Detailed Trip Information
Fishing Summary
The Tsiu River has been named in many publications as "Alaska's Best" when it comes to Silver Salmon fishing on the fly. This river is highly regarded for the sheer numbers of Silver Salmon that return to the river each year. The river is very shallow and easy to wade, as the banks and river bottom consist of mostly sand. This shallow water pursuit can provide opportunities to sight cast to fresh-from-the-salt migrating fish. When water conditions are prime, opportunities to "Wog" can provide an incredibly visual top-water grab from these anadromous brutes. Experiencing a Silver Salmon stalking your top-water fly as it chugs across the surface and then suddenly disappear in a slashing grab is an "angling moment" that will be talked about for a lifetime. Welcome to Tsiu River Lodge paradise!
Fishing Tackle and Techniques
Tsiu River Lodge is located a very short ATV ride from the river. Your guide will shuttle you to the river each morning and prepare you for battle with these unrelenting Silver Salmon. All fishing is easily conducted while wading the shallow sand bottom of the river.
Most anglers prefer to fish 7 to 9 weight rods on the Tsiu River. A 7 weight provides great sport for those days when top-water fishing is prime - a floating line and a top-water fly. When weather, river conditions and/or size of fish dictate, 8 to 9 weight rods are the order of the day. At times, anglers will have to fish subsurface to get the fish to strike. In this case, sink-tips of various sink rates will keep anglers in the game.
Keep in mind that you will be fishing anywhere from the mouth of the river to only a short distance upriver. This means that the fish are fresh from the salt and HOT! They WILL test your tackle, so make sure that you have good knots, fresh backing, and reels with solid drags that will withstand the abuse from these silver brutes. Backup rods are highly recommended!
Lastly, if you wish to take fish home the daily limit is four per day with eight in possession. Your fish will be filleted and frozen for your trip home. Airline acceptable fish boxes (50 lbs. max.) are available along with vacuum packaging, smoking and/or canning of your fish.
The Lodging - Private Guest Cottages
Enjoy the privacy and comfort of your own cottage in the woods. You'll be surrounded by trees and Alaskan wilderness beauty, which you can enjoy from your window or out on your own private deck. Each cottage features plenty of room to spread out and relax. Upstairs you'll find three bedrooms, each with two log-framed beds, high quality mattresses, European down comforters, pillows and sheets to ensure a good nights rest. Downstairs you have 500 square feet of living area all to yourself. Comfortable couches and chairs surround a glass fronted fuel oil heater that provides a constant regulated heat - feels just like home. The wet bar area includes a refrigerator, sink and kitchenware. The cottages are stocked with coffee, hot chocolate, tea and fresh fruit. A hot shower, flush toilet and sink complete your private bathroom downstairs. Whether there are two of you or six in your group, the cottage is all yours.
The Main Lodge / Dining Facility
A most comfortable and relaxing common area provides plush couches, lazy-boy chairs, wet-bar with house beer and wine, and expansive dining tables - a perfect retreat after fighting fish all day long. For the working anglers, the lodge provides a house computer with internet connection and a fly tying bench. Even more amazing is the majestic view provided by the large glass windows that surround this common area. Breathtaking views of waves crashing the beach from one window and snow-capped mountains from another. Take it all in… you are in wild Alaska!
Meals & Beverages
Prepared and served by friendly experienced cooks, dinners include some of Alaska's best seafood and America's prized Angus beef - halibut with dill sauce, Alaska King crab, Alaska Gulf shrimp, fresh caught Silver Salmon, aged New York Strips, prime rib and turkey with all the trimmings. Fresh salads, vegetables, and homemade breads are served with dinner along with rice, potatoes or pasta.
Desserts are made fresh daily and include homemade ice cream atop a berry crisp, strawberry shortcake, creme brulee' and peach cobbler to name a few. Breakfasts are hearty and always includes chilled juices, fresh fruit and a variety of breakfast meats. Paired with french toast, eggs benedict, blueberry pancakes and eggs. You will not go hungry!
Lunches are served on the banks of the Tsiu River and include grilled salmon, homemade soups, chili and sandwiches.
