Yakutat Lodge

Experience the majestic beauty of Alaska's wild gulf coast and the Saint Elias Range. Yakutat is resplendent with North America's largest glaciers and prolific crystal clear rivers.  For those seeking the greatest variety of wildlife, fishing and spectacular Alaskan scenery, Yakutat Lodge is the natural choice.

About The Region: Yakutat has a diverse cultural history. The original settlers are believed to have been Eyak-speaking people from the Copper River area who were conquered by the Tlingits. Yakutat means "the place where the canoes rest." In the 18th and 19th centuries, English, French, Spanish and Russian explorers came to the region.

Fur traders were attracted to the region's sea otters. The Russian-American Co. built a fort in Yakutat in 1805, to harvest sea otter pelts. Because the Russians would not allow local Tlingits access to their traditional fisheries, a Tlingit war party attacked and destroyed the post. In 1884, the Alaska Commercial Co. opened a store in Yakutat. By 1886, the black sand beaches in the area were being mined for gold.

In 1889 the Swedish Free Mission Church had opened a school and sawmill in the area. A cannery, sawmill, store and railroad were constructed beginning in 1903 by the Stimson Lumber Co. Most residents moved to the current site of Yakutat to be closer to this cannery, which operated through 1970. During World War II, a large aviation garrison and paved runway were constructed. Troops were withdrawn after the war, but the runway is still in use.

Your Hosts: The Fanning Family has operated Alaska’s premier wilderness outfitting businesses for over three decades; sharing hunting and fishing, and high adventure travel experiences throughout Alaska. Ken Fanning, a former Alaskan state legislator, is a full time fishing guide and outfitter. Ken began managing Yakutat lodge in 1980. The Fanning‘s have a combined 35 years of experience guiding in and around Yakutat. The seasoned staff at Yakutat Lodge exemplifies the best of friendly Alaskan service, and is world renowned for gracious hospitality, and professional Knowledge.

Accessibility: Yakutat Lodge holds permits for all of the regional rivers including the Anrnklin, Italio, Akwe Situk, Lost, Tawah, Dangerous, Ankau, and Russel Fiord. The owners and managers live in Yakutat, and although the main fishing seasons are seasonal, our commitment to the community and your enjoyment is full time. The lodge is operational year-round.

Fanning's On The Bay - A Premium Experience

Fannings Fanning's On The Bay offers rustic elegance in a spectacular wilderness setting. We are committed to making your exclusive stay at Fanning's On the Bay extraordinary. Dine on sumptuous Alaskan cuisine knowing your every need will be met by our attentive staff.

Fanning's On the Bay accommodates just six guests in a secluded waterfront setting making it a perfect corporate retreat or destination for your special event.

Listen to the sounds of bald eagles soaring overhead while relaxing with a brandy on your private deck overlooking Yakutat Bay. Scan the magnificent views of sea, and Saint Elias mountains from the comfort of our world-class lodge.

When you are ready to play, spend your day fishing for record Halibut that run as large as 250 pounds. Humpback Whales can be seen blowing as they continue on in their never ending quest for food.  The views of the Saint Ellias mountains on a clear day are truly breathtaking.

At the end of the day reflect upon your many accomplishments and sample some of the most spectacular dinner fare in Yakutat. Sip a glass of wine while tasting delicious appetizers. Dinner almost always includes the finest and freshest seafood just out of the water. Retire in luxury as the sun leaves the northern sky in the land of the midnight sun.

Yakutat Lodge - Affordable World Class Fishing

Ten new waterfront cabins built in 2010 provide comfortable accommodations for groups of 4-6 or 8-12 guests, each with a private bath. Breakfast is served near the cabins so guests can get an early start to the day. You guide will pack your sack lunch on board your boat. Dinner is served at the lodge near the airport a few minutes drive from your cabin. A rental car is provided for you at no additional cost.

Yakutat Lodge offers a variety of packages tailored to guests interests. Fresh and saltwater fishing is included in all packages. You may also choose to tour the majestic Gulf Coast on our flight-seeing tours of the Hubbard Glacier.

Location

Yakutat Lodge is the closest lodge to the Situk River and other fishing hot spots. Fly-outs literally originate from the front door, with packages that include fishing. We prepare, fillet, freeze, and box your catch in custom fish boxes. we’ll even prepare any trophies for shipment to your favorite taxidermist.

The lodge is rustic, and rooms are clean and comfortable, each with a private bath. All rooms accommodate up to four persons. The full-service dining room offers a variety of items, including a daily breakfast of your choice and a full dinner of anything on the menu.
inn bed and breakfast Yakutat.

