Baranof Wilderness Lodge
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Destination Description
The Fishing
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Sample Itinerary
Season / Recommended Dates
Non-Angling Activities
Other Information
Rates
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Southeast Alaska
Sitka, Alaska
Inside Passage
Owner operated by one of the kindest, most competent, and charismatic couples around, Baranof Wilderness Lodge offers a unique option for visiting southeastern Alaska. Mike and Sally Trotter run an incredibly diverse program exploring the endless coastline of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Baranof Wilderness Lodge boasts of a 90% return / repeat booking rate every season… perhaps the greatest testimonial you can give a fishing lodge.
It is an ideal destination to consider if you are interested in a unique saltwater, freshwater, and land based program with dozens of fishing and non-fishing activities. Southeastern Alaska has much more of a Pacific Northwest type of geography with dramatic, steep mountains, dense spruce forests, waterfalls, and an extremely rugged coastline. The environment is completely different from the rolling tundra and vast ranges of the southwestern half of the 49th State. Baranof Wilderness Lodge sits on Baranof Island immediately opposite the town of Sitka, AK, and is situated a few hundred yards off the Inside Passage in the idyllic Warm Springs Bay.
BWL is perfect for families with kids of all ages, couples, as well as the most dedicated anglers looking to fish hard. The amount of marine life literally swimming around the lodge’s private bay is astounding. There is no better destination in the world for viewing humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, seals and sea lions, and much more. Bald Eagles, all kinds of other bird life, and of course brown bears are seen daily as well. The fun and educational atmosphere that BWL is perfect for the whole family, and you do not have to be remotely interested in fishing to fall in love with Baranof Wilderness Lodge. BWL offers an incredible outdoor and wilderness experience everyone loves. Trouble is, they are almost always booked full months in advance! If you want to have a shot at finding space at Baranof Wilderness Lodge, we strongly suggest you call us the summer before and cross your fingers!
You may choose your fishing experience each day, from freshwater to saltwater, stream or lake, light tackle spinning, or flies. World class waters are all a short hike or boat ride from the lodge.
Fly fishermen particularly enjoy the freshwater fishing opportunities on small, steep, rivers that dump into the tidal estuary. These pools at the outlets of zillions of these little rivers and creeks are loaded with dolly varden and all five species of salmon preparing to move up river to spawn. These creeks are of course home to numerous brown bears and sitka deer as well. Fly casters can also enjoy success casting to chromed up schooling salmon in the saltwater near kelp beds when the fishing are crashing bait. The lodge’s program is also geared towards trolling for salmon and dredging for huge halibut.
Encounters with humpback whales, orcas, seals, and dozens of other sea creatures are a part of every fishing day. Alaska’s Inside Passage is ground zero summer feeding grounds for all these species, and Baranof Wilderness Lodge is ideally located to enjoy the best marine wildlife viewing imaginable. Your entire fishing and wildlife viewing schedule is flexible, relaxed, and tailor made by what you want to do!
Species Available: King Salmon (Chinook), Silver Salmon (Coho), Pink Salmon (Humpy), Chum Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Dolly Varden, Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout, giant Halibut, and many varieties of Rockfish.
Boats and Equipment: Baranof Wilderness Lodge uses comfortable, safe 24 foot Cuddy Cab cruisers and 16 foot aluminum skiffs. They pride themselves in choosing the most durable marine watercrafts available. The fleet is equipped with GPS, sonar, and the latest Raytheon marine radar. All boats are Coast Guard licensed, approved, and equipped with all required safety gear.
Tackle: All saltwater tackle, rods, reels and bait are provided. Freshwater fly and spinning rods are also available with custom flies and tackle that may be purchased in our shop.
The Guides: BWL’s truly talented staff and guides have the benefit of many years of experience. They all have an enormous love of fishing and the Alaskan outdoors, but most of all they enjoy sharing the experiences with others. The staff of professional guides are licensed and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The lodge sits on a picturesque shoreline inside a protected bay off the Inside Passage. The views of the dense forests, massive waterfall, and dramatic mountains surrounding the lodge are breathtaking. The main building houses the staff and is also the main dining room, bar, and social area. The grounds surrounding the lodge are beautifully landscaped and the deck overlooking the bay is equipped with a hot tub for relaxing with a cocktail while hummingbirds use the feeders.
Guests occupy individual double occupancy cabins situated in the dense forest next to the main lodge building. Each cabin is tastefully decorated and is complete with a wood burning stove, floor board heaters, pine paneling, an armoire, and of course private bath. The entire facility is powered 24 hours by the lodge’s own hydroelectric power plant built on a nearby creek. Like all of their boats and equipment, Baranof’s accommodations are immaculately maintained and fresh. Guests can also choose to indulge in a soak in one of the Warm Springs Bay natural hot springs, or enjoy a proper massage in the “Mermaid Spa” building.
The food and drink at the lodge is nothing short of spectacular. Fresh seafood is a part of almost every meal, with the menu inspired by the local halibut, salmon, crab, shrimp, and clams. The fresh breads, garden grown vegetables, desserts, and appetizers prepared by the chef are incredible. Meals are served family style in the main dining room and are complimented by a nice bottle from the wine cellar.
BWL’s staff of guides, cooks, maids, and support crew are always working hard with a huge smile and wonderful attitude. It is hard to put into words how much they love the job… and it shows. Everyone working at BWL is well polished, professional, and always on point to ensure your experience meets the highest of expectations.
14 Guest Maximum
Guests of Baranof Wilderness Lodge travel to Sitka, Alaska en route to the lodge. Sitka is easily reached via Seattle with Alaska Airlines or via Anchorage and an onward connection to Sitka with Alaska Air or Pen Air. Guests must spend the night in Sitka before a Monday morning float plane transfer to the lodge. . Most guests stay at the Sitka Hotel
BWL operates on a Monday – Saturday (5 night / 5 day fishing package) and a Monday – Monday ( 7 night / 7 day fishing package) schedule.
