A buddy of mine fished here with friends and said fishing was great, but MULTIPLE guides were RUDE and UNPROFESSIONAL literally yelling at one of his friends who has fished all over the world. He was NOT a novice and knew what he was doing. Told me we could book with them but not until we had a talk with the owner.
We just finished a week at Naknek River Camp and could not be more elated. It was one of the most amazing life experiences (and we have had many including at many “camps” throughout the world). Every member of the staff from Phyllis and Jim, the owners, to “Dryfly John”, the coordinator of guides who ensures every guest is getting the experience s/he desires, to every member of the team constantly checking with you to see if you need anything, are outstanding. Truly, all the guests were gushing about the experience. We came to Naknek on a recommendation from a friend’s cousin (we had told him we were looking for a place we could take our grandson fishing in Katmai that we could afford…NRC perfectly fit that need). The experience provided, including the cabins, clean bathrooms and showers, while not “luxury” were certainly way more than we hoped we would be provided. The guides are experienced and professional going out of their way to ensure the client’s needs are met, our grandson is obsessed with catching trophy trout…Steve even fished with him after dinner several days, late into the night to make that happen and happen and happen. I use ratings for my trip planning, therefore do not “overrate” (which I hope others do as well), so if I give 5 stars it has to be worth 5 stars, in this case it more than is and (as I’ve seen on other ratings) I wish I couple give a few more. Your challenge will be getting a reservation because the camp is not large (another huge benefit) and I think it is being “discovered”).…
This has become an annual trip for us.We have been to the both the River Camp and Trophy Lodge. If your looking for great guides, great fishing this is the place. The food and accommodations are good. We come to Alaska to fish not be pampered by 5 star accommodation and gourmet chefs. Best of all King Salmon is easily accessible by Alaska Airlines. No getting stuck in Anchorage or the "fishing lodge" due to bad weather (which has happened to me multiple times). And I can use my air miles for travel, saving thousands over hiring a bush pilot to take me to a remote lodge and back.
Amazing experience! Any real fishermen would absolutely love this lodge and river. That being said, if you want 5 star room and a wine list at dinner you might want to try the Orvis Lodge down the river for 4 times the price. If you want to go to a FISHING CAMP/LODGE and have a great time this I'd the place for you. Very comfortable cabins. Great dinner homestyle dinners, and the guides even made a delicious shore lunch most days. All the guides full time year round guides and are extremely knowledgeable. They focus on fly fishing but also are very knowledgeable about spin fishing. Pairing that with being able to boat to Brooks Camp and the best trophy rainbow trout fishing in the world. Makes this the perfect Alaskan lodge.
What an amazing experience. The Owners and operators and team of the Naknek Fish Camp are all about hospitality and making sure they take great care of their guests. It is not a fancy resort and I appreciated that. Everyone was very real and kind. They catered to each and every guest in a way that made us all feel apart of the camp and really a part of the family. I hope to have an opportunity to visit them again. I loved that there was no cell service and no internet. It made the dining experiences very warm and friendly and I met a lot of great folks in the process:) thank you all!!!!
I’ve been to Naknek River Camp for 3 stays in 3 consecutive years. The first year was in mid July for the sockeye run. The next two years for Labor Day week, the start of really big rainbow trout season. Naknek River Camp delivers the greatest fishing experience for well under $5,000 perhaps on earth when you factor in the incomparable bear viewing. There are fancier camps on the same river at twice the price but they fish the exact same spots. Plus they have to fly into the incomparable Brooks Camp and perhaps the most beautiful spot in Katmai, Margot Creek. These are both accessible from Naknek by a very scenic boat ride. I’m a snobby lawyer and a picky eater. I’m not going to lie and say I wouldn’t rather have been at Rapids Camp or Crystal Creek eating elk or ostrich at dinner time. But, I paid $3,000 instead of $10,000 and enjoyed the best fishing of my life. The food was fine. Because the Camp does get mail, you can ship in anything that might make you more comfortable. I shipped in wine and high quality granola/beef jerky. The guides are excellent, the fishing is ridiculous and the beds are comfortable. It’s the best fishing trip possible for a great price. There are rivers that you can’t help but hook a feisty rainbow (Margot) or char (Contact/Ugashik) nearly each cast if your fly is correct. The rainbows on Moraine Creek are like submarines in shallow water. Damn, I can’t wait to return! …
Great food, great guides, great fishing. Very nice Lodge, although we were in the Fox Cabin right next door. Friendly service, a lot of good advice. They pack lunch for your fishing trips. Caught King Salmon, Sockeye, Jumbo Rainbows and Arctic Char. Relaxing and exciting at the same time. Will return.
I spent a week at Naknek River Camp. It is a fishing camp and not a romantic getaway for you and your honey. That is not wat they advertise. Great place if you are interested in fishing only. Cabin: Was clean. My cabin had a chemical toilet. Some cabins have full facilities. The bathhouse was clean and shower water was warm. We were welcomed at the airport by Jim, the owner. Though out the week, I felt like family. Food: Every offering was first class home cooking. Fishing: My main guide was Mike. I spent the first 2 days at another lodge and caught all the species on bucket list except a silver. We spent 2 days throwing at the shore. My fishing partner manage to land 2 silvers in 2 days. My only silver hook up ended with a broken line. If you are new to fly-fishing, If you are new to fly-fishing. I would highly recommend Mike. The man has infinite patients with a neophyte like me. I learned a lot from him. Over all, a great week of fishing for the price.…
Best bang for your buck that you are going to find. Some of the most prime Wild Rainbow water there is along all species of Pacific salmon, pike you name it, it's there. There are "posher" lodges with fancier meals but the daily rates of those lodges compare with the weekly rate at NRC. They are on a great peice of water with a location that puts everything in the region within reach. Truthfully, its been my experience with Alaskan lodges that one could find a whole lot less for considerably more money that is charged here. I wouldn't go as far as to call NRC a poor mans lodge, it's far more than that. I'd have to say it falls at about halfway in between paying top dollar for Alaskas finest and just roughing it on your own. If you are capable and choose the "do it yourself" option you wouldn't be disappointed but for the money the "Best of Bristol Bay" package is a wise choice. Two fly-outs in a week should satisfy your desires and curiosities but your sitting on the best rainbow water in the state right at camp. I'm giving a 5 star rating based on value and quality of fishing in the area which is key when choosing any area of Alaska to fish.…
Venue delivers exactly what it says on the tin. Amazing fishing, first class guides, spectacular scenery and, oh yes, the Bears. Visit to Brooks Falls (included in programme) an absolute, unforgettable, must! Cabins are clean, warm and comfortable but could do with improved toiletting facilities such as running water and showers. Communal block is adequate but results in 'queueing' early morning and evening post-angling. I would happily recommend the Naknek River Camp to any game-fishing fan who is looking for a life-time experience in a stunning, unspoiled part of the world. Last but not least, for anyone looking for value-for-money adventure in great multi-national company... this is the place to go.
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