Salmon
The timing of your visit significantly influences the salmon species you might encounter, including pink, chum, sockeye, king, or silver salmon. By the time most salmon reach Chelatna Lake, they exhibit vibrant colors and are typically in spawning mode. Although silvers will still eat a fly by the time they make it 80 miles from the ocean, we exclusively practice catch and release.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout inhabit Chelatna Lake and in the early part of the year will feed on mice, insects, out-migrating salmon smolt and sculpins. As the sockeye salmon run upstream for spawning, the fishery completely changes. Rainbow trout gorge on their eggs like it’s Thanksgiving, and even the worst drifts can still reward you with a wild Alaskan trophy.
Pike Fishing
Within casting range from our shore, you may have the opportunity to catch a northern pike. For anglers passionate about sight fishing, this species is a must on your bucket list. In Chelatna Lake, pike can reach over 40 inches, making them among the longest fish you can encounter during your stay.
Arctic Grayling
If you haven’t experienced catching a fish on a fly rod, grayling are an ideal fish to target. They are not only hungry, but often easy to catch. Whether you’re introducing your family to fishing at Chelatna Lake Lodge, or you’re a seasoned angler, grayling provide an exceptional experience, especially for dry fly pursuits.
Lake Trout
In the depths of Chelatna Lake, native lake trout cruise structure and ledges. Although colder water temperatures make them more accessible for fly fishing, we often use our prop boats to target drop offs on the far side of the lake. They are the perfect fish to troll for with your family. When combined with a day of fly fishing for rainbow trout and grayling, successfully trolling up a lake trout will mark the completion of your Chelatna Lake grand slam.
Equipment & Gear
If you already own fishing gear, we invite you to bring it along. No need to worry if you don’t– we are fully equipped with waders, boots, fly rods, gear rods, lines, flies and lures. Our old lodge, with its rich history, features the original cabin on the property, complete with a wood stove and, of course, a fly-tying station for you and your friends to enjoy after a full day out on the water.
