Yes Bay Lodge
1601 Tongass Ave Ste 102, Ketchikan, AK 99901-6800
Full view
View all photos(45)45
Traveler (29)
Dining (4)
Room & Suite (2)
View prices for your travel dates
Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View allDid you already book this hotel?
Tell us so we can help you plan.
About
4.5
#3 of 6 lodges in KetchikanLocation
5.0
Rooms
4.3
Value
4.4
Cleanliness
5.0
Service
4.8
Sleep Quality
5.0
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Luxury
Property amenities
Bar / lounge
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Location
1601 Tongass Ave Ste 102, Ketchikan, AK 99901-6800
Getting there
21Reviews1Q+A9Room tips
Reviews
Traveler rating
- 18
- 1
- 0
- 2
- 0
Time of year
Traveler type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
My first trip to Yes Bay was in 1953, over 65 years ago, before Alaska became a state. I was a stream guard for the Fish and Wildlife Service, a summer job that took me to Alaska and filled a childhoood dream. Yes Bay was my wilderness home for six weeks. This was an incredibly beautiful spot in Southeast Alaska, scared by the site of an abandoned, partially burned, salmon canneery. What happened during my visit is documented in my book, "PaPa;s Alaska Stories, 1953-1954", available at Amason.com. I knew that I had to return when I heard there was a fishing lodge at Yes Bay.
The Hack family lodge has brought about a beautiful transformation to the site. Their lodge blends so nicely with the natural surroundings. I am now 86 years old, not as agile as I was at 19, and have a visual handicap. I have been returning to the lodge with my family for several years and each trip has bveen exceptional. For many yeaqrs I have fished remote Canada and other parts of the US . , but all fall short in comparison. The first time only my son-in-law and my grandson went with me. In years that followed we brought the ladies and made it a grand famiy vacation. The first day Pam went out with John and me we had our18 salmon limit, a halibut, and two rockfish before lunch. I told Pam that she must have been our lucky charm. That year we brought home 165 lbs. of fish.
The accomodations are top notch. The staff and management treat guests as royalty, I am an early riser. I am up when the kitchen crew gets started in the morning. My day starts with a freshly brewed cup of coffee sitting in front of the massive fire place contemplating the new day. The sweet aromatic scent of cedar smoke conjures memories when life was not so grand for me here. By the time the othwe guests are up I have had my second cup, a YBL gorilla cookie or two, and ready to catch some fish.
I admit that my personal history with Yes Bay has influenced my feelings about the location, however my feelings about the lodge are genuine and my review was not solicited or compensagted by the management. What is advertised is not an oversstatement. Each year I look forward to see old frienfs and meet new ones, Ryan and Nicki are graceous hosts. Once in awhile I even get a chance to chat with dad Kevin and uncle Bill and talk about what it was like in the old days.
The Hack family lodge has brought about a beautiful transformation to the site. Their lodge blends so nicely with the natural surroundings. I am now 86 years old, not as agile as I was at 19, and have a visual handicap. I have been returning to the lodge with my family for several years and each trip has bveen exceptional. For many yeaqrs I have fished remote Canada and other parts of the US . , but all fall short in comparison. The first time only my son-in-law and my grandson went with me. In years that followed we brought the ladies and made it a grand famiy vacation. The first day Pam went out with John and me we had our18 salmon limit, a halibut, and two rockfish before lunch. I told Pam that she must have been our lucky charm. That year we brought home 165 lbs. of fish.
The accomodations are top notch. The staff and management treat guests as royalty, I am an early riser. I am up when the kitchen crew gets started in the morning. My day starts with a freshly brewed cup of coffee sitting in front of the massive fire place contemplating the new day. The sweet aromatic scent of cedar smoke conjures memories when life was not so grand for me here. By the time the othwe guests are up I have had my second cup, a YBL gorilla cookie or two, and ready to catch some fish.
