NEWS

Looking back on 2011...

As Enchanted Lake Lodge celebrated it’s 50th year of operation, we were reminded how important our clients have been to the success of the lodge. We were also reminded how lucky we are to be situated at the epicenter of the best trout fishing in the world.

An early spring, and huge caddis hatches on the American Creek and Brooks River, made for spectacular dry fly fishing right from the opening week. The Brooks, in particular, experienced consistent hatches that helped the river fish better than it had in years.

The dry fly action remained hot until the salmon arrived in July, at which point the egg fishing on the Kvichak River and the whole Kukaklek drainage caught fire. With water levels remaining ideal all season long, and a strong salmon run, the number of healthy rainbows in the 24”-28” range has continued to increase every season in recent years.

Incredible trout fishing and daily wildlife sightings, all in the unparalleled wilderness of the Katmai region, helped ensure that the lodge’s 50th anniversary will go down as a truly spectacular season.

The Fishing...

An especially warm spring meant most of the annual salmon fry migration was over by the time the season opened in early June. While the salmon fry fishing was not as good as it had been the year before, the incredible dry fly fishing all through June and July more than made up for it.

The Brooks River stood out as the highlight of the summer, with an unbelievable number of fish being caught daily, even by Alaska standards. All season long, guests returned to the lodge with amazing stories of huge rainbows, first eating dry flies in June and July, then egg patterns in August and September. With fish that were bigger than they had been in recent years, and crowds of other anglers that where smaller, the Brooks was a guest favorite all summer long.

The American was another river that saw especially impressive dry fly action. The hatches improved weekly from the opening of the season through mid July when the salmon arrived. At that point the river became the ultimate walk-and-stalk destination for anglers sight fishing with egg patterns.

All of the streams and rivers of the Kukaklek drainage fished spectacularly, first with streamers, and then with egg patterns. The Big Ku is always a great destination for guests wanting a shot at a giant rainbow, but the river produced especially well this summer. Battle Creek fished amazingly in August and September, with its giant fish uncharacteristically racing each other for egg patterns. And the Moraine once again proved what a special river it is. The combination of huge trout and spectacular wildlife viewing make this river quite possibly the premier fly fishing stream in the world.

After a few down years, the Kvichak River was as good as it has ever been. Fishing for the river’s legendarily giant rainbows was better than it had been in years thanks to a strong salmon run.

As September continued, the already great season seemed to improve even further. The Kulik River turned red hot, with days of fishing that bordered on ridiculous. And just when it looked like the Brooks couldn't fish any better, guests and guides alike were surprised by how each day of fishing seemed even more phenomenal than the last.

The Enchanted Lake Difference...

Once again this season we felt how lucky we are at ELL to have the experience of guides and pilots who have fished and flown the region for countless years. No matter what the conditions are, you can count on our pilots to get you there and back safely, with guides who will put you into the best fishing you have ever experienced. Back at the lodge, everybody is treated nightly to gourmet meals, fine wines, and luxury accommodations that would be spectacular in a big city, and are simply amazing when found in this remote setting.

This, combined with the location of the lodge to easily access numerous world-class rivers by quick and easy flights, is the reason ELL has been called, “The best sport fishing lodge in the world.”

Conservation...

Enchanted Lake Lodge continues to work with The Conservation Fund, protecting strategically located tracts of private land along Southwest Alaska’s many rivers and lakes. The sale of these lands remains a constant threat to important habitat for fish and wildlife.

The Conservation Fund, working with lodge owners to identify properties that are the most important for habitat and access, is compiling an impressive list of acquisitions in the region.

The Fund has been able to raise substantial funds, with the help of a major grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and financing from various federal grant programs and appropriations. Private dollars are needed, though, to provide the match that federal and private foundations require. This private participation also provides important political leverage when Congress is making appropriations decisions. Donor funds are leveraged at the rate of 10:1, historically.

You can get involved in many ways beyond the role of a donor. To find out more, you can reach me by email, or contact Glenn Elison, The Conservation Fund’s Alaska State Director, at (907) 868-7974 or glennelison@alaska.com. More information about this project is available at www.swakcc.org.

Looking Ahead to 2012...

Our commitment to providing a world-class experience is greater than ever, and we look forward to sharing another season with all of you. We will continue the tradition of providing experienced pilots, impeccable aircraft, exceptional cuisine, unmatched service and accommodations, and the best guides in the business. For the discriminating angler, this is the ultimate Alaskan experience.

If you have not confirmed your reservation for 2012, please do so soon. We again want to thank all of our guests for celebrating the lodge’s 50th anniversary with us this past summer. We truly appreciate your business, and look forward to providing our legendary Enchanted Lake Lodge service to you for years to come.

Best wishes for 2012!

Daren & Tracy Erickson