art form, and you'll be learning from the best. We'll teach you the ins and outs of drift fishing, where you'll let your bait or lure flow naturally with the current. You might try some good old-fashioned plunking, anchoring your bait in a promising hole and waiting for that telltale tug. For the fly fishers out there, get ready to perfect your cast as you present streamers to aggressive Cohos. Our guides are always happy to share their secret techniques – like the "Kodiak Roll" retrieve that drives salmon crazy. By the end of your trip, you'll be reading the water like a pro, spotting those subtle current seams and underwater structures where the big boys like to hide.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Me and four buddies spent eight days and eight nights with Nick fishing and hunting, what an amazing time!!! I am already booked to go back and I'm bringing my wife with me! We slammed the fish every single day and got a buck, you can't ask for more than that!! We got to drop crab pots, caught some great snow crab and had an amazing meal out of it! The home is rustic but cozy, and we felt right at home! Bear is awesome, a great guy and cook, don't let his looks fool ya :) The food is great and there is always plenty of it! Nick, Beau, Bear, Sister Sarah, and the rest of the crew are great and I can't wait to be back there!" - Mark

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon (Kings): The heavyweight champs of the salmon world, Chinooks are what dreams are made of. These bruisers can top 50 pounds, and hooking into one is like trying to stop a freight train. They typically show up in our rivers from late May through July. Chinooks are known for their deep, powerful runs and their rich, oil-packed flesh that's prized by anglers and chefs alike.

Coho Salmon (Silvers): If Chinooks are the heavyweights, Cohos are the acrobats. These high-flying fish will test your skills with spectacular leaps and blistering runs. We start seeing good numbers of Cohos from August through October. They're aggressive and will readily take flies, making them a favorite among fly fishers. Pound for pound, many anglers consider Cohos the hardest fighting salmon out there.

Pink Salmon (Humpies): Don't let their smaller size fool you – Pinks can provide non-stop action when they're running thick. These guys show up in huge numbers during even-numbered years, typically peaking in August. They're great for anglers of all skill levels and can be a blast on light tackle. While not as prized for eating as Kings or Silvers, smoked Pink salmon is downright delicious.

Sockeye Salmon (Reds): Known for their deep red flesh and fierce fights, Sockeye are a summertime favorite. They start showing up in June and can run well into August. Sockeyes can be tricky to catch as they don't typically bite once they're in the river – but we've got some special techniques to entice them. Many consider Sockeye the best-tasting of all Pacific salmon.

Pacific Halibut: While we primarily focus on river fishing, we can also arrange halibut trips if you want to mix things up. These "barn doors" of the sea can grow to enormous sizes – the state record is over 450 pounds! Halibut fishing is typically best from May through September. There's nothing quite like the taste of fresh halibut cheeks grilled up after a long day on the water.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish (though they're pretty darn impressive). Our guests rave about the whole package – the breathtaking scenery, the comfortable lodge, and the camaraderie that develops over shared meals and fishing stories. You might come for the salmon, but you'll leave with new friends and a deep appreciation for the Alaskan wilderness. Our all-inclusive setup means you can focus on fishing without worrying about logistics. And let's be honest, after a day on the river, there's nothing better than coming back to a hot meal and a cozy bed.

We're all about creating lasting memories here. Maybe it's the thrill of landing your first King salmon, or watching a bear fish alongside you from the opposite bank. It could be the quiet moment as the sun sets over the mountains, painting the sky in colors you didn't know existed. Whatever it is, Kodiak has a way of getting under your skin and calling you back year after year.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, the salmon aren't going to catch themselves (though sometimes it feels that easy). Our trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. If you're ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime – we're talking bent rods, screaming reels, and fish stories you'll be telling for years – then it's time to lock in your dates. Whether you're a solo angler looking to test your skills or wanting to introduce the family to the joys of Alaskan fishing, we've got you covered.

Don't just dream about that chrome-bright salmon tearing line off your reel. Make it happen. Give us a call or shoot us an email, and let's start planning your Kodiak fishing getaway. Trust me, the hardest part of the trip is going home – but don't worry, we'll be here ready to welcome you back next season. Tight lines, and we'll see you on the river!

Customer Review

Wilderness Paradise

Me and four buddies spent eight days and eight nights with Nick fishing and hunting, what an amazing time!!! I am already booked to go back and I'm bringing my wife with me! We slammed the fish every single day and got a buck, you can't ask for more than that!! We got to drop crab pots, caught some great snow crab and had an amazing meal out of it! The home is rustic but cozy, and we felt right at home! Bear is awesome, a great guy and cook, don't let his looks fool ya :) The food is great and there is always plenty of it! Nick, Beau, Bear, Sister Sarah, and the rest of the crew are great and I can't wait to be back there!