I admit that my personal history with Yes Bay has influenced my feelings about the location, however my feelings about the lodge are genuine and my review was not solicited or compensagted by the management. What is advertised is not an oversstatement. Each year I look forward to see old frienfs and meet new ones, Ryan and Nicki are graceous hosts. Once in awhile I even get a chance to chat with dad Kevin and uncle Bill and talk about what it was like in the old days.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: rooms assigned. You may request twin or queen
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The location is beautiful and the fishing was unforgettable. I want to thank Birdman for a great day on the water and a special thank you to Devon who took the time to show me Wolverine Creek deep in the rain forest. The hike alone made my day but the fishing was nothing short of spectacular. Memories I will have for a lifetime.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you are looking for a wonderful sense of peace, calm, tranquility coupled with the excitement of great fishing, this is the place for you! This was our fourth year at Yes Bay Lodge. We love it. The fishing is awesome, the staff is so kind, welcoming and friendly. We were looking for a traditional Alaskan fishing lodge in the wilderness and we found it here. We will be back. Highly recommend.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our 6th season to fish at Yes Bay Lodge. It will be our last. Nicky and Ryan are gone. They made the experience sparkle. The new management is clueless.
They lost a box of our fish and refuse to respond to calls, letters or voicemail for reimbursement. We lost about $500 worth of fish.
Fishing was okay but when you have to tell the guide where you want to catch the fish its sad.
Nicky was a Michelin star caliber chef, this year the cook was no better than a line chef. When guests ask if there are any hamburgers to be had you know there is a problem. Barely seasoned fish 4 nights in a row on a bed of fish is not what you expect for what you pay.
Our disappointment far outweighs any pleasure we had on this trip.
The new management has a lotto learn about how to treat people.
They lost a box of our fish and refuse to respond to calls, letters or voicemail for reimbursement. We lost about $500 worth of fish.
Fishing was okay but when you have to tell the guide where you want to catch the fish its sad.
Nicky was a Michelin star caliber chef, this year the cook was no better than a line chef. When guests ask if there are any hamburgers to be had you know there is a problem. Barely seasoned fish 4 nights in a row on a bed of fish is not what you expect for what you pay.
Our disappointment far outweighs any pleasure we had on this trip.
The new management has a lotto learn about how to treat people.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Negotiate a far better price. SHould be at least $1,000 less.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kevin Hack, Owner at Yes Bay Lodge
Responded Oct 25, 2022
Nikki, We were so happy that you and your husband caught nearly 120 pounds of fish and crab during your three days with us! You came right at the peak of coho salmon season, and you two performed very well with your guide. The smiles on your faces in your daily catch photos say it all! Sure, your first day was a little bit slower, but it’s fishing, and you more than made up for it with your second and third days! Regarding the food, most of our nearly 450 guests this season had great reviews of our chef’s menu, which featured a regular rotation of both steak and seafood such as salmon, halibut, ling cod, rockfish, crab, shrimp, and scallops. You are right, though, that not everybody loves seafood, and this is why we gladly welcome special requests and take pride in making sure everybody is happy and well-fed. You were afforded the same opportunity as everybody else to state a special preference, but you chose to stick with the posted menu. We think it’s great that you were able to take home two full 50- pound fish boxes with you! It is very unfortunate that your third, smaller, 19-pound fish box was lost in transit by a third party, but we cannot be held responsible for fish boxes after they are out of our control – as clearly stated in the agreement you signed prior your trip to us. Kevin Hack, the long-time owner, president, and general manager of Yes Bay Lodge, is certainly not “new” nor “clueless,” as you put it. He simply chose to cease communication after repeated, unfounded demands for money. For nearly five decades, the Hack family has taken pride in providing our guests with the utmost hospitality and quintessential Alaskan experiences, and if mistakes are made on our end, we go the distance to make it right. We are sorry you lost your 19 lb fish box, and respect and more than support your decision not to return to Yes Bay Lodge.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our family has been coming to Yes Bay since 1990. We’ve always had an outstanding experience on and off the water. Young or old, experienced or completely new to fishing Yes Bay is a wonderful place to visit. The facilities, the guides, and the location make for an unparalleled experience.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes”, “Yes” and “Yes” to Yes Bay Lodge. Yes foremost to all resort staff who took care of us, Yes to fishing par excellence and Yes to unparalleled majestic scenery! What a treat to be surrounded by such pristine natural beauty.