Lodge Amenities and Specifics
• Internet access and house computer provided in the main lodge/dining room (note: weather dependent internet connection)
• Electrical - 110V AC electrical (USA standard) - 24 hours
• Wader room
The Lodge Staff and Guide Team
The lodge staff and guide team at Tsiu River Lodge pay special attention to every detail of your stay. They are truly committed to making your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible.
Fishing Licenses/Stamps
Gratuities for Guides and Lodge Staff
An envelope is provided for each cottage. All guests are asked to place their gratuity in the envelope at the end of their stay. The gratuity will be divided amongst the lodge and guide staff. As a guideline, most guests "tip" about $50/day per guest (ie. $250 for 5 days fishing package).
How To Get to Tsiu River Lodge
IMPORTANT FLIGHT ARRIVAL INFORMATION: From your location, you will need to fly to Cordova, Alaska the day prior to your scheduled arrival at Tsiu River lodge. Most flight schedules require travelers to fly through Anchorage and arrive Cordova in the late afternoon. Therefore, guests will need night-over at a motel in Cordova and fly out to the lodge the following morning. NOTE: Lodging in Cordova is NOT included in the package price.
Ground transportation in Cordova from the airport to the motel on arrival day and from the motel to the airport on the following morning is provided by a staff member of Tsiu River Lodge.
Here is contact information for motels in Cordova:
• The Reluctant Fisherman Inn: (907) 424-3272 (in-town and overlooks the harbor) - PREFERRED!
• Prince William Motel: (907) 424-3201 (heart of downtown)
• Bear Country Lodge: (907) 424-5901 (miles from town - on the lake)
• The Bear's Den: (907) 424-7168 (on the Eyak River - 7 miles from town)
NOTE: Book your motel reservations as soon as you confirm your flight reservations - the motels in Cordova book full very early in the year. Please update Angling On The Fly with your flight and motel information.
IMPORTANT FLIGHT DEPARTURE INFORMATION: On departure day at the lodge, there are usually two flights - one in the AM and the other in the early PM. Depending on the flight schedules, some guest will depart Cordova that same day, while other guests will have to night-over in Cordova and fly out the next morning.
2014 Package Rates
5 days / 4 nights: $3,595.00/angler
6 days / 5 nights: $4,195.00/angler
7 days / 6 nights: $4,795.00/angler
Inclusions
Lodging, guided fly fishing, meals/beverages, ground transfers from Cordova airport to/from motel, and round trip air charter from Cordova to Tsiu River Lodge.
Exclusions
Air travel from your location to Cordova, lodging in Cordova, AK fishing license, gratuities, Tsiu River Bed Tax, and Yakutat Borough Sales Tax (taxes average about $75/person for 5 days fishing package)
Tsiu River Lodge Cancellation Policy
Deposits are not refundable. If written cancellation is received 60 or more days prior to scheduled arrival, payments may be applied to a future trip within one year of original trip date. If written cancellation is received less than 60 days prior to scheduled arrival, payments are non-transferable and forfeited unless a replacement for the reserved spot(s) can be found. All cancellations must be in writing and sent to Angling On The Fly.
Tsiu River Lodge reserves the right to withdraw or alter any trips if necessary for safety or proper handling. Any additional lodging costs incurred by weather delays in Cordova, AK or other location will be the client’s responsibility.
Angling On The Fly Terms & Conditions
A 30% deposit is due within 14 days of booking to secure a reservation. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to scheduled arrival date. Cancellations must be made in writing and sent to Angling On The Fly.
If you paid a deposit and date changes are requested, please contact an Angling On The Fly representative well in advance so we can try to accommodate these changes. Depending on the time of year and how much notification you have given, we may not be able to accommodate last minute scheduling changes.
Package pricing and rates are subject to change. All prices and rates are in US Dollars.
Angling On The Fly acts only as agents for contractors or owners and outfitters, airlines, charter air, and ground transportation carriers or other services. Payment of funds for fishing and other Angling On The Fly trips shall be deemed acceptance and consent of the following conditions. Angling On The Fly or any of its affiliates or associated companies shall not be held liable for any loss or damages howsoever caused or arising from services provided by hotels or lodges, outfitters, guides, means of transportation or other services. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the traveling client at all times.