1. We suggest two different rods:8 to 9 1/2 ft. for a #5 or #6 line.

2. 8 1/2-10 ft. for #7 or #8 line.

A combination of a 6 and 8 weight rod or a 5, 7, and 9 weight works well all season. Spare spools for reels are convenient, each loaded with different density lines for ease in changing from one fishing scenario to the next.

Rods need to be selected according to personal preferences and the species of fish being pursued as well as the seasonal conditions. For example, if you are traveling to Bristol Bay Lodge in June or July, it may be best to take a lighter rod like a #5 or #6 to fish for trout and a heavier rod like an 8, 9, or 10 weight for fly fishing for king salmon. Sockeye salmon are ideally fished with a 6, 7, or 8 weight, and the chums are most sporting on a 7 or 8. If you are going to the lodge in August or September, a 5 or 6 weight is still the correct rod for trout and a 7 or 8 weight is appropriate for the silver salmon this time of year.

We receive more and more guests who enjoy using a double-handed rod. There are very effective for much of our salmon fishing and our guides are used to placing guests where they will get maximum use and enjoyment from their double-hander. We recommend rods between 12 and 14 ft. for the most use across the board with either Teeny/Loop shooting head type lines and Rio spey lines with various tips.

It is important to have high-quality fly reels. Most of the fish that you catch should be played from the reel, so a good drag system is a must. Be sure to have plenty of strong backing behind your fly line: 100 yards for 5 or 6 weights and 150-200 yards for anything larger is a good rule of thumb.

A good selection of lines is necessary to fish the different types and conditions of water that we have. Floating, sink-tip, and sinking/shooting heads allow the angler to reach the proper depths at which the fish may be holding.

If you are unfamiliar with the lines discussed, or they are not readily available to you, we offer many of these at the lodge fly shop and can make sure you are set up with the proper equipment for the type of fishing you are going to be doing.

Guides at Bristol Bay Lodge carry leader and tippet material in appropriate sizes as does the fly shop. The fly shop also carries many of the most popular patterns for Alaska as well as many specialist patterns particular to Bristol Bay Lodge that are “known producers” for our guides and guests. Rainbow trout, dolly varden, arctic char, and grayling all feed on sub-aquatic insects, minnows, sculpins, salmon eggs, smolt, and the decaying flesh of different spawned-out salmon species.

Chest waders are a must and Gore-Tex is the preferred material in terms of comfort. Boot foot or stocking foot with stand-alone boots is okay. Wading boots must have unstudded felt soles. Simms makes what we consider to be the most desirable and durable waders. We do require the use of wading belts and personal flotation devices, which we supply at the lodge.

For those of you who do not have the suggested rods and reels, or do not want to take your own equipment, the lodge offers only the highest-quality demo gear available. Sage fly rods and various reels, Simms Gore-Tex waders and boots can be loaned to you or can be purchased at the lodge fly shop. Please contact the lodge prior to your arrival if you plan on using the demo gear.

It is recommended that you thoroughly inspect all your gear before leaving home. Good planning makes for hassle-free fishing days, and if all equipment is in top working order, it greatly enhances your trip.

Inspect all lines for cracks and splits that can result in improper line performance and/or breakage.

Replace any old lines.

Check backing for any fraying and change if needed.

Lubricating reels reduces chances of breakage and drag burnout.

If you haven’t worn your waders in a while, checking them for leaks is a good idea.

Within any given season Alaska’s weather is extremely variable. June through August temperatures may range from 40 degrees to 80, with September averaging 10 to 15 degrees lower. We recommend that you come prepared for either extreme. Layering clothing seems to be the best course to follow so you can remove or add clothing as needed. During a summer it is possible to see quite a bit of rain, making good rain gear a necessity.

recommended Alaska gear list
Gore-Tex Waders	SolarMax Fishing Shirt - Long Sleeve
G3 Guide™ Stockingfoots Or Classic Guide Stockingfoots	Vented Guide Shirt
Wading Boots	Socks & Gloves
Guide Boot (Felt soled for float planes)	Simms ExStream Wading Socks
Gore-Tex Fishing Jacket	WindStopper® Half-finger Gloves
Classic Guide Jacket	Accessories
Windproof Outerwear	Guide Model Gravel Guards
WindStopper® DL Jacket or Vest	Neoprene Wading Belt
Layering Underwear	Wading Staff
WaderWick™ Midweight Zip Top	Dry Creek Camera Bag
WaderWick™ Midweight Bottom	Dry Creek Chest/Hip Pack
Fishing Shirts	Simms Wader Bag

Polarized sunglasses are required for all anglers at the lodge. Not only do they protect the eye from foreign objects or wayward flies and glare from the water on a bright day, they also help the angler to better see fish. If you do not own a pair, we recommend Action Optics (LINK). They make what we consider to be the highest quality, best value polarized glasses in the industry. Polarized glasses can be purchased at the lodge fly shop.

Another good idea is to pack a few first-aid items -- band-aids, tape, etc., to carry in your vest. Guides are prepared to handle any medical emergency situations but it is always wise to be prepared for minor cuts, scrapes and blisters.

During your trip you will encounter plenty of photo opportunities, so a good camera is recommended. Be sure that you have plenty of extra film and batteries although Steve does have many varieties at the lodge to purchase. For those with digital cameras, Steve can download your pictures for you and, at the end of your stay, burn a disc of your favorite images – don’t be afraid to ask. Another item to consider is a means to keep your camera dry. A zip-lock or waterproof case/bag works well for your camera and can be placed in the guide’s waterproof bag for the day for extra protection, or a waterproof bag can be provided or purchased from the lodge.

Remember that these guidelines are just that -- guidelines; if you have any questions in regards to gear, just give us a call or consult the more detailed pre-trip information . Based on the week that you plan on joining us, we will be able to better prepare you for your trip to Bristol Bay Lodge.