Our Climate

Yakutat’s climate is characterized by mild, rainy weather. Average summer temperatures range from 42 to 60 degrees, while winter averages 17 to 39 degrees. As part of one of the northernmost rainforests in the world, Yakutat gets some of the heaviest precipitation in Alaska. The weather in Yakutat is wet. Pack your rain gear and clothes that will keep you warm in 40 degrees!

Getting to Yakutat

Alaska Airlines offers scheduled jet services to Yakutat. We suggest Seattle-Yakutat on Alaska Airlines flight #61 departing Seattle at 8:00 am arriving in Yakutat at 11:00 am.
Guest depart Yakutat on Alaska’s evening flight #66 at 6:30 pm.

Tackle - What to Bring

If you plan on fly-fishing we suggest bringing your own vest, hip boots or neoprene waders, good quality rain gear, gloves, insect repellent, polarized glasses, waterproof bag, hook sharpener, needle-nose pliers or hemostat, leader clippers, knife, appropriate assortment of high quality swivels, weights, hooks, new line, extra spools and reel oil or WD-40. (We have a fully equipped tackle shop)

Steelhead — April, May, November, December

Fly-fishing: 7-9 weight rod, floating line, high density sink-tip line, high speed HD sinking line (or shooting head), high quality fly reel with smooth adjustable drag and capacity for fly line plus 100 yards of 20 lb. test backing, leader material in 6-20 lb. test, or well designed tapered leaders in 6' to 9' lengths with 6-12lb. tippets, small split shot or strip lead. Flies: Sizes #2, 4 & 6-egg patterned, yarn, green butt skunks, black girdle bugs, a myriad of other favorite conventional steelhead flies.

Drift fishing: 8-8 1/2' ft. graphite or boron rod, good quality bait casting reel w/100 yards. of 12 lb. test capacity, pencil lead, surgical tubing, 8-20 lb. test line and an assortment of steelhead lures; including , Spin 'n Glos, Corkies, Mepps, Okie Drifters, etc.

Spin-fishing: Medium weight freshwater rod, graphite or boron are recommended for sensitivity; appropriate matching reel w/adjustable drag, 8-12 lb. test line, extra spools and same terminal gear as drift fishing. Blue Vibrax, Aeroflies.
inn bed and breakfast Yakutat AK

Salmon

King Salmon — April through September

(Best in April, May & June) Trolling (Bay fishing) — gear provided on salt water charters.

Fly-fishing: 8-10 weight rod with fighting butt, sink tip and high D sinking line, good quality fly reel, 100 yards backing, 12-20 lb. test leader material, split shot and strip lead and flies size 2/0 to #2 in egg patterns and attractor bucktails.

Spinning Gear: Heavy freshwater rod with good quality reel, 100 yards of 17-20 lb. test line, Mepps spinners size 3-5, Pixies, T-Spoons, Vibraxes, Hot Rods, Spin ’n Glos and yarn attract Kings.

Silver Salmon — August, September and October

Fly tackle: 7-9 weight rod; floating, high D sink tip and high speed high D sinking line; matching reel with 100 yards of 20 lb. backing leader material in 6-20 lb. test; small split shot or split lead; #2 & #4 flies, bright patterns, yarn flies and flash about’s seem to be consistent producers.

Spinning and Drift Gear: Same as for steelhead. Additional terminal gear includes Pixies, Hot Rods, Mepps, T-Spoons, VibraxSpinners, etc.

Sockeye — Late June and July

Taken on flies, most enjoyable on a fly rod, can be taken on spinning rods with flies.

Fly-fishing: 6-8 weight rod, matching reel, 100 yards backing, floating and high density sink tip lines, leader material in 6-20 test for building tapered leaders, small split shot or strip lead, flies in #2, 4, & 6 (flies in yarn patterns or streamers seem to do best).

Sockeye are squirrelly and experimenting with different colored yarn produces best results. Chartreuse, hot pink and fluorescent orange have been the best producers in some past years. Sockeye are frequently difficult to catch but offer the seasoned angler some of the most challenging and exciting wet fly fishing.

Spin and Drift-fishing Gear: Comparable to that used for steelhead, with terminal tackle described above in combination with split shot or pencil lead.

Pink Salmon — Late July & Early August

Fly-fishing: 5 or 6 weight rod, good reel, 50 yards of backing, floating and sink tip line, 4-10 lb. leader material and size #4 & #6flies, attractor pattern and yarn work well.

Spinning & Drift-fishing: Can use ultra light to medium weight rods and reels with 4-8 lb. test line. A variety of conventional spoons and spinners will work, Mepps, Pixie, Hot Rods, etc.

Dollies and Rainbows — April – December

Ultra light equipment provides the most enjoyment.

Halibut — April – October

All gear provided