Mark Williams

October 14, 2024

Learn more about the animals

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or king salmon, are the trophy fish of Alaska. These brutes can top 50 pounds, with the average catch around 20-30 pounds. You'll find them in our rivers from May through July. Kings are known for their powerful runs and dogged fights - be ready for a workout. They prefer deeper water, so we target them with heavy gear and large lures or bait. Try back-bouncing roe or pulling plugs in deep holes. Early mornings and evenings are prime time. Kings are prized for their rich, fatty meat - it's considered the best of all salmon. A local secret: use scent on your lures, as kings have an incredible sense of smell. Landing a big Chinook is a true accomplishment and the highlight of many fishing trips. Just remember to let the rod do the work and be patient - these battles can last a while!

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, or silvers, are a favorite around here. They average 8-12 pounds but can push 20. You'll find them in our coastal waters and rivers from July through October. Cohos are known for their acrobatic fights - expect some spectacular jumps when you hook one. They're aggressive and will hit a variety of lures, making them fun to target. We like to fish for them in rivers using spinners or flies. Try swinging bright-colored flies or twitching jigs in deeper pools. Cohos have excellent table fare too, with bright orange meat that's great for grilling or smoking. A local tip: on sunny days, focus on shaded areas where cohos like to hold. These salmon are a blast to catch and eat, giving you the full Alaska fishing experience. Just be ready for an exciting fight when that silver decides to run!

Pacific Halibut

Pacific halibut are the heavyweight champions of Alaska fishing. These flatfish can grow over 400 pounds, though most catches are in the 30-100 pound range. You'll find them in deep, cold waters from 100-300 feet down, usually over sandy or gravel bottoms. Summer is prime halibut season when they move to shallower feeding grounds. Halibut fishing is all about patience and heavy gear - think big rods, reels, and weights. We often use large baits like salmon heads or whole herring. The fight is more of a grudge match than a sprint, as you slowly winch these monsters up from the depths. Halibut are prized for their firm, white meat that's excellent for fish and chips. Here's a tip: when you feel a bite, wait to set the hook until you feel real weight. Halibut often play with the bait before committing. Landing a big 'barn door' is an unforgettable experience!

Pink Salmon

Pink salmon are the smallest and most abundant Pacific salmon, usually weighing 4-5 pounds. They're easy to spot with their silvery sides and distinctive hump when spawning. You'll find them in coastal waters and rivers from late July through August. Pinks are fun to catch on light tackle - they put up a good fight for their size. They're also great eating, with a mild flavor that's perfect for smoking or grilling. To land one, try drifting a pink or chartreuse jig through runs and pools. Pinks aren't picky eaters, so experiment with different lures and retrieves. A local trick is to smear some fish oil on your jig to really get their attention. These salmon only live two years, so there's always a fresh run to target. Whether you're a beginner or experienced angler, pink salmon offer consistent action and tasty rewards.

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon, or reds, are a local favorite here in Alaska. They typically run 4-8 pounds, with some pushing 15. You'll find them in our rivers from June through August, often in huge numbers. Sockeyes are known for their bright red spawning colors and tasty, firm meat - many consider them the best eating salmon. They can be tricky to catch since they're not aggressive biters when in freshwater. We usually target them using fly fishing techniques or specialized sockeye gear. Try drifting small, brightly colored flies or lures right in front of their faces. Timing is key - hit the rivers during peak runs for best results. A local tip: focus on the edges of the current where sockeyes like to rest. These salmon offer a unique challenge and serious reward. Once you dial in the technique, you can catch limits of these prized fish. Just be ready for some sore arms from all that casting!

About the Stelzar

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Honda

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 450

Grab your fishing gear and head to Kodiak Island for an epic salmon adventure! We'll take you out on the pristine rivers where Chinook and Coho salmon run wild. Our expert guides know all the best spots and will help you land that trophy catch, whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod. After a day on the water, kick back at our cozy lodge where hot meals and comfy beds await. We've got everything covered - from airport pickup to top-notch equipment. Just bring some layers, sturdy boots, and a camera to capture the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness. Kids are welcome too, with special discounts to make it a family affair. Come experience the rush of reeling in massive salmon against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and lush forests. It's pure Alaska fishing at its finest!

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