Mission Lodge

Mission Lodge

Mission Lodge is easily considered to be Alaska’s finest fly-out lodge operation. Located in the heart of the Bristol Bay region of southwest Alaska, they are within easy flying distance to the finest waters in the state. Depending on the week or the season, they target five species of bright, fresh Pacific Salmon as well as the native species of fish that include Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, Lake Trout and Northern Pike and most any combination thereof. If you are interested in a first class luxury experience, without comprising great fishing, this is your kind of place.

Unique Features: The lodge has a fleet of small jet boats strategically located in pairs throughout the Bristol Bay region to help them access remote lakes, rivers and streams. Guides are licensed USCG captains who are focused on your safety and success on the water.

Accommodations: They have a variety of room configurations to meet the needs of couples, singles and groups. They are one of the only lodges in Alaska where the majority of the accommodations are single occupancy minded, some with Jack & Jill bathrooms. They also have some double rooms for traveling with fishing buddies or family pairs. And, given all of the couples that now enjoy Alaska with them each season, they have a few suites with them in mind. For couples, they have suites, all slightly different, that have private en-suite bathrooms.

As Suite As It Gets: When money is no object, go for the Owners’ Suite. This is the perfect upgrade for two couples or a family unit. This is the only suite that they charge extra for. Everything else is based on clients needs and is on a first come first served basis. Both rooms are a mirror of each other with en suite bathrooms and generous closet space. Originally added for the twin brothers that started the lodge, it has been updated to the ultimate, two-room suite.

Dining: Happy Hour starts whenever you want, however appetizers are usually served at 5:30 pm. An Alaska Gourmet three course dinner begins at 7 pm.

Activities: They are blessed with five species of Pacific Salmon that come up the rivers and streams, chrome-bright and full of fight. Throughout the summer and fall season, there is a different combination of salmon that are available to anglers. They are happy to chase after these with fly, spin or conventional tackle depending the needs and wants of the angler. All of the necessary tackle, both fly and spin, is provided.

Spa & Fitness: Massage offers you the unique opportunity to recover from long, full days of fishing. Relax, rejuvenate and reset your whole system for the next day. For many guests, fishing, climbing in and out of boats and float planes in fishing waders and clompy boots aren’t part of your everyday activities. Muscles you may not remember you even have may suddenly and rudely remind you they are there. Massage can help with what the fish dish out. Stack the odds in your favor.

Location: To reach our lodge is pretty straight forward. Fly from your nearest airport to Anchorage, Alaska. Then fly from Anchorage to Dillingham (DLG), approximately one hour in flight time. In Dillingham, you will be greeted by the lodge staff who will transport you and your luggage to Lake Aleknagik by lodge shuttle vans. Once you reach the lodge, the staff will whisk your gear to your room, while you shake hands with the host and then pick up your fishing license and sample the yummy appetizers.

Closest Airport: Anchorage, Alaska to Dillingham

Children’s Programs: No, they do not have any supervised children’s programs.

Pet Friendly: No. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed.

Weddings: No. They do not normally host weddings but they may by special request.

Meetings: No. They do not have the facilities to host large business meetings.

Extra Info: Once in Dillingham, you will travel to Lake Aleknagik by lodge shuttle vans. The name “Aleknagik” comes from the Yupik native tongue meaning “wrong way home.” It seems that quite often fishing and hunting parties returning to their villages on the Nushagak from Bristol Bay would mistakenly turn and follow the Wood River. The surroundings of the Wood are so similar to that of the lower Nushagak, a simple mistake in navigation would go unnoticed until the parties turned the corner and found themselves at the lake. At this time the lead boat would declare “ALEKNAGIK!” (wrong way home)

www.missionlodge.com