The following is based on the 5 Night / 5 Day Fishing Package
Sunday
Travel from your home city to Sitka, Alaska (SIT) via Seattle or Anchorage. Overnight at the Sitka Hotel.
Monday
Early in the morning you will return to the airport and board a float plane for the forty-five minute flight over Baranof Island to Warm Springs Bay – directly to the lodge’s dock. Following lunch and getting organized, head out for an afternoon of fishing.
Tuesday – Friday
Four full days of guided fishing, adventure, and wildlife viewing at Baranof Wilderness Lodge!
Saturday
Following one last half day of fishing, guests are transferred back via float plane to Sitka in time to make commercial connection to home city.
The following is based on the 7 Night / 7 Day Fishing Package
Sunday
Travel from your home city to Sitka, Alaska (SIT) via Seattle or Anchorage. Overnight at the Sitka Hotel.
Monday
Early in the morning you will return to the airport and board a float plane for the forty-five minute flight over Baranof Island to Warm Springs Bay – directly to the lodge’s dock. Following lunch and getting organized, head out for an afternoon of fishing.
Tuesday – Sunday
Six full days of guided fishing, adventure, and wildlife viewing at Baranof Wilderness Lodge!
Monday
Following one last half day of fishing, guests are transferred back via float plane to Sitka in time to make commercial connection to home city.
The lodge is open from early May through the first week in October. Note the lodge offers early season discounts during the prime King Salmon runs in May as well as late season discounts during the Silver Salmon run in September. Our Pre-trip Outfitting Guides provide detailed information about how to pack and prepare for the trip to Baranof.
Picking a time to visit Baranof Wilderness Lodge is fairly difficult as the lodge offers a complete program the entire season. Unless you desire to target a specific species of salmon, don’t put too much stock into trying to pick “the best” time to visit. May and September weather is quite cooler than the longest days of the season in July, however any weather pattern can occur during your visit.
There is perhaps no other destination in Alaska or perhaps anywhere on earth where so many non-angling activities are offered and organized. Baranof Wilderness Lodge is a true family oriented operation, offering dozens of professionally guided tours, excursions, and activities. BWL is set up to accommodate the youngest of children as well as the older generations of folks interested in witnessing this incredible wilderness.
The Inside Passage of Southeastern Alaska is home to a vast array of marine wildlife found nowhere else. Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Dalls Porpoise, Bald Eagles, Brown Bears, Sitka Deer, and Harbor Seals are truly a part of the daily routine.
Guests can take hikes, soak in the nearby hot springs, enjoy sea kayaking, clam digging, beach combing, picking the crab pots, explore waterfalls and the rainforest, or simply lay around the lodge. Their program is set up to accommodate everyone of all interests with total flexibility.
Make Sure to Inquire about the set dates for one of the lodge’s Naturalist Intensive Weeks
Here are a few of their half and full day activity selections.
• Marine Mammal Cruise to Yasha Island
Take a cruise across Chatham Strait where you can view whale such as Humpbacks, Orcas, and Dalls Porpoise. Observe Harbor Seals or Stellar Sea Lions in their natural habitat - a rookery of over 200 animals!
• Hike to Sadie or Baranof Lake
Walk though the plush ferns and hemlocks on a boardwalk trail to Baranof Lake where you can view endless cascading waterfalls and pick fresh mountain berries. If you prefer a more intensive hike, try the hike to Sadie Lake where you'll pass ponds full of Lilly pads and families of Red-ThroatedLoons.
• Kayak to Tidepools
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can be on your way to one of the most unique tide pools in the Pacific Northwest, via one of our seakayaks. Tide pools are the jewelry boxes of the sea, decorated with brightly colored sea stars, hermit crabs, sea anemones, and treasures of all sorts - waiting to be discovered.
• Rain Forest Exploration
Explore the pristine ancient rain forest environment bursting with old growth life as centuries of moss cushion your every step. Experience walking in protected woodlands where few human steps have ever been made.
• Freshwater Creek/Bear and Eagle Observations
Brown bears flourish on the salmon charging the streams to begin their spawn. Bald eagles soar above as you witness the powerful mammals, birds, and fish that make the food chain come alive.
Taking Fish Home
The lodge will provide an airline approved cooler for guests to bring home one box of salmon and halibut upon request. While killing fish for consumption is certainly a part of the Baranof Wilderness Lodge program, the lodge is very cognizant of protecting their resource. One box of approximately 50 pounds of vacuum sealed fish is allowed per guest.
(Based on Double Occupancy)
5 Night / 5 Day Fishing Package………………………………… $5050 Per Person
7 Night / 7 Day Fishing Package………………………………….$5550 Per Person
Early and Late Season Discounts
May – June 11 (King Salmon Special)………………………….$4250 Per Person
September 12 – October (Silver Salmon Special………….$4250 Per Person
Accommodations at the Lodge as specified (5 or 7 nights); Round-trip float plane transportation between Sitka and Baranof; Guided fishing with boats and professional guide service with all top quality salt water equipment; Gourmet meals and an impressive wine list & beer; Applicable municipal rents, user fees, and sales taxes
Commercial airfare to Sitka, AK; Overnight accommodations in meals in Sitka the Sunday night prior to transfer to the lodge; Gratuities for Guides and Lodge Staff; Fishing Licenses; Use of Fly-Fishing equipment & flies (we recommend you bring your own); Hard Liquor and Gift Shop purchases
A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is required to hold both space and guides on all packages. No space or guides will be held without receipt of deposit. Full pre-payment is due 90 days prior to arrival. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation /refund and responsibility clauses.