Gear and Equipment
Fly fishing in Southwestern Alaska can place great demands on your tackle and clothing unlike any other destination. Due to the variety of weather conditions on the Alaska Peninsula, it is best to bring comfortable clothing for temperatures ranging from 35 to 75 degrees. At Enchanted Lake Lodge we do offer those guests that don´t already own the suggested waders, wading shoes, rods, reels, packs, or wading staffs the opportunity to use ours at no cost. Also included in the price of the trip are flies, beads, leaders, and all licenses. The lodge loaner equipment is of the finest quality, and is made by the top names in the business. We do not furnish rain jackets or under wader clothing. If you already own the proper equipment, we suggest that you bring it on the trip. Your personal equipment will be more familiar adding to your enjoyment on the stream.
Waders
We recommend that you bring stocking foot waders with a pair of quality RUBBER SOLE wading shoes. The State of Alaska outlawed the use of felt soles in 2012. PLEASE DO NOT BRING STUDDED SOLES OF ANY TYPE. They tear up the floats and interior of the airplanes, and damage the decks on the lodge and cabins. For safety, we recommend you use a wading staff and wear a wading belt at all times.
Under Wader Clothing
We recommend that you wear mid-weight long underwear bottoms and/or fleece pants under your waders. For warm days, you will want to wear only the long underwear bottoms, while the colder days will require fleece pants or both. On the upper body, we recommend a similar system. A mid-weight long underwear top, with a fleece jacket for colder days. Avoid cotton.
Rain jacket
This could be the item of greatest importance to your comfort during your trip. Those made with Gore-Tex are best for our conditions. They do breathe and keep you dry even in the worst conditions. We recommend those by Simms or Patagonia. No Alaskan goes anywhere without good raingear.
Polarized Sunglasses
Since a large portion of our fishing is to sighted fish, you must have a quality pair of polarized sunglasses. The best lens colors for our conditions is either brown or amber. Besides assisting you in spotting fish, they also provide necessary safety while casting. A spare set is never a bad idea.
Rods, Reels and Lines
Rods: a 9 to 9.5 foot 5 or 6 weight and a 9 to 9.5 foot 7 or 8 weight for larger rivers.
Reels: a quality reel with a strong drag and at least 150 yards of backing. If we could only choose one reel it would be those made by Hatch - http://www.hatchoutdoors.com.
Lines: a weight forward, floating line is the most commonly used line. We also recommend that you have an extra spool with a sinking tip line for the 7 or 8 weight rod (June, July, and September). Our favorite sinking tip line is the Rio Versa tip with interchangeable heads.
Flies
We carry a complete line of flies designed and tied by our guides specifically for our area. These flies and egg imitations are included in your package. Should you choose to tie or purchase your own, we will be glad to answer any questions you might have.
Lugagge and personal items
While at the lodge, the atmosphere is informal, so please bring casual clothes that are comfortable and practical. You will be in waders most of the day, so you will not need a large assortment of clothes for meals at the lodge. Other items to include are personal items such as prescription medicines, and a waterproof camera. Please try to limit the amount of luggage you bring and please use duffel bag type luggage, rather than suitcases, as they are much easier to load and transport in our aircraft.