We are now back home from our trip and I cannot shake how extraordinary and memorable the whole experience was for us. I don’t want to wake up; I want to go right back and be there for more.
Looking back, every detail was well thought out and orchestrated. They took such good care of us! I don’t usually get up at dawn but I was eager to roll out of bed meeting each new day well fueled and ready to go! We are already thinking about our next visit to this truly exceptional spot on the planet.
Our thanks to everyone for everything❣️
Laurel and Jeff
We are now back home from our trip and I cannot shake how extraordinary and memorable the whole experience was for us. I don’t want to wake up; I want to go right back and be there for more.
Looking back, every detail was well thought out and orchestrated. They took such good care of us! I don’t usually get up at dawn but I was eager to roll out of bed meeting each new day well fueled and ready to go! We are already thinking about our next visit to this truly exceptional spot on the planet.
Our thanks to everyone for everything❣️
Laurel and Jeff
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I took my 15-year-old son on his first trip to Alaska and was fortunate enough to book at Yes Bay Lodge. Everything had excellent customer service and it was an overall quality experience. The float plane ride from Ketchikan to the lodge in and of itself was breathtaking. As a mom I usually have to worry about all the small details to make a trip go well. At Yes Bay lodge I got to relax and enjoy myself because everything was taken care of including the correct size boots, rubber pants and coat, all the food, a clear and organized schedule for every day and very personalized attention while fishing with only two customers for each guide.
The experience was not cheap but you get what you pay for. My advice is if you're going to spend the time and money to go to Alaska, pay a bit more for the quality experience, charm and remote fabulous location of Yes Bay Lodge.
The experience was not cheap but you get what you pay for. My advice is if you're going to spend the time and money to go to Alaska, pay a bit more for the quality experience, charm and remote fabulous location of Yes Bay Lodge.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2017Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
First of all, understand that this is not your average fishing camp. It is intended to be upper class and it is. The fishing with guide service is top notch, the food delicious, with a setting drawn by God. It is also very expensive.
Our stay was the last week the camp was open that season.
All was well until the last day of our trip. A storm was forecast for the next day, the day of our departure. The owner of this "family operation" (whom we never met during our stay) said all the guests, including me and my son, would have to leave that afternoon. We were to be put up at a Ketchikan motel. All the guests understood the weather related mandate. As a result, we were losing a half day of fishing, an evening meal, an overnight stay and breakfast the next morning, all prepaid before our trip.
Naturally, I assumed the camp would pick up the $112.00 motel charge- or maybe even a meal. After all, each guest was losing roughly $500 of prepaid services. The owner refused, saying the weather was not his fault. I do not believe that to be fair.
I will not be back.
Our stay was the last week the camp was open that season.
All was well until the last day of our trip. A storm was forecast for the next day, the day of our departure. The owner of this "family operation" (whom we never met during our stay) said all the guests, including me and my son, would have to leave that afternoon. We were to be put up at a Ketchikan motel. All the guests understood the weather related mandate. As a result, we were losing a half day of fishing, an evening meal, an overnight stay and breakfast the next morning, all prepaid before our trip.
Naturally, I assumed the camp would pick up the $112.00 motel charge- or maybe even a meal. After all, each guest was losing roughly $500 of prepaid services. The owner refused, saying the weather was not his fault. I do not believe that to be fair.
I will not be back.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2016Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from N2daicky, Manager at Yes Bay Lodge
Responded Jan 25, 2017
Hello Larry!! Thank you for your review of our Lodge. I (Chef Nicky) remember you and your son Chris very well! Though you did not meet my father (owner, Kevin Hack) as he has turned over the management of the operation to my husband Ryan and I, you DID get to meet Ryan, my sister Michaela and I, all members of the Hack family carrying our family tradition here at Yes Bay. I am so happy to hear you enjoyed the food, guides, fishing and accommodations, it really is quite the value and at very competitive pricing! We were so sorry that the storm moved in and you had to leave early and miss out on your last day of fishing. We are however thankful you did not miss your Alaska Airlines flight and got home safe and sound! Very rarely do we have to shuttle our guests out early, but it is always to keep them from having to miss their airlines flight home and dealing with their frozen fish, changing flights, etc. We are also so happy you did not miss out on your last day of fishing at the Lodge and we maximized your time on your last day. We can not be held responsible for the weather or factors we can not control, but we can control the safety of our guests and crew and we will NEVER compromise that. You were given an option to leave before the storm hit or stay and wait out the storm and most likely miss your airlines flight in Ketchikan. You decided to head to town early and not gamble with your flight. What a good decision you made as you would've been stuck at the lodge for 2 days! We are sorry you wont be back, but really enjoyed meeting you guys and hosting your trip! Sincerely, Ryan and Nicky Martinez
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My husband and I just spent a week at Yes Bay Lodge and it was everything we hoped for and more! We arrived early in Ketchikan on Tuesday morning and a staff member from Pirate Air picked us up took us to the office. They kept our luggage while we explored the town. They offered to drive us to downtown, but my husband and I decided to walk. After lunch, the staff called and said we were going to leave early so they came in to town and picked us up. The flight to Yes Bay Lodge on the float plane was gorgeous. We were met on the dock by owner/manager Ryan. He was very personable and made us feel welcome immediately. Our luggage was already in our room waiting for us. The rooms are basic, but is perfect for what we needed. The beds were comfy and the showers were hot! The lodge itself is beautiful and has lots of character. Every staff member was very friendly and welcoming. The food was the best food we have had in years! Every meal was better than the last. From the cocktail hour to dessert, we were served gourmet food that made our taste buds sing! Chef Nicki is a wonderful chef!
Dave aka "Fabio" was great. He was dedicated to making our experience the best ever and he definitely delivered. I got sea sick the first day, and he took us to calmer waters and showed us gorgeous waterfalls and gave my stomach time to settle. We caught two halibut that had to be returned because they were too large and that was just the first day! We brought home a large amount of fish and made a wonderful new friend. I can't say enough good things about Fabio!
I can honestly say this was by far, my favorite vacation ever. We came as guests but felt like family by the time we left.
This was our first trip but won't be our last!
Dave aka "Fabio" was great. He was dedicated to making our experience the best ever and he definitely delivered. I got sea sick the first day, and he took us to calmer waters and showed us gorgeous waterfalls and gave my stomach time to settle. We caught two halibut that had to be returned because they were too large and that was just the first day! We brought home a large amount of fish and made a wonderful new friend. I can't say enough good things about Fabio!
I can honestly say this was by far, my favorite vacation ever. We came as guests but felt like family by the time we left.
This was our first trip but won't be our last!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Let me tell you, I have fished many places and I have to say this is the best place I have ever been. The Lodge was 1st class all the way with alot of history, the fishing was outstanding, the guides were great and I think I gained 5 lbs because the food and drink was so delicious. Thanks to Ryan and all the fine people working there for a great trip. No TV and limited cell phone service was just what the doctor ordered to relax and get away from my busy life style. The weather for us Aug 6 thru 10 was unbelievable, sunny in the daytime and cool at night. We will be back.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2017Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
"If you need unlimited Wi-Fi this may not be for you, however if you choose to go it just might be the best thing you have ever done."Read full review
"Bring plenty of space on your camera memory sticks! The scenery is breathtaking! Bring plenty of loved ones, its too good to come alone!"Read full review
LOCATION
United StatesAlaskaKetchikan
NUMBER OF ROOMS
16
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingYES BAY LODGE
Frequently Asked Questions about Yes Bay Lodge
What food & drink options are available at Yes Bay Lodge?
Guests can enjoy a lounge during